OTHER NAMES: Tambour stitch, point de chainette The chain stitch is one of the oldest hand embroidery stitches, part of a much wider family of looped stitches. In today’s article, we’ll explore the basic version of this versatile stitch, and learn how and when to use the basic chain stitch in embroidery projects.
How to embroider the basic Chain Stitch
The basic chain stitch is one of the oldest and most versatile hand embroidery stitch, that behaves really well when worked both in a straight row or a continuously curved line. Use the chain stitch in embroidery for monograms and lettering, to outline designs and motifs, or when worked in close rows, as a filling. The basic chain stitch can be worked in two different methods:
the sewing method the stab method
Let’s explore both methods and see when to use them.
METHOD 1 – The Sewing Method
Stitching the chain stitch using the sewing method is ideal when you embroider without a hoop or a frame. When using this method you’ll only be working on the front of your fabric.
METHOD 2 – The Stab Method
If you’re working on a tight hoop or frame, ideally you’ll want to use the stab method. If you’re right-handed you’ll be working from left to right, if you’re left-handed you’ll work your stitch from right to left.
When to use Chain Stitch
Depending on your project requirements, you can use this lovely stitch in almost any hand embroidery project. Some of the best uses of chain stitch include:
Outlining
Chain stitch is perfect if you’re looking to outline different shapes or designs. It creates a smooth, continuous line that can be used to define the edges of a design or add depth and texture to a piece.
Filling
Another great use of the chain stitch is to fill in large areas of a pattern. Here is an example of chain stitch used as a filling. The embroidery below is worked almost exclusively in chain stitch. By working rows of chain stitch close together, I created a solid, textured surface for the flowers and birds that added a bit more dimension to this folk embroidery. This gorgeous texture makes it one of my favorite stitches when filling larger areas.
Lettering
Chain stitch is an excellent option for embroidering letters. Works really well with cursive fonts creating smooth, flowing lines, or you can use it to fill bold chunky fonts. If you followed my tutorial on how to embroider letters, you remember this example where I used the chain stitch to embroider this cursive font. The “Summer” text might look a bit chunky in this example as it was stitched in six strands of thread. If you’re after finer lines you just need to stitch using less number of strands, 2-4 strands of thread should be fine for a more elegant effect. I admit, the chain stitch is not my favourite stitch when it comes to lettering. It seems I always turn to the stem stitch or outline stitch. But this is just a personal preference.
Decorative Accents
You can use the chain stitch to create all sorts of decorative accents in needlework projects, including flowers, leaves, and other organic shapes. To create interesting textures and effects you can play with the stitch length.
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More Embroidery Stitches
Stem Stitch Video Tutorial Double Running Stitch Video Tutorial Back Stitch Video Tutorial Running Stitch Video Tutorial Raised Chain Stitch Band Embroidery
What is your favorite hand embroidery stitch? Let me know in the comments below or come say hello on Instagram. I’ll say hi right back!
