Chain Stitch is a looped stitch that can be worked on a straight or curved line. It is pretty simple to learn and you can work on it like a running stitch.
If you learn how to do this stitch, you can make lots of beautiful designs with it. Almost all hand embroidery patterns call for chain stitch in it. Once you learn this stitch, then sky is the limit for you in hand embroidery.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED?
- Cotton Fabric (Or it can be worked in any fabric. There are no restrictions for making this stitch with any fabric)
- Embroidery hoop, 15cm (6″) (Bigger if you are working on a larger design)
- Tapestry needle
- Embroidery thread (Any Color, I used Anchor 1205, Dual Color. You can also use other threads like the silk, zardosi etc.)
HOW MANY STRANDS OF FLOSS SHOULD I USE FOR MAKING THE CHAIN STITCH?
In basic embroidery patterns, you will need all 6 strands of floss. Depending upon the type of design and thread you are using, you can adjust your number of strands. For the below pictorial I have used all 6 strands of floss.
Step by Step Pictorial Process of Working the Chain Stitch
1. Start by inserting the needle from below the fabric at Point A. Bring the thread up.
2. Again insert the needle at point A from above the fabric. Do not push the needle or thread down. Leave the thread on top, we will have to form a loop with it.
3. Push the needle from Point A to Point B with the desired length of distance as shown above.
4. Gently, pull the thread. You will notice a chain will form. Do not fully pull the thread, leave the thread loosely to form a chain as shown above.
5. To continue the chain, insert the needle at point B to Point C. Pull the thread up gently to form a loop or chain.
6. Once you have worked to the end of your chain, push the needle down at point E i.e. outside the chain or loop. Pull the thread down and tie the knot at the bottom.
Tips for working the chain stitch
- Be careful with the twist and direction of the thread. It could totally turn out to be messy if you aren’t
- You can work this stitch with two colors. Thread two needles with floss and alternate needles with each new stitch.
- Add another color over an already finished chain stitch by working a back stitch or running stitch along it’s borders.
- You can also fill any design or pattern with this stitch by working along the border of the design to it’s inner part.
What is this stitch used for?
- If you learn this stitch, there is no limit how you can use this stitch. From frocks to quilts to cushion covers, you can work this stitch on almost anything on everything. Motifs, handbags, dresses, fill any design with this stitch.
- You can use chain stitch as a filling or as a border for any design or pattern.
- Silk thread can be used and beautiful design can be made using this stitch for a wedding dress too.
So until next time,
Keep Stitching,
Fareeha
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