Expert: Vinette de Phillipe - 2/20/2004

Question
I am embroidering a pillowcase in a design using only French knots, spaced out across the fabric.  No two stitches are close together.  I don't know how to finish off the ends at the back of the fabric.  I am concerned about securing the ends longterm, with respect to the stresses of washing and pulling pillows in and out of the pillowcase.  I have tried making a reef knot at the back, but I don't want to cut the ends too close to the reef knot and yet if I leave them longer the ends of the darker floss are showing through on the front side!  Do you have any suggestions?  I have done a lot of knitting but very little embroidery.

Answer
HI
here is a site with some suggestions.

http://www.serve.com/marbeth/isolated_stitches.html

Its been a while since i made any french knots.  never gave any real thought to how to tie them off, the above site seems to have a good idea.
hope it helps
vi