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Step 1
Transfer the design for the needlework onto the fabric. Use pouncing, an iron-on transfer, a direct transfer method or draw the design with a pencil.
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Step 2
Insert the fabric into an embroidery hoop. Align the fabric so that the grain is smooth and straight. Use a frame for larger pieces of embroidery to keep the fabric taut as it is being worked.
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Step 3
Bring the needle through to the front of the fabric and hold the thread with the left thumb (for right hand stitchers). Re-insert the needle just to the left of where it came through the fabric the first time. Vary this point depending on the desired space between each spike of the chain.
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Step 4
Bring the needle through the fabric again, taking the point of the needle out just a bit along the designated line for the stitching. Bring the thread over the needle.
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Step 5
Wrap the thread beneath the point of the needle. Pull the needle all the way through the fabric.
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Step 6
Use this stitch with any threads, from fine silks fibers to silk ribbons, to create linear or curving details. Increase the gap to heighten the spike of the stitch for a more dramatic look.
