The Chain Stitch

The chain stitch forms a series of connected loops that resemble a chain. It adds texture and flair to embroidery projects and is great for outlining shapes or adding decorative borders.

How the Chain Stitch Is Used

1. Decorative Outlining - Chain stitch is perfect for outlining shapes in embroidery. Its slightly raised, rope like appearance adds texture and dimension, making it ideal for floral stems, leaves, letters, and borders.
2. Filling Shapes - By stitching rows close together or spiraling inward, you can fill areas with chain stitch for a bold, textured look. This is especially effective in folk art or boho-style embroidery.
3. Text and Lettering - Its flowing, connected loops make it great for script or cursive lettering. It’s smooth, readable, and adds a handcrafted charm.
4. Traditional and Cultural Embroidery - Chain stitch appears in many traditional embroidery styles, including:
   • Kashmiri embroidery (India)
   • Jacobean crewelwork (England)
   • Chinese silk embroidery
   • Persian and Central Asian textiles
5. Visible Mending and Hand Quilting - Modern makers use chain stitch as a visible mending technique or to add decorative elements to hand-quilted pieces, especially when embellishing sashiko or kantha-inspired work.
6. Craft and Fashion Embellishment - You’ll often see chain stitch used on denim jackets, tote bags, pillows, and even shoes. It holds up well and adds a bold, handmade look.

How to do the Chain Stitch

Materials Needed

• Embroidery needle - see Colonial Needle's selection here
• Embroidery floss or thread such as Presencia Finca Mouline
• Fabric of your choice
• Embroidery hoop (optional but helps keep fabric taut) - see Colonial Needle's selection here

How-To

1. Thread your needle and knot the end of your thread.
2. Bring the needle up through the fabric from the back at your starting point.
3. Reinsert the needle into the same hole (or right next to it), but don’t pull the thread all the way through. Let a small loop form on the surface.
4. Bring the needle up again a short distance away (this will be the length of your chain link), and **catch the loop with your needle** as you pull the thread through. You’ve just made your first chain!
5. Repeat - Insert the needle back into the same hole where the thread just came up (catching the loop again), and continue the process to create more chain links.
6. To end the stitch - Make a tiny stitch over the last loop to tack it down and secure it, then knot the thread on the back of the fabric.

*Tips*

• Keep your loops consistent in size for an even look.
• Try varying the length between stitches to add creative flair or curves.
• Use contrasting thread for bold outlines, or tone-on-tone for a subtle textured effect.

Why Use Chain Stitch?

• Textured and Eye-catching – Adds a tactile element that stands out more than a simple backstitch.
• Flexible – Easily curves and flows around shapes, making it excellent for organic designs.
  

• Customizable – You can vary the stitch length, thread thickness, or even double up for chunkier chains.