The Chinese Knot is a alternative to the French Knot.

Start by making a loop with your fingers (Step 1). Insert the needle into the fabric inside the loop (Step 2). Pull the loop snug before pulling the needle through (Step 3).

When the Chinese Knot is amde in the air (and not on the fabric), it's as easy way of making a stopping knot for your thread. Sometimes in Step 2 you can wrap the needle twice to make the knot a little bigger.