Double Pekinese Stitch Tutorial

Double Pekinese Stitch is of course a variety of Pekinese stitch. This stitch creates a heavy braid like line which can follow a curve well making it ideal as an edging or linear stitch. You work two lines of back stitch which is then threaded in a particular lacing pattern with a second contrasting thread.  As a threaded stitch it is quick to work so is ideal stitch choice if you need a thick line that is quick to work.

How to work Double Pekinese Stitch

Your first step is to work two foundation rows of back stitches in a fairly loose manner because the threading will tighten them. If you need a refresher on how to do back stitch check out my tutorial here.

Threading Double Pekinese Stitch

When threading Double Pekinese Stitch use a blunt ended tapestry needle to avoid splitting the foundation stitches. As you thread do not pass the needle through the fabric.

Work from left to right.

Bring your needle out on the top left of the line.

Slide the needle under the two foundation stitches pointing the needle downwards.

Pull the thread through. Move along two foundation stitches, slide the needle under the stitch. With the needle tip pointed towards the top pull your thread through.

Move back one stitch and slide your needle downwards under the stitch.

With the needle tip pointed towards the bottom pull your thread through.

Repeat this lacing process along the line. To create a neat line, tighten slightly after each threaded loop is created.

The sample of Double Pekinese stitch is worked in two threads of different colours so you can see how the stitch is made. You can of course use a single colour. The sample is worked in cotton perle #5.  To create extra interest with this stitch use your imagination with thread choice. Experiment with contrasts of texture and weight. You can lace with, fine cord, heavy yarn, a metallic, or a fine ribbon. As you can see Double Pekinese Stitch is an interesting stitch with loads of possible uses. I hope you enjoy it!

 

Have you seen my book?

My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results  shares detailed practical methods on how to design and make a crazy quilt. Topics such as fabric choice, tricky challenges like balancing colour, texture and pattern, and how to create movement to direct your viewers eye around the block are topics covered in detail. I also explain how to stitch and build decorative seam treatments in interesting and creative ways. My book is profusely illustrated as my aim is to be practical and inspiring.

Stitchers templates

My templates aim to help you take your stitching to the next level. Designed by an embroiderer for embroiderers. With them you can create hundreds of different hand embroidery patterns to embellish with flair. These templates are easy to use, made of clear plastic so you can position them easily and are compact in your sewing box.

These are simple to use. You simply position the template in place and use a quilter’s pencil to trace along the edge of the template. Stitch along this line to decorate the seam. I have a free ebook of patterns to accompany each set which illustrates how they can be used.

TO ORDER your Stitchers Templates

Crazy Quilt Templates set 1 you will find here 
Crazy Quilt Templates set 2 you will find here