The French Knot in Knitting: Adding Texture to Your Projects with Style

May 7, 2025 Knit Sis

Looking for a unique knitting stitch to enhance a sweater, cardigan, or accessory? The French knot is your ally for instantly adding volume, character, and an irresistible, handmade touch to your creations. Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced knitter, this stitch adds a tactile and visual dimension to your projects.

In this article, we'll show you how to knit the French knot step by step, with tips for mastering it, integrating it harmoniously into your patterns, and inspiring models from the Knit-Sis collection to showcase it.

❌ What is the French knot in knitting?

The French knot (also called "bobble stitch" or "nupp" depending on the variation) is a raised stitch that forms small balls on your knitting. It adds volume and movement to a flat surface, perfect for creating a 3D effect. This stitch is generally made by knitting several times in the same stitch, then casting off the resulting stitches to form a ball.

Why adopt it? To highlight a detail, break the monotony of a stockinette stitch, or play with light and material.

Advantages of the knot point:

Adds volume and relief
Easy to insert into patterns (flowers, polka dots, hearts, etc.)
Compatible with many types of wire
Perfect for personalizing your patterns

✍️ Easy tutorial: how to knit the French knot?

Here is a simple method for making a French knot:

On the right side of the work, knit in the following stitch:

a knit stitch
a purl stitch
a knit stitch
a purl stitch
knit one stitch (you now have 5 stitches on the right needle)

Turn the work and purl these 5 stitches.
Turn again and knit the 5 stitches
Slip the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th stitch over the 1st: your French knot is formed!

Knit-Sis tip : choose merino wool or a blend with cotton to really bring out the textures.

📊 FAQ: everything you need to know about the knot stitch

Is this a point suitable for beginners?

Yes, with a little practice. This stitch is not difficult, but requires patience and good tension control.

Can it be integrated into all types of patterns?

Almost! It works well with jersey, garter stitch, rice stitch, or even jacquard, as long as the yarn chosen isn't too hairy.

What is the difference between a knot and a bobby pin?

They are often interchangeable, but the bobbles are sometimes longer or formed in more rows.

💡 Where to use the knot point in your projects?

The knot stitch is ideal for:

Create raised patterns (dots, flowers, hearts)
Add volume to the bottom of a sweater
Highlight a neckline or sleeve detail
Highlight a jacquard pattern or make it more playful

✨ Our Knit-Sis patterns to discover:

We do not yet offer a model that includes the knot stitch, but here is a mini selection of models to discover.

The Twist and Shout Vest : twists + bobbles = guaranteed visual effect!
The Marguerite Vest : Flowers for even more relief.
The Cabbage Vest : an ideal basic to customize with touches of bows for example?

Want to get started? Download one of these patterns and try it out this weekend!

🚀 Add texture to your knitting projects

French knot stitch is a simple and effective way to enrich your knits with a unique texture. Whether embellishing a minimalist cardigan or creating bold patterns, it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.