Portuguese Stem Stitch

Portuguese Stem Stitch is also known as Portuguese knotted stem stitch.
This linear stitch is a variation of ordinary stem stitch that creates a knotted, rope-like line which can be accentuated by using a heavy solid twisted thread such as pearl cotton.

The advantage of this stitch is that just about anything stem stitch can do Portuguese Stem will do it chunkier! You can work it on even-weave or plain fabrics and it follows a curve well making it ideal for outlining shapes.

Try Portuguese stem stitch in different threads. I have worked Portuguese Stem Stitch in quite thick thread too, such as anchor soft cotton which is as thick as 5 ply wool. It is effective on heavy fabrics such as denim because it is a slightly heavy stitch, which seems to stand clear of the fabric. On the other hand, if you work it in a fine thread it can take on a delicate organic appearance.

How to work Portuguese stem stitch

I find Portuguese Stem stitch is best worked starting at the bottom and working towards the top.
Various books say to work from left to right but I do not do it that way. Try it the way the books say but if you find you are working in an uneven manner turn the work.
Portuguese stem stitch step 1 Bring the thread through from the back of the fabric and make a small stitch picking up a small piece of material as you would if you were working a stem stitch.

Bring the thread out to left. The first stitch should look like this.

Portuguese stem stitch step 2 Take the needle and thread it under the first stitch. Make sure do not pick up any fabric.
You are actually whipping this stitch. It should look like this.

Portuguese stem stitch step 3 Whip the stitch a second time. These two whipping stitches form the knot like appearance.

Portuguese stem stitch step 4

Portuguese stem stitch step 5

Move along the line and make a small stitch picking up a small piece of material as you would if you were working a stem stitch. Bring your thread out as illustrated.

Portuguese stem stitch step 6 Take the needle and thread it under the stitch. Once again you are whipping the stitch so make sure do not pick up any fabric.

Portuguese stem stitch step 7 Whip the second time and continue the row.

Portuguese stem stitch step 8

I hope you enjoy Portuguese Stem Stitch as I do!

Have you seen my Stitchers Templates?

As someone who loves crazy quilting and embroidery, I designed these templates with fellow stitchers in mind. You can use them to create hundreds of different patterns to apply to your stitching and crazy quilting projects. They are easy to use, totally clear so you can position them easily and they are compact in your sewing box. And we laser cut them in our own studio to ensure the highest quality.

To see what they look like, find out about the free ebook of patterns that come with them visit the information pages. You can find out more about set 1 on this page . To find out more about set 2 visit this page
Or go directly to the Pintangle shop to purchase them.