How to do the Portuguese Border Stitch - Sarah’s Hand Embroidery

Portuguese Border Stitch is also known as

Portugiesischer Stich [DE], Barra Ponto Portugês [PT]

About the Portuguese Border Stitch

While making the Portuguese Border Stitch, the weaving is done in a backward motion over a ladder of straight stitches. The stitch can follow gentle curves. It can also be worked on leaflike shapes while the weaving fills space. I will be working this stitch between two straight parallel lines.

How to do the Portuguese Border Stitch


Fig 1: Start by laying many short Straight Stitches, as shown. I will be working the weave from bottom to top.	Fig 2: So, bring the needle out from just below the first Straight Stitch form the bottom. Pass it under the two straight Stitches A-B and C-D from the top, as shown.

Fig 3: Next, pass it under just one Straight Stitch C-D. Do not pluck the fabric underneath. Use a tapestry needle to weave, if it helps.	Fig 4: Now, pass it again, under two Straight Stitches C-D and E-F. Then, pass it under just the one stitch E-F.

Fig 5: Continue with the procedure to finish up the row.	Fig 6: When you reach the top, take the needle through the fabric to finish up the weaving on the right side.

Fig 7: Start again from the bottom near the stitch A-B. Follow the same process of passing under two stitches, then one stitch while moving upwards.	Fig 8: Only this time, you will keep it to the left of the Straight Stitches.

Fig 9: So, all the stitches will be inclined towards the left this time. When you reach the top, finish up by taking the needle through the fabric and knotting it.	Fig 10: A finished row of the Portuguese Border Stitch will look like this.