This embroidery stitch is also known as cable chain stitch. It is a variation of chain stitch used as a line or filling stitch on plain and even-weave fabrics. It is worked in a similar way to ordinary chain stitch, but in this case the thread is twisted around the needle after each chain loop and before it enters the fabric.

This makes an intervening link between the chain. The stitch follows curved lines well and makes a good filling stitch when worked solidly. A contrast

ing stitch, such as coral stitch or stem stitch, can be worked on alternate rows to make an unusual filling.

Another method of filling a shape with cable stitch is to work evenly spaced parallel rows of it over the whole area to be filled. Then lace adjoining rows together t

hrough the chains with a contrasting thread and a blunt-ended tapestry needle.

Continue reading

zig-zag-chain-stitch

This embroidery stitch is also known as Vandyke chain stitch. It is a line stitch and filling used on plain-and even-weave fabrics and is suitable for use with any type of embroidery thread.

You can make decorative zigzag line-an unusual outline for a shape.  Work in the same way as ordinary chain stitch, but each chain loop is set at right angles to the previous one to create the zigzag line. Continue reading

Chain stitch is an embroidery technique in which a series of looped stitches form a chain-like pattern. Chain stitch is an ancient craft – examples of surviving Chinese chain stitch embroidery worked in silk thread have been dated to the Warring States period (5th-3rd century BC).

Handmade chain stitch embroidery does not require that the needle pass through more than one layer of fabric.

Continue reading

Ladder Stitch is a kind of embroidery stitch used on plain-and even weave fabrics. It has a ladder-like appearance, hence the name, and it is used as a border stitch or to fill a long, narrow shape of varying width.

This stitch should always be worked on fabric stretched in an embroidery hoop or frame to prevent it form distorting the fabric.

When the stitch is worked in a straight line, guidelines may need to be drawn on the fabric, unless the fabric threads can be counted, to keep the line straight. The rungs of the ladder can be placed close together to achive a solid effect or can be spaced apart to give the stitch a more lacy appearance.
Continue reading