Embroidering a knot and a border

Create two embroidery designs: a satin stitch knot and a herringbone stitch border.

In this video, we'll share all our tips for creating two embroidery designs: a bow motif and a border. These embroideries can decorate a jewelry box (from the Alexandria pattern), a pouch (like the one from the Venice pattern), or placemats (from the Osaka pattern). Of course, you could also use these embroideries on napkins, pillowcases, or even clothing. The bow we've designed is worked in satin stitch. You can optionally finish its outline with stem stitch. The border is worked in simple herringbone stitch.

Find the knot pattern as a downloadable and printable PDF at 100% scale.

The border does not require a transfer pattern. The embroidery stitch will form the pattern directly between 3 guide lines.

In this video, we show you how to embroider a knot in satin stitch as well as a border in herringbone stitch.

Below you will find further explanations, our embroidery tips and ideas for incorporating these decorative stitches into your sewing projects.

1. What are the flat stitch and the herringbone stitch in embroidery?

Satin stitch and herringbone stitch are two hand embroidery stitches that are both simple to create and very decorative. They allow you to easily add an embroidered motif to a garment, accessory, or home sewing project.

Satin stitch is a filling stitch: it consists of covering a surface with tightly packed, parallel stitches. It is ideal for embroidering solid shapes such as a bow, a flower, or a small graphic motif. The result is smooth, neat, and elegant.

The herringbone stitch, on the other hand, is a decorative linear stitch. It forms a slightly raised line, perfect for creating a border, highlighting a motif, or structuring an embroidery. It brings a touch that is both delicate and graphic.

These two points complement each other very well and allow for the creation of refined embroidery, accessible even to beginners.

2. Why use these embroidery stitches in your sewing projects?

The satin stitch: an ideal stitch for embroidering a solid design

The flat stitch is particularly appreciated for its regularity and neat finish. It highlights simple shapes and allows you to play with thread colors to create a strong or, conversely, very subtle pattern.

This is an excellent stitch to start with in hand embroidery, as it requires little material and offers a very satisfying result, even with little experience.

The herringbone pattern: an elegant and graphic decorative frieze

The herringbone stitch is perfect for complementing an embroidered motif or highlighting a seam. Used as a border, it structures the embroidery and adds a subtle decorative detail.

It lends itself very well to both straight lines and curves and allows you to easily personalize a sewing project with a delicate finish.

3. Where to apply embroidery to your sewing creations?

Embroidery on clothing

Hand embroidery is ideal for personalizing a garment and giving it a delicate and unique touch.

On a blouse or dress :
A pretty embroidered detail is perfectly placed on the front of a blouse to create a subtle and elegant touch. We offer the pattern. Alex Mum , which is perfectly suited for it. Discover our Ikatee sewing patterns.

At the neckline or sleeves :
These areas are perfect for decorative embroidery, visible without being too prominent. A herringbone stitch border can highlight a neckline, or a small embroidered word can delicately adorn the point of a collar.

Embroidery on handmade accessories and gifts

Embroidery also finds its place on accessories: pouches, bags, or small handmade gifts. It allows you to transform a simple project into a unique piece, ideal for giving as a gift or keeping for yourself.

A small embroidered motif is often enough to give a lot of character to an accessory, whether it is a discreet detail or a central element of the design.

It's very easy to personalize a bag or pouch with an embroidered initial. Discover our Travel pattern or our Venice pouch pattern .

Embroidery on home decor accessories and sewing

Placemats, cushions, linens, and decorative accessories can also be enhanced by hand embroidery. Satin stitch and herringbone stitch are particularly well-suited to these types of projects, as they offer an elegant decorative finish while remaining understated and timeless.

These stitches are perfect for personalizing your homemade sewing creations, adding an embroidered detail that makes all the difference.

Our range of Ikatee Home patterns is particularly well-suited to this. You can, for example, personalize the Osaka apron or the Alexandria kimono .

Discover our entire Ikatee Home collection for more inspiration.

4. What materials are needed to embroider a knot in satin stitch and a border in herringbone stitch?

Before starting, it's important to gather the right materials. Good preparation makes embroidery easier and ensures a consistent result.

The essential materials for starting hand embroidery

• Embroidery thread: Choose a quality thread suitable for hand embroidery. You can play with colors for a contrasting effect or stick to a tone-on-tone look for a more subtle embroidery.
• An embroidery needle: Choose a needle with an eye large enough for the thread used, so you can embroider comfortably without damaging the thread.
• A suitable fabric: Cotton, poplin, linen, or lightweight canvas are ideal for beginners. The fabric must be stable enough to hold the embroidery without distorting. Discover all our fabrics for your embroidery projects.
• An embroidery hoop (recommended): It helps to keep the fabric taut and facilitates the regularity of the stitches, especially for satin stitch.
• Fine scissors: For cutting the thread cleanly and precisely.
• A fabric erasable pencil or pen : To transfer the pattern before embroidering and work with precision.

Find all our haberdashery products to easily equip yourself.

Ikatee tip: how to achieve neat and even embroidery

Before embroidering on your final project, always practice on a scrap of fabric. This will allow you to adjust the thread tension, test the stitch size, and gain confidence, especially if you are a beginner in hand embroidery.

Hand embroidery: a delicate detail to personalize your creations

The satin stitch and the herringbone stitch are two accessible techniques that allow you to easily personalize your sewing projects. By playing with patterns, colors, and placement, embroidery becomes a true playground for creativity, ideal for adding a unique, handmade touch to all your creations.

Discover all our technical tutorials