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.