Working hand embroidery in Chain Stitch provides so much texture and line to your work! Thread choices, of course, make all the difference in how a finished stitch looks – fine lines vs. bold. Versatility is one of the lovelies of this stitch.

When stitched tightly, this stitch produces nice contour on curved lines, as well as provide a relatively dense fill design. Alternatively, stitch larger chains that create interesting texture and open space for a lacier line. If you vary the size of your stitches and types of threads, then you can create your own innovative designs. Chain Stitch is sometimes called Point de Chainette or Tambour Stitch.

The Chain Stitch is in the family of closed loop embroidery stitches, sometimes called the linked stitch family. It can outline, add a border or fill in a space. This easy stitch is perfect for straight or curved lines, lettering and spiraling. Close rows can fill spaces. The simple chain stitch is one of the simplest and most effective ways to follow an outline. It is worked from top down.

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This example of the hand and heart uses chain stitch as both line and fill.

One embroidery sampler

How to Embroider the Chain Stitch

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner

The chain stitch is considered one of the basic embroidery stitches and is used for both lines and as a fill. It easily stitches both straight and curved lines.

A perfect stitch for beginners to learn. It's in the loop stitch family. The loops are stitched together forming a chain-like appearance. There are several variations of the chain stitch, like the heavy chain stitch and the checkered chain stitch.

The chain stitch is also known as the Tambour stitch and Point de chainette.

Materials

Fabric with design already transferred
Embroidery thread or floss of your choice

Tools

Embroidery needle suitable for the chosen thread
Embroidery scissors
Embroidery hoop (optional but recommended)

Instructions

To begin, I like to hoop my fabric. Using a hoop keeps your fabric taut for hand embroidery and makes stitching easier.

Insert the threaded needle from the back of the fabric and pull the thread through to the front. Insert your needle very close to the same spot and bring it up a short distance away. This will be the length of your chain stitch. Make a loop around the end of your needle. Pull the needle gently to form the first loop.
For the second stitch, stitch down just on the other side of the loop to secure the loop and come back up at the same distance as the first stitch, to keep your chain stitches even.

The goal with the chain stitch is to keep your loops all the same size, which is done by keeping your stitch lengths between loops the same size.
Continue making looped stitches along your line in the same way.
Try to keep your spacing even between stitches.
When you have completed your design, insert your needle on the other side of your final loop and take the thread to the back side of your fabric. Finish off your thread by either tying off or weaving the ends in the back of your embroidery work.
Here is a finished sample of the embroidery chain stitch.

Notes

The chain stitch is great as a filler stitch. TIP: Start by outlining your shape in a chain stitch and then work your way into the center of your design. This makes it easier to have a nice outline to your design.