welovefrenchknots

I recently was introduced to a wonderful book called A-Z of Bullions... which focuses on all the things you can do with them. Although it's out of print, it can be found on eBay and likely your local library. 

As you can see from the cover, there are multitudes of things you can do with a bullion. This book has them all. Imagine the possibilities... Endless.

As I've mentioned before, there are lots of ways to transfer designs. And there are tons of great products. The Sulky Heat Transfer Pen used with heavy vellum is one really easy way to get your designs neatly onto fabric without the use of a light box. 

 

As I mention in the video, it's also a great way for you to transfer your kids drawings to fabric and create embroideries out of them. In the video, I say you can give the pens to your kids. However, for very young children, I'd recommend simply tracing your children's drawings using the pens yourself as these are permanent ink pens. 

Additionally, you will notice that with these pens, your lines are thicker than with a pencil or other kinds of pen. I used four strands to cover the lines here, but I think I could have gone to three. Also, a perle cotton or heavier wool would work well if that's what you are planning on using. In other words, I think these are great for heavier lines. For more delicate lines, I recommend products such as Transfer-eze or a Frixion pen.

To create the video I used one of my designs, and it's free for you to download and use as well.

Just click this link...

Download Keepcalm

You'll notice in the photo above, that there's a butterfly on the tea bag label. Look for a video late this week or early next week on how to create those... it uses a variation on the bullion knot called a bullion loop. 

 

Bullion knots can be used in many different ways. I like to use them to create pretty roses and lavender. I've even seen them used as the curls in Goldilocks hair. Above I've grouped Bullion Roses and French Knots with Lazy Daisy leaves.

What other great uses have you seen or can think up for bullion knots? 

 

 

In this shot I've used bullion knots vertically to create the look of lavender. The green leaves are long lazy daisies.

Here's a little illustration on how to do this stitch as well. Ignore the fig numbers as they are from one of my patterns. Hope this helps!

PS You can keep placing knots round and round to make the roses as big as you wish.