Chain Stitch: How to Do It Step by Step
Chain Stitch is a beginner-level hand embroidery stitch that makes linked loops; bold textured line. Stitchers use it for bold outlines, lettering, filling with rows. To start, come up, go back down in the same hole and catch the loop with the needle tip. It is usually learned alongside lazy daisy (detached chain).
Chain Stitch is a beginner-level hand embroidery stitch that makes linked loops; bold textured line. Makers use it for bold outlines, lettering, filling with rows.
The table below sums up chain stitch in one place: craft, abbreviation, difficulty and the projects it suits best.
| Craft | Hand embroidery |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Look and feel | Linked loops; bold textured line |
| Best for | Bold outlines, Lettering, Filling with rows |
How do you work chain stitch?
- Bring the needle up at the start of the line.
- Insert the needle back into the same hole, or right beside it.
- Bring the needle tip up a stitch length ahead, with the working thread looped under the tip.
- Pull through gently to form a loop.
- Repeat from inside each loop. Anchor the last loop with a small straight stitch over it.
When you are ready to plan a project in chain stitch, the embroidery stitch count calculator will estimate a design filled with rows of it.
What are the most common chain stitch mistakes?
- Pulling loops too tight so they flatten
- Forgetting to tack down the final loop
Practice on a swatch
Work a small sample before starting a project. It shows how the stitch looks in your chosen yarn or thread, and it is far easier to unpick a swatch than a finished piece.
Where does chain stitch lead next? Lazy Daisy (Detached Chain) is the natural step up: lazy daisy is a single detached chain loop, so it is the same movement stopped after one stitch.
Which stitches are related to chain stitch?
The 2 stitches below are the closest relatives of chain stitch, with the abbreviation and difficulty of each.
| Stitch | Abbreviation | Difficulty | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lazy Daisy (Detached Chain) | n/a | Beginner | Single loop petal or leaf |
| Split Stitch | n/a | Beginner | Chain-like textured line; good underlay |
What other beginner hand embroidery stitches should you learn?
- Running Stitch: outlines, sashiko
- Backstitch: lettering, outlines in cross stitch
- Split Stitch: outlines, padding under satin stitch
- Stem Stitch: stems and vines, curved outlines
- Outline Stitch: outlines, redwork
- Lazy Daisy (Detached Chain): flower petals, leaves
- Blanket Stitch: applique edges, felt
- Fly Stitch: leaves, grass
- Cross Stitch: counted designs on aida and evenweave, samplers
- Couching: metallic threads, yarn and cord
- Seed Stitch (Embroidery): textured fills, shading
Tools for hand embroidery
Morgan No-Slip Embroidery Hoops, 5, 7 and 9-Inch Set
Under $50No-slip hoops keep fabric drum tight so stitches sit evenly.
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DMC Embroidery Floss Assortment, 100 Colors
Under $100One hundred colors of six-strand cotton floss for any design.
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Gingher 3.5-Inch Stork Embroidery Scissors
Under $25Small, sharp scissors for trimming threads close to the fabric.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is chain stitch?
Chain Stitch is a hand embroidery stitch that makes linked loops; bold textured line. Makers reach for it for bold outlines, lettering, filling with rows. It is rated beginner here, so it is a good stitch to learn early and practice on a small swatch before a real project.
How do you do chain stitch step by step?
1. Bring the needle up at the start of the line. 2. Insert the needle back into the same hole, or right beside it. 3. Bring the needle tip up a stitch length ahead, with the working thread looped under the tip. 4. Pull through gently to form a loop. 5. Repeat from inside each loop. Anchor the last loop with a small straight stitch over it. Work slowly for the first few repeats, keep your tension even, and check the result against the steps before continuing across a whole row or motif.
What projects use chain stitch?
Chain Stitch suits bold outlines, lettering, filling with rows. To size a project before you start, the embroidery stitch count calculator will estimate a design filled with rows of it.
What are common mistakes with chain stitch?
The most common problems are: pulling loops too tight so they flatten; forgetting to tack down the final loop. Most are easy to spot if you pause after a few repeats and compare your work with the steps. Good light helps a great deal, especially with dark yarn or thread.
What should you learn after chain stitch?
Lazy Daisy (Detached Chain) is the usual next step, because lazy daisy is a single detached chain loop, so it is the same movement stopped after one stitch. It is rated beginner here, against beginner for chain stitch. Its own step-by-step page is at lazy daisy (detached chain).
What stitches are similar to chain stitch?
Stitches closely related to chain stitch include Lazy Daisy (Detached Chain), Split Stitch. Learning them together makes patterns easier to read, because many designs switch between related stitches to change texture, height or line. Each has its own step-by-step page in the stitch dictionary.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
