It is one of the oldest known stitches that has been found to be used widely among varoius cultures from asia to europe. The stitches follows a pattern of looping the thread to create chains in different ways. Its widespread use can be seen in Kashmiri numdahs, Iranian Resht work, Central Asian suzani, Hungarian Kalotaszeg “written embroidery”, Jacobean embroidery, and crewelwork.
handembroidery sample : chain stitch family
The pattern of chain stitch is also used in making other orders of handwork like crochet, macarmè and needle lace works.
The chain stitch family has probably the most number of members in it. I, myself, was surprised at the number of different chain stitch varieties we had! Beginning from the most basic, I will be moving on to the more complicated ones.
Tags: embroidery tutorials, hand embroidery tutorials
Do you have patterns using only chain stitches?
Hey Victoria,
As of now, I don’t have a collection of patterns that uses only chain stitches. But, I could be posting a few in the future.
Since, almost all stitches in the chain stitch family are straight stitches, they can be used for any sort of outlining or filling of any kind of pattern.
The ethnic Kashmiri embroidery from the state of Kashmir, India is a form of embroidery that uses chain stitch exclusively. Their patterns are depictions of flora and fauna and use chain stitch for outlining and filling.
I personally feel chain stitches can be used for any kind of floral depictions easily. The beauty of it could depend on the color choice and the intricacy of the design.
Hi Sarah,
I saw a stitch which resembles the chain stitch being done at the stitched ends of dupattas. Is that the normal chain stitch or some variation of it?
Regards,
Leema
Dear Leema,
I am not sure about this. Are you talking about the locking at the ends? Am not able to picture it.
No this is done after locking or stitching the end of the dupatta. The first stitch starts at one end of the dupatta and then the next three or four stitches are not on the cloth but outside it and then the fifth stich is again done on the cloth. I dont know if I have made it clear to you. Is there anyway I could send you the photo of it? I am sorry if I am troubling you too much!
Regards,
Leema
Dear Leema,
Sorry for taking long to reply back. I usually don’t go online when online.
I think I am getting a little picture of what you might be talking about though am not sure. Also, I don’t have any dupatta of that sort to even check on. I am not sure if it is chain stitch, but could be. If you you wish to send the photo, you can. hope I could be of help.
cheers!
hello sarah.
i really loved ur stiches design!! can u send me any cute chain stich design which may be easier for me to make.
i’ll be really greatfull.
Dear Asfiya,
I am glad that you likes our pages. Sadly, I do not hav any designs ready with me right now. We are planning to put up a few designs, but our regular travels keep us busy.
You can check the internet for many interesting designs.
It was very useful for me. I was very much interested in hand embroidary. I was very happy to view all the stitches. Looking for more designs and patters from your side. Both saree and churidar neck patterns
Dear Geetha,
I am happy that you are able to learn and enjoy our pages.