Pekinese stitch
Pekinese stitch is a decorative technique made of two combined stitches – the backstitch and decorative looping. First, embroider the backstitch and then lace it, forming the loops.
Other names of the stitch
Pekinese stitch has a lot of different names. It is also called Pekinese backstitch, Chinese stitch, blind knot, interlaced backstitch, and even forbidden stitch.
Embroidery tips:
- The sequence of the looping is critical! First, pass the needle under the second backstitch from down upwards, then under the first stitch from up downwards.
- When you make loops, remember that the needle never goes through the fabric or over the backstitch. The lacing is made between the material and the backstitch.
- You can embroider this stitch in one color or two different colors. That will create diverse decorative effects.
- You can also change up the size of the loops – make them small or big, and the size of the backstitch. If the backstitches are small – the looping will be dense and opposite – a bigger backstitch will create wider gaps between the loops.
- For lacing – use a blunt needle or the back of your working needle.
Applications of the Pekinese stitch:
- It is excellent for border designs. Use it to decorate the seams of garments or the borders of home textiles.
- Lettering made with a Pekinese stitch can be very decorative. Give it a try.
More stitches from the Backstitch family:
Video tutorial
Watch this video tutorial below and learn how to embroider a Pekinese stitch.
What’s next?
Looking for some other stitch? Head to the Stitches and Techniques part of this blog and choose the stitch you want to learn!
