A sequence of interlocking loops is created with a needle or a small hook using the chain stitch, a Chain Stitch Embroidery technique still practiced in many cultures. Clothes discovered in the tomb of the Egyptian king Tutankhamun have been used to identify the chain stitch.

The needle and thread are brought out at the top of the line to be stitched, and the thumb is placed on the fabric to hold the needle and thread in place. The needle is drawn out again a short distance below where it was first entered, exactly where the thread first appeared (according to the length of stitch required). The working thread’s loop is dragged through and over by the needle or thread. The stitch is then done one more.

Other names for the chain stitch include the tambour stitch and the point de chainette.

The chain stitch is a common motif with numerous variations, such as the double chain stitch, feathered chain stitch, open chain stitch, spiked chain thread, detached chain stitch (lazy daisy stitch), and reverse chain stitch (aka broad chain stitch).

Learning the Chain Stitch Embroidery Method

We will do this stitch from top to bottom to help with our training. It often moves in a left-to-right direction.

1. Exit through A with the thread. Don’t entirely remove the needle; re-insert it into point A and bring it out via point B.
2. Create a loop by wrapping the thread around the needle from left to right.
3. Pull out the needle and tighten the loop to create the initial link in the chain.
4. Now, insert the needle through B (inside the loop) and withdraw it from C. (outside of the loop).
5. Take the thread and loop it around the back of the needle from left to right, then draw the needle out to create the subsequent loop in the chain. Follow this process through to the end.

Chain stitch embroidery motifs and designs

1- Hibiscus Flower

The hibiscus is a common pattern in chain stitch embroidery. These plants are referred to as shoe blossoms. They have striking colors and make a lovely embroidery motif. The least skilled artist could draw these flowers freehand because they are so simple.

2- Birds pattern

Birds are a recurring motif in most chain stitch embroidery patterns. Parrots, peacocks, and other exotic birds can be seen strewn over the chain stitch patterns.

3- Paisley pattern

The most popular motif in chain stitch embroidery is the paisley pattern.

4- Floral design with vines

Designs for chain stitch embroidery are frequently highly complex and include numerous vines, branches, trees, flowers, etc. Create many of these vines and branches and add flowers if you want a fabric to be completely stitched with chain stitch embroidery.

5- Symmetrical motifs of grass stalks

This independent motif is created with chain stitches. If you prefer to avoid the cluttered appearance of normal chain stitch embroidery, you can use this pattern spaced out at regular intervals on fabric.

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Embroidery chains are made with what kind of thread?

Depending on your desired effect, you can use silk thread, regular embroidery floss, or wool thread to create a lovely texture. Another option is to use two strands of the thicker mille cotton thread. For filling stitches, you should use all 6 strands of embroidery thread. However, you can use fewer strands for delicate chain stitch embroidery.

Which needle to use when embroidering in chain stitch?

The needlework is completed quickly and easily by the artisans using a unique needle known as the aari needle. The fabric is stretched on a sizable hoop, and the needle is also known as a tambour needle. The artisans assemble and stitch the fabric with a tambour all over. This chain stitch can be used to attach beads and sequins as well.

But only for major and detailed works. You can successfully perform this embroidery on your stretched-out clothing using a small hoop and a regular needle. Some users use a chenille needle since it has a large enough eye to accommodate all six strands. The chenille needle has a large eye and is sufficiently sharp to pass through chain stitches (when making continuous chain stitches, you must begin from the inside of the preceding chain stitch).