Chain Stitch and Variations

 Chain Stitch * Chain Stitch Fill * Chain Stitch Rose

Chain Stitch creates a lovely textured line and has many variations to play with. Come up and down with the needle at the start of your line at A, leaving a loop. Come back up within the loop at B, a stitch length away, and pull to tighten the loop to desired tautness. Continue, ending the chain with a small stitch tacking down the final loop at C.

Chain stitch fill. Fill a shape with chain stitch using straight, parallel rows (left) or rows that follow the contour of your shape (right). When using straight rows begin with a center line to help establish a consistent stitch direction. When following the contour begin with the outlines to create a crisp edge, and then work towards the center.

Chain stitch rose. Begin with a center stitch (such as a French knot) to help establish a point to spiral out from. Use chain stitch to fill the space, beginning at the center and moving out, eventually filling the shape. Keep the stitches small, especially during the tighter parts of the spiral near the center, and play with tension to change the texture of your rose.

See also Detached Chain Stitch, Reverse Chain Stitch