Embroidery: techniques and stitches
PALESTRINA or DOUBLE KNOT STITCH
Palestrina stitch makes a knotted line. It is quick and simple to work once you have the knack, and worth mastering. It gives texture to an outline, and it is easy to work curves. It is very economical, as almost all the thread is on the right side of the fabric. For best results, work palestrina stitch with a sturdy single thread such as pearl cotton, rather than with stranded floss, so that the knots show up well. It is easier to work in the hand rather than in a frame.
Step 1: take a small stitch downwards, a little way ahead of the previous stitch.
Step 2: slip the needle under the stitch you have just made and pull the thread through. (The needle does not pierce the fabric.)
Step 3: slip the needle under the same thread again, to the right of the previous loop and over the working thread. (The needle does not go through the material.) Pull the thread taut to make the knot, and repeat step 1 to make the next stitch.
This is the back: just a neat row of small vertical stitches.
June 22, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Great tutorial! I’ll have to edit my post to link this one on my blog too. Thanks! I’ll be adding the link to my blog too, so I remember to visit back!
July 25, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Thak you so much for the tutorial, I have never used this stitch but I sure will now
July 25, 2009 at 9:09 pm
It’s an addictive stitch, have fun with it!
July 30, 2009 at 4:41 am
what a pretty stitch!