Following for advice. I hope to start this pattern in the summer and struggle with French knots too.

I recently read that the Colonial Knot is easier for some and looks the same as a French Knot.......I haven't tried it yet.

I have an awful time making French Knots and sometimes cheat with a different stitch.

I hate French knots so I use glass beads in the color of the French knot. it really works

I agree with the other comments. I'm allergic to french knots! I have turned to using Mill Hill Petite glass beads in replacement of french knots. Not only is it easier, it adds to the overall picture, giving it some dimension and sparkle. Here is a link to a video on how to do the Colonial Stitch, maybe it will help.
http://www.needlenthread.com/2007/03/embroidery-stitch-video-tutorial-2.html
I blew the Footprints picture up and it appears there are 30 stitches that could be french knots or possibly just a regular cross stitch. Hard to tell. I contacted Kooler Design and inquired. Waiting to hear back. I love the pattern!

Colonial knots are a little easier to do than French knots. I also find they are slightly bigger and lie closer to the fabric.

And don't give up ladies. It's like riding a bike: Once you've mastered it, you will OWN French knots.

Oh, phooey! This year is my 64th year of French knots, which I still detest more than anything to do with cross stitch! They never come out the same size, so I re-stitch eyes over and over and over and over and over...etc., ad nauseam!

Sometimes, I use the petite beads and somtimes I just re-stitch them. I hate them. A LOT!

I use my own version which consists of stitching through the material, tying a small knot in the floss then going back down! (Is this is Colonial Knot? I'm not sure but I've been doing it this way for years!)

I wonder why the French are being blamed for this! At one time I also used beads. Now I pretend that they aren't there!

I heard back from Kooler's and this was her response...The pattern Footprints has 4 french knots used as punctuation.

I love that Colonial knot idea. Or you could use a pinhead stitch. Beads may be not a good idea for punctuation marks.