From the Original Text
“Knot stitch.—Wind the cotton round the needle twice, knit the stitch and let it drop; in knitting back, knit the double loop as 1 stitch.”
— Thérèse de Dillmont, Encyclopedia of Needlework, 1886
Modern Step-by-Step Instructions
The knot stitch creates distinctive raised bumps on the knitted fabric surface through yarn wrapping and dropping techniques. This advanced decorative method produces three-dimensional textural effects perfect for adding interest to otherwise plain stockinette areas. The technique requires careful attention to maintain proper stitch count while creating dramatic surface texture.
What You’ll Need
- Smooth yarn — Wrapping shows more clearly with non-fuzzy yarns
- Appropriate needles — Size that accommodates extra wraps comfortably
- Stitch markers — Helpful for tracking knot placement in patterns
- Good lighting — Essential for seeing wrap details clearly
- Advanced skill level — Should master basic knit/purl first
How to Work the Knot Stitch
- Insert needle to begin knit stitch as normal.
- Wrap yarn twice around right needle before pulling through.
- Pull wrapped yarn through stitch, creating extra loops.
- Drop the extra wrap immediately, keeping only one loop.
- Continue across row placing knots according to pattern.
- On return row knit each elongated stitch as one normal stitch.
- Check work regularly to ensure proper stitch count is maintained.
- Continue pattern building up textural knot effects.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Knot Stitch
- Practice the wrap-and-drop motion until it becomes smooth
- Keep consistent tension to maintain uniform knot size
- Count stitches carefully as dropped wraps can confuse stitch counts
- Use contrasting colors to highlight the knot pattern effects
- Plan knot placement for balanced visual impact
- Block gently to enhance three-dimensional knot effects
Traditional Uses
Knot stitch added luxury and sophistication to Victorian knitting:
- Decorative panels — Adding textural interest to garment fronts
- Luxury accessories — Scarves, shawls, and special-occasion pieces
- Children’s garments — Playful texture for young people’s clothing
- Home décor items — Cushion covers and decorative throws
- Wedding accessories — Special pieces demonstrating advanced skill
- Gift presentations — Impressive work showing care and expertise
- Teaching samples — Examples demonstrating advanced knitting techniques
Historical Note
The knot stitch represented advanced decorative knitting that marked the transition from purely functional needlework to artistic expression. During the Victorian era, such techniques distinguished accomplished knitters from those with only basic skills, making items featuring knot stitches valuable as demonstrations of expertise. De Dillmont’s inclusion of this complex method shows how knitting education was expected to progress beyond utility to encompass sophisticated decorative effects. The three-dimensional quality of knot work reflected Victorian appreciation for rich, textured surfaces in domestic decoration. Items featuring knot stitches were often preserved as showcase pieces, representing both the maker’s technical skill and considerable time investment. This technique embodied the Victorian belief that the finest needlework required mastery of increasingly complex methods.
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