This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
French Knot is a US accessories brand known for colourful, hand-knit hats, mittens and handwarmers made with more than 1,000 artisans in Nepal. Founder Lindsay Mason started it in 2012, and the brand says it follows fair trade principles, pays a living wage and uses lambswool and high-end mohair that is spun and dyed by hand.
Quick answer
French Knot suits anyone who loves cheerful, embroidered knit accessories with a clear artisan story. Expect hand-knit variation and treat the pieces gently.
Key takeaways
- Founded in 2012 by former knitwear designer Lindsay Mason.
- Hand-knit and hand-embroidered by artisans in Nepal, per the brand.
- Many hats and mittens are mohair blends with fleece linings.
- Care: cold hand wash with a light detergent, dry flat.
The French Knot story
According to its Our Story page, Lindsay Mason worked in fashion for seven years before being laid off from a knitwear design job. She moved home and started French Knot in 2012 from a small office in her dad’s barn. The brand says it sold over 12,000 pieces at its first trade show and shipped them from the family barn with help from family and friends.
Before French Knot, Mason had worked with makers in many countries, but the brand says her heart kept returning to the women artisans of Nepal, whose quality and workmanship stood out. That relationship is still the centre of the business, and it shapes how slowly and carefully each accessory is made.
Mason first visited Nepal in 2013. The brand says some artisans knit from home while caring for their families and others work together in knitting circles. Today it ships from a warehouse in Lafayette, Indiana.
How French Knot accessories are made
- Fibre: wool is sourced from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa and imported to Nepal, per the brand.
- Spinning: artisans hand-spin the fibre into continuous strands.
- Dyeing: the yarn is hand-dyed to match colour standards.
- Knitting: bodies are two-needle hand knitted, which allows larger gauges and textured patterns.
- Embroidery: details such as flowers are hand embroidered; the brand is named after the French knot stitch.
French Knot pieces worth knowing
| Piece | What it is | Fibre (per the brand) |
|---|---|---|
| Daphne Cloche | Cloche hat with a soft brim | 78% mohair, 16% wool, 6% nylon; wool brim |
| Geneva Mittens | Fleece-lined mittens | 78% mohair, 16% wool, 6% nylon |
| Felt Flower Hat | Beanie with felt flower details | South African mohair blend (78% mohair) |
| Rita Convertible Mitten | Mitten that folds back to fingerless | See listing for fibre |
Caring for French Knot knitwear
The brand’s FAQ recommends hand washing knitwear in cold water only, with a light detergent such as Soak, to protect colour and shape. Slippers should never go in the washer; spot clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap. For a snug hat, steam it with an iron on the steam setting and stretch it gently, and fluff flat pom poms with a fine-bristle brush. Our full guide to washing mohair walks through each step.
Shipping and returns
- Orders are typically processed and shipped within 2 business days, per the brand, with no shipping on weekends or US holidays.
- Standard returns are accepted within 30 days of the order date; a label fee applies to the prepaid return label unless the item is damaged.
- Exchanges are free.
- International returns are accepted, but the buyer arranges the return label.
Where to buy French Knot
Besides its own site, French Knot says its products are sold at retailers including Bloomingdale’s, Anthropologie, Free People, Nordstrom and Uncommon Goods, as well as independent boutiques. Buying direct gives you the brand’s own return and exchange terms, which can differ from a retailer’s.
Who French Knot is for
- Gift-givers who want something cheerful and handmade, especially for winter birthdays and holidays.
- People who like boho, embroidered details rather than plain knits.
- Anyone who values an artisan story and is happy to hand wash.
- Not ideal if you want machine-washable, low-maintenance accessories.
Flow Check: French Knot
- What it is: Hand-knit, hand-embroidered hats, mittens and accessories made with artisans in Nepal.
- Who it’s for: Lovers of colourful, boho winter accessories and gift-givers.
- What to know: Returns run from the order date, not the delivery date. Visit French Knot
Packing knits away for summer? Read our guide on how to store wool sweaters.
For more hand-knit ideas, see our hand-knit wool hats guide and our step-by-step on hand washing a wool sweater. Meet more makers in our Brand Spotlights.
FAQ
The brand says its accessories are hand-knit and hand-embroidered by more than 1,000 artisans in Nepal.
French Knot says it follows fair trade principles and pays its artisans a living wage.
Hand wash in cold water with a light detergent and lay flat to dry. Slippers should be spot cleaned only.
Lindsay Mason, a former knitwear designer, founded French Knot in 2012.
Bottom line
French Knot makes joyful, hand-knit accessories with a clear artisan story. Pick a cloche or a pair of lined mittens, care for it gently, and it should keep you warm for many winters.