We've finished our updates! If you experience any log-in or download issues, please email patterns@craftihive.com

Pistil stitch
Pistil stitch

Pistil stitch is similar to a French knot, with a straight line forming a little stalk, with the knot at one end. This versatile stitch can be used as an accent, worked in lines, or clustered together.

Pistil stitch Pistil stitch Pistil stitch
  1. Bring the needle up through the fabric at the bottom of the stalk. Hold the thread taut between your finger and thumb, take the needle under the thread and wrap it around three times.

  2. Insert the needle back through the fabric at the place where you want the French knot to be positioned.

  3. Pull the needle to tighten the knot. Repeat the process to create a series of knots and stalks.

fb-big twitter-big email-big pin-big

More Helpful Tips...

Shape Up Your Sleeves

Shape Up Your Sleeves

Give extra shape to frocks and tops with this handy sleeve enhancement. You can easily add interest to the head of the sleeve, and how it travels over the top of the arm, simply by using tucks, gathers, pleats and darts. Each of these will require a sligh

Improve Your Rolled Hems

Improve Your Rolled Hems

Guarantee flowing hemlines that hang like a dream. Keen dressmaker Sarah Greeff has colourful memories of her first attempts at making a rolled hem. “I was first asked to make rolled hems for a colleague at Fenwick of Bond Street, a lovely Thai lady who h

Know Your Overlocking

Know Your Overlocking

Get to grips with the best overlocking finishes for everyday stitching. The overlocker has a different feel to a regular sewing machine. The trick is to let the feed dog guide the fabric. Use your right hand to support the edge of the material, taking car

Master French Seams

Master French Seams

Get to grips with a clever seam favourite for a continental finish! French seams are common in clothes for children, where the skin is extra sensitive, as the inside is completely smooth.

Fix a Frayed Pocket

Fix a Frayed Pocket

A quick fashion fix with Amanda Bowden's classic miracle mend. The dread of torn stitching can be traumatic. Pockets are a common site of injury for catching on things, to say nothing of natural wear and tear as hands go in and out, and even the continued

Copyright © Artichoke Media Limited is a registered company number 14769147 in England and Wales
Registered Office Address: Jubilee House, 92 Lincoln Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, PE1 2SN