Chain Stitch

CHAIN STITCH

The Chain Stitch may be worked on canvas or on fabric (as an embroidery stitch). This stitch may be worked in any direction. When worked vertically, it is used as a filling stitch (See

Chain Stitch Diagram 1:

Bring the needle up at A. Holding your thumb over enough yarn to cover 1 canvas space (as shown), bring the needle down at B (the original canvas space where we started). Now, move on to Diagram 2....

Chain Stitch Diagram 2:

Continue holding your thumb over the loop you have created with your first stitch. Starting where we left off at B, move down 1 canvas thread and bring the needle up at C. Create a new loop by bring the needle down at D (the same canvas space as C). This second stitch will anchor the first loop in place. Now, move on to Diagram 3...

Chain Stitch Diagram 3:

Continue holding your thumb over the loop you have created with your second stitch. Starting where we left off at C, move down 1 canvas thread and bring the needle up at E. Create a new loop by bring the needle down at F (the same canvas space as E). This third stitch will anchor the second loop in place. Repeat this process through G and H. To end the row at H, you will need to work a small stitch at the curve of the last loop to anchor it in place. We now proceed to the next row. Bring the needle up at I (remember the chain stitch is worked vertically as a filling stitch) and down at J. Continue in this manner...

diagrams 1, 2 and 3). However, it may also be used as a decorative stitch. The lazy daisy chain stitch is an exellent example of the decorative qualities of the chain stitch. There are a number of chain stitch variations. On this page, we will be demonstrating the basic chain stitch. The other chain stitches available are the braided chain stitch, the heavy chain stitch, the interlaced chain stitch and the raised chain stitch. Three diagrams have been used to demonstrate this stitch.