7 days of stitches: chain stitch

how to embroider the chain stitch

Number 3 in this series of 7 basic embroidery stitches is the CHAIN STITCH. This stitch can be used as a line stitch or to fill whole areas with embroidery. You can substitute back stitch with chain stitch in most line stitching patterns easily.

Here is how it works

How to embroider the chain stitch

1 // Stick the needle in the same hole where the thread comes out and pull it up at one stitch length. Wrap the thread around the point of the needle and pull the needle out.

How to embroider the chain stitch

2 // Repeat sticking the needle in where your thread comes out, pulling through the fabric from underneath, wrapping the yarn around the needle and pulling the needle out. To secure the last stitch stick the needle behind the loop of the last stitch.

How to embroider the chain stitch

// The chain stitch looks like a slightly twisted back stitch on the back side.

A technique using this stitch as the basic stitch is Zalakdozi (or kashmiri) from India. The outlines and the fillings are done in colorful chain stitches with a hook, instead of a needle. It basically is crocheting on fabric.

How to embroider the chain stitch

Do you want more tips and tricks on hand embroidery?

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