Chain Stitch
This month’s stitch challenge comes courtesy of Lucy, who has provided examples of chain stitch as individual stitches, grouped to make flowers and other shapes, and as a continuous line of stitching. As you can see, the type and thickness of thread makes a big difference to the stitch’s appearance and its application.
There are many resources for learning how to do this simple, useful and versatile stitch – it can be found in almost any book of basic embroidery stitches, besides online tutorials – and examples can be found in abundance in historical as well as modern textiles. It’s well worth any embroider’s time including it in their repertoire of stitches, along with its many variations.
The Royal School of Needlework Stitch Bank describes chain stitch as:
” … one of the oldest and most widely known stitches in existence. Examples have been found in Egypt on textiles from Tutankhamun’s tomb, dated to the 14th century BC …”
Don’t forget to share your photos with other members. Please email to: it@warwickshirestitchers.org.uk