How to sparsely place french knots or beads

[Ainjel333]

Hello all! I've got a new start (will post pic when there's something substantial to see).

But there are some very far apart french knots and beads all through the unstitched background. When I can't use a loop start, how do I start my thread for just one french knot stitch?? I mean how do I anchor it start or finish? I really really really do not want to use a knot. And I don't want to carry my thread from one to another, they are way too far apart.

I suppose the beads are not as much of an issue, as I imagine a full cross stitch through the bead would be enough to anchor the thread on the back. But I'm going to use invisible thread for my beading...for the first time using it. I'm hoping that it won't be terribly unruly. If any of you have any experience with the invisible thread, does it slide around on the back under the stitches or try to slip out?

This is supposed to be a small kit...which I thought would be a quick, fairly easy finish. It has french knots, beads, sequins, couching, and metallics.

Thank you for your help

[Rose]

Sorry I am not a help when I have a pattern like this I will put a knot on the back.

[Allyn]

I usually advocate no knots, but sometimes there's no getting around it. I haven't had much luck with invisible thread as it seems too slippery to make a secure knot or to reliably stay anchored. That's been my experience, though others may have different experiences with it.

For the beads, can you use thread the color of the fabric and 'mount' the bead in the top legs of a pinhead stitch? I wonder if that would work, too, for the french knots. Make a pinhead stitch with the top leg being a french knot. I haven't tried it, as it just occurred to me.

[Ainjel333]

Thank you Rose and Allyn...

Rose, I will use a knot if I 'have' to, but I really hate using knots on cross stitching...lol

Allyn, thank you for reminding me about the pinhead stitch...I have it bookmarked at Scarlet Quince, I will play around with that and see what I can do.

[CarrieGF]

Use a tiny pin head stitch for the French knots, it may be a little tiresome, but it's very effective.
Best of luck! And have fun

[Mystonique]

Pin head stitch and I weave my invisibke thread through the back of the fabric - not all the way to front.