How to Stitch a Heavy Chain Stitch

The heavy chain stitch, or braid chain stitch, create a solid line that looks like a braid. It is a part of the chain stitch family and works on woven or plain fabrics quite easily. Working the heavy chain stitch involves elements of the reverse chain as well as the detached chain stitch. Read on to learn how to stitch a heavy chain stitch.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Create your design and transfer it onto the fabric. Separate the embroidery hoops and insert fabric. Smooth the fabric, align the design and tighten the hoop.

2. Secure the thread with the first few stitches by holding the tail of the thread on the backside of the fabric. A knot in the thread shows through the front of the work.

3. Start as with the reverse chain by sewing a single detached chain stitch upside down. Bring the needle through the fabric just at the base of the detached chain. Leave space for one chain stitch.

4. Slip the needled under the thread of the chain but not through the fabric. Take the needle back through the fabric at the place where it came out, leaving two chains tied by the same stitch.

5. Move the needle out of the foundation fabric further along the line. Slide the needle under the thread of the chain and again take the needle back down through the fabric where it came out. Pass the needle under the chain each time taking care not to pick up any fabric.

6. Finish the stitching by weaving the end of the thread under a few stitches on the backside of the fabric.

Resources

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