Sinhalese Chain Stitch

This variation of chain stitch resembles the open chain stitch, but with a ‘twist’. It involves some intertwining of two colored threads to bring the twist effect to this chain stitch.

This stitch can be a little complicated to work with initially, but with little practice, you can handle it well.

I will work between two slightly curved parallel lines to demonstrate this stitch. You need to know the open chain stitch to be able to continue with this tutorial.

Fig 1: First, bring out threads (pink) from ends of the two stitch lines, X and Y. Leave them open. Now, bring out a different colored thread (blue) from near X, but towards the inside. Then, loop this thread from under the previous open threads, as shown.Fig 2: Now, take the needle in through B, a point near Y, but the inside. Take it out from C, a point on the stitch line. Then, loop the blue thread from under the needle, as shown.
Fig 3: Pull out the needle and tighten it enough so that it holds the pink thread in place. Again, loop the blue thread around the pink thread.Fig 4: Repeat the process, as you would for open chain stitch. Take the needle in through D, a point in line with C, and inside the first loop. Bring out the needle from E. Loop the blue thread around and pull it out.
Fig 5: To end the stitch, Just anchor down the pink thread with the blue thread as shown. Then, take down the pink thread through the fabric.Fig 6: A row of this stitch would look like this.

17 Responses

  1. M
    Marisha says:

    Are the pink threads on needles? The blue is, but how are the pink threads there?

  2. S
    Sejee says:

    It’s so easy directions to follow.
    Thank you so much for good instructions. Your stitch instructions are great inspirations for my designs.
    Have a nice day 😀

  3. R
    Robin Craggs says:

    Thank you for this thorough and lovely resource. I appreciate the beauty of the site, clarity of the instructions and quality photos. From a grateful beginner in Los Angeles, CA!

  4. m
    mrs.devashri pandit says:

    i saw Ur designs .these are awesome.can u teach me from step one ,how to make embroidery .pls if, yes then give me ur add & contact no.
    my no is 9922901632

    • sarah says:

      Mrs. Devashri Pandit,

      I happy to see your enthusiasm. I take classes in Pune (pashan). So, if you are able to make it to my classes, I can teach embroidery from the beginning. Once my workshop is set, I can contact you at your number.

  5. S
    Sumathy says:

    Hi Sarah
    Your blog is very informative. Although I know number of stitches, after visiting your blog only I know that each stitch has lot of variations and give another beautiful stitch. Your pictures are very clear and self explanatory as well. You are doing a great job! I don’t have enough words to appreciate your efforts. I am from Sri Lanka and classes are are not
    available everywhere. Your instructions are very helpful. I hope you will keep your blog always open to everybody.

  6. A
    Ashrafi sultana says:

    Hi sarah,

    Im Bangladeshi. I see your embroidery. It is too much beautiful. I learn your embroidery but i dont know where ur living. Im too much like this and my wish learn it. but where are u and i dont know your address. Please send your address and mob no and your everything.

    Thank you
    regards
    Ashrafi

  7. S
    Sowndarya Lakshmi says:

    Hi Sarah

    I am visiting your site for the first time. I would take to take up hand embroidery as my hobby.I am going to try for the first time. Please suggest what is the best way to practice since i am residing in Singapore. Also suggest required materials for practicing embroidery from the beginning. I could see needles are required, apart from that should i get the embroidery tool kit ( frame and other materials ). Would be great if you can please list them in detail.

    Thank You

    Regards,
    Sowndarya.

  8. N
    NIKITA BODE says:

    Dear Sarah

    Hi!!!
    Actually your explanation is very good. Do you conduct classes for the same in Mumbai ? please advise as would love to attend the same.

    • sarah says:

      Thanks Nikita.
      I do not conduct classes in Mumbai. But if I ever (very less chance) that I am there fro any class, I will let know. 🙂

  9. A
    Alex says:

    Hello Sarah,

    Would you be able to tell what kind of embroidery stitches are used in the attached picture.

    Thanks

  10. Embroidery digitizing services says:

    Wow its really very nice and attractive trick the tutorials are so good to learn

  11. Lily says:

    Hey just wanted to show you an embroidery that I am working on that I could not have done without your site. It is not finished yet, but hopefully will be soon. It is of Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf. I got the design from urbanthreads.com

    • sarah says:

      Dear Lily,

      Thank you for sharing this lovely pattern with us, though not finished. 🙂
      It looks really nice to me, and at a glance it looked as if it was machine done! Please do share the finished picture with us, we would love to see it.

  1. March 20, 2019

    […] on ribbon 13.Crossed Chains- close and apart 14. Singalese in the corner  this stitch can be found here 15. 3 wheels…Long Tail Chain with Chain surround and Detached Chains on   braid. 16. Open […]

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