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Single knotted stitch icon
Single knotted stitch

  • Single knot stitch
  • Maltese stitch
  • candlewick stitch
Single knotted stitch main image

This surface stitch consists of two ends of thread which form a tassel anchored by a straight stitch on the surface.  19th century publications work the stitch individually to form isolated tassels; modern versions normally work multiple instances of the stitch in a row to form a piled stitch, either cutting them as each is worked or cutting all of the stitches once an area has been finished.  Structurally, it is the same as an isolated turkey rug stitch.

 

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Looped Piled Isolated Embellishment Open Filling Surface Turkey rug stitch

Single Knotted Stitch is generously sponsored by Diana Stephenson

Method

Use several threads in the needle to give the full tassel effect.

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1
Single knotted stitch method stage 1 illustration
Single knotted stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Leaving a tail on the surface, take your needle down and back up a short distance to the left.

2
Single knotted stitch method stage 2 illustration
Single knotted stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Leaving a loop on the surface, take your needle down a short distance to the right of the tail.

3
Single knotted stitch method stage 3 illustration
Single knotted stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

Bring the needle back up again in the centre.

4
Single knotted stitch method stage 4 illustration
Single knotted stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

Tighten the loop from the back and then pull the thread through to secure.

5
Single knotted stitch method stage 5 illustration
Single knotted stitch method stage 5 photograph
5

Finally, cut the tail to the desired length.

Single knotted stitch

Structure of stitch

Looped Piled Isolated

Common uses

Embellishment Open Filling

Embroidery Techniques

Surface

Variant Stitches

Turkey rug stitch

Identifying Single knotted stitch

The front of this stitch shows a tuft emerging from the centre of a straight stitch; the reverse shows two tiny straight stitches like two double running stitches.

References

  • Thérèse De Dillmont, Encyclopedia of Needlework (1886) , p.149
  • Grete Petersen, Stitches and decorative seams (1983) , p.36
  • Jennifer Campbell, Ann-Marie Bakewell, Guide to Embroidery Stitches (2004) , p.230