A Stitch in Time: Pekinese and Chinese Knot Stitches

The Pekinese (Chinese) stitch is a composite line stitch, consisting of a row of backstitches with the addition of interlaced loops, whereas the Chinese (Peking, Pekin, or ring) knot stitch belongs to the large international knotted-stitch family of embroidery stitches.

There is confusion in the embroidery literature between these two similarly named stitches. Both have also been referred to as the Chinese, blind, or forbidden stitch. Generally, if the modern stitch name includes the word “knot,” it is referring to the Chinese knot stitch.

The Pekinese stitch and Chinese knot can be worked on either plain or evenweave fabrics. In the past, a soft, somewhat heavy silk thread was used, but today’s stitchers generally use pearl cotton or multi-stranded silk or cotton floss. This PDF includes more on these stitches, along with step-by-step illustrations.

About Deanna Hall West: Deanna Hall West has been active in the needlework publishing business for more than 40 years as an editor, designer, author, researcher, teacher, and stitcher. She is recognized for her knowledge and writings about antique needlework accessories, samplers, and individual embroidery stitches.

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