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French knitting. It’s the kind of craft that manages to feel charmingly old-school and refreshingly mindful all at once. Whether you’re revisiting it after years away or picking up a spool for the very first time, this simple technique offers a satisfying way to turn yarn into something tangible - something textured and tactile. It's great for beginners, gentle on the hands, and offers that lovely rhythm you can fall into with ease.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: what French knitting actually is, what you need to get started, and how to do it step by step. We’ll even troubleshoot a few common problems and toss out some creative ideas for what to make once you've mastered the basics. Let's get started.
French knitting, sometimes called spool knitting or corking, is a delightfully simple craft that’s perfect for beginners, children, or anyone wanting a mindful moment with their yarn. It creates a narrow, tubular cord that can be used for everything from decorative trims to full-blown art projects. All you need is a spool (a cylinder with pegs - traditionally a wooden dolly with four nails), some yarn, and a little patience.
You might remember it from childhood, perhaps as your very first foray into the world of yarn. Or maybe it’s brand new to you - but either way, it’s a lovely technique that rewards even the smallest effort with visible, touchable results.
It’s not complex. It’s not fast. But it is oddly satisfying.
Before you begin your French knitting journey, gather a few essentials. You’ll need:
This can be wooden, plastic or even 3D-printed. Most have four pegs, though some fancier models offer six or more.
Nothing too chunky or too fine - double knit (DK) weight yarn is a great starting point.
Some kits come with a special tool, but a regular crochet hook or even a bent paperclip can do in a pinch.
Just for snipping at the end (no big drama).
And yes, that’s it. See? Low barrier to entry. Maximum charm.
Take the tail end of your yarn and drop it down through the centre of the spool. Leave a few inches hanging underneath - this helps you hold the cord steady as it grows.
Now, wind the yarn around each peg in turn - clockwise or anti-clockwise, it doesn’t matter - as long as you’re consistent. You should have one loop on each peg. This is your foundation row.
Next, bring the yarn around again so each peg has two loops. Using your hook (or whatever tool you’re using), lift the bottom loop up and over the top one, then drop it over the back of the peg. Repeat this for all pegs. You've just created your first stitch row!
Keep repeating the process: wrap the yarn around each peg, then lift the bottom loop over the top. With every round, your cord grows longer and longer, like magic (well, sort of).
You can gently tug the tail of the cord from time to time to see your progress - and to keep the tension even. Don't yank though, this isn’t tug-of-war.
When your cord is long enough, it’s time to bind off. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread it through a tapestry needle and pass it through each loop on the pegs, one by one. Gently slide the loops off as you go. Once they’re all secured on the yarn, pull snug, tie a small knot if you like, and weave in the ends.
Voilà - your very own French-knitted cord. A tiny triumph.
Let’s be honest, yarn has a life of its own. If it tangles or knots while you're working, pause and untwist it slowly - don’t try to soldier through. Uneven stitches often come from inconsistent tension. Just try to wrap and pull the yarn with the same gentle touch each round.
If your cord looks more like a scrunched-up worm or a floppy spaghetti strand, it’s probably a tension issue. Too tight? Ease up on your loops and stop pulling the yarn like you’re trying to lasso a cow. Too loose? Try wrapping the yarn closer to the pegs and keeping your hands steady.
This one’s common and maddening. If loops keep jumping off their pegs, you might be holding the spool too loosely or not paying close attention when lifting loops. Take your time. Breathe. Maybe don’t knit while watching a thriller.
We’re glad you asked. The resulting cord can be used in so many ways: you can coil it into coasters, sew it into appliques, create jewellery, or even knit with it again to make textured fabric. It’s like yarn inception, basically.
Or give it to the kids to decorate bookmarks, pencil cases, or gift wrap. No project is too small. French knitting is all about the process - but if you’re after some structured ideas, our knitting sets for all ages are a great place to start.
French knitting is one of those crafts that proves simple doesn’t mean boring. It's meditative, it’s creative, and it’s completely portable (knit on the train, anyone?). Once you’ve got the technique down, the possibilities open up like a blossoming stitch.
And if you ever need a break from the traditional needles - or just want a tactile, no-pressure project to play with - it’s here waiting. Whether you’re brand new to yarn or rediscovering a childhood hobby, French knitting offers that rare combination of calm and creativity.
We think everyone should try it at least once.
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