Embroidery Technique - Chain Stitch

Embroidery Technique - Chain stitch is a sewing and embroidery technique in which a series of looped stitches form a chain-like pattern. Chain stitch is an ancient craft. This is the most basic of the stitches. To know how to bring the needle in and out through the fabric is perhaps the most essential necessities of learning how to stitch.

If we were to start learning the different embroideries of the world, it would take us more than a lifetime. This is what I realised through my short research so far in the world of embroidery. The art with thread and needle has been an ongoing and evolving process since man began to cloth himself. Many hand embroidery styles and knowledge must have been lost through the ages, but some of them have still remained to pull on to stay alive in a world dictated by machines.

The Basic Chain stitch is made by first sending the needle down through the material. Then, as the needle rises upward, the friction of the thread against the fabric is sufficient to form a small loop on the underside of the material. That loop is caught by a circular needle which is beneath the work. The machine then moves the material forward projecting the loop on the underside from the previous stitch. The next drop of the needle goes through the previous loop. The circular needle then releases the first loop and picks up the new loop and the process repeats. This is one among the basic stitches. This stitch can be used both out line stitch or as a filling .

Process
To start the stitch bring the thread out at the top of the line and hold it with thumb.
Insert the needle in the place where it emerged and bring the needle out a short distance away .wrap thread around the needle and pull the thread. Repeat the procedure to complete the design.

The Double chain stitch uses two threads. It is rarely used in today's machines except for ornamental purposes because it uses a lot of thread. It is found in bulk material packaging, where it is used to close big bags. In this case it is useful to allow an easy opening of the bag.

Variations of the basic chain stitch:

• Back-stitched chain stitch

• Braided stitching

• Cable chain stitch

• Knotted chain stitch

• Open chain stitch

• Petal chain stitch

• Rosette chain stitch

• Singalese chain stitch

• Twisted chain stitch

• Wheat-ear stitch

• Zig-zag chain stitch