How to work the Chain Stitch in Embroidery

learn how to embroider the chain stitch!

Embroidery is such a relaxing and calming needlework activity that can be taken on the go.  Just keep the thread, needle, hoop and fabric in a bag and the project is ready to take along on long car rides, to informal meetings, and simply do while binge watching favorite shows.

On this page is a tutorial showing how to do a chain stitch when doing embroidery. There are many embroidery stitches, like the embroidery chain stitch, that can be done to create elegant and beautiful designs; just take a look at our page devoted to embroidery stitches to learn more.

What does an embroidery chain stitch look like?

This embroidery stitch is aptly named.  An embroidery chain stitch looks like a series of loops joined together to make a chain. It is a very pretty stitch and is quite simple to learn.

What is the use of chain stitch embroidery?

The chain that is created by doing an embroidery chain stitch is most often used to outline designs. It is a very decorative embroidery stitch and adds such lovely details to an embroidery project.

The loops of this stitch are delicate and decorative.  The embroidery backstitch and cross stitch backstitch are also used to outline designs, but it is used to form what looks like a line when completed.

What is the difference between chain stitch and lazy daisy?

Many people think the embroidery chain stitch and the lazy daisy stitch are the same. 

The lazy daisy stitch is indeed a type of chain stitching; however, the lazy daisy stitches are detached and are most often used to make petals for delightful embroidered flowers. 

Take a look at the article by Sew Guide showing eight beautiful ways to make flowers using the lazy daisy stitch.

The lazy daisy stitch is sometimes referred to as the detached chain stitch.

On the other hand, the embroidery chain stitch is continuous and is used as a decorative outline stitch.

To learn how to chain stitch, watch our video below or keep reading this post for written directions.

STEP 2: Form a "U" shape

Once the thread is pulled to the top, form a U-shaped loop with the thread.  To do this, pull the thread about two inches from the hole where the thread came up from the back.

Hold the thread in place with your thumb and push the embroidery needle down into the original hole where the thread first emerged.

STEP 3: bring the point of the needle back up

While continuing to hold the loop with the thumb of the hand that is not sewing, bring the needle point back up a stitch length away from the spot that the thread emerged.

The stitch will be shorter if the needle is brought up closer to the emerging thread, and it will be longer if there is more distance before the needle is brought up.

STEP 4: form the first link

Once the needle is coming from the back of the fabric to the front one stitch in length, gently pull the needle and thread through the hole.

Keep holding the loop with your finger as the thread is being pulled up.

Slowly release the loop of thread that had been held in place and pull the needle and thread all of the way through the fabric.  Once the loop of thread has been released, the first link will be formed.

Flatten the stitch to form the link.

STEP 5: Make the next link in the chain stitch

To continue the chain, put the point of the needle back down from the top of the fabric into the hole that the thread had emerged from.  Make a U-shape with the thread once again and hold it with the thumb. 

Emerge to the top one stitch away as was done with the first link, keeping the working thread under the needle point. 

Gently pull the thread up through to the front and slowly release the U shape.  The loop will be caught by the working thread.

Continue making stitches in the same way, joining links with each stitch.

Now you are on your way to making a decorative outline using the chain stitch!

When it's time to end the thread, use the no-knot method.

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Happy Stitching!
 

more embroidery stitch tutorials

• Feather Stitch
• Herringbone Stitch