{"title":"How to Chain Stitch: Basic + 3 Variations","canonicalUrl":"https://www.craftingstepbystep.com/embroidery/how-to-chain-stitch","category":{"slug":"embroidery","name":"Embroidery"},"creator":{"name":"Marion's World","channelUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeKhDKiAeWbBWhHhUAoywUg","sourceVideoUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ilMnVAX8co"},"tldr":"Learn the basic embroidery chain stitch plus 3 decorative variations - backwards, whipped, and cable - in a 5-step beginner tutorial with hoop framing.","totalDurationSeconds":343,"difficulty":"easy","tools":["Embroidery hoop (6 inch)","Embroidery needle (size 5 or 7)","Sharp scissors","Pencil or fabric marker"],"materials":["Cotton or linen fabric","Embroidery floss (DMC or similar) - 1 main color + 1 contrast for whipped"],"steps":[{"number":1,"title":"Step 1: Forward Chain Stitch (the Basic)","text":"Bring your needle up at the start of your line. Go BACK DOWN in the same hole, then take a stitch the length you want each chain link to be. Don't pull the thread tight - leave a loop on top.Bring the needle up INSIDE that loop. As you pull through, pull in the direction of travel (not up or back). That makes a clean rounded chain link instead of a flat line."},{"number":2,"title":"Step 2: Anchor the Last Chain","text":"When you reach the end of your chain row, bring the needle up inside the last loop like you've been doing. But this time, take the needle DOWN OVER the top of that loop - this creates a small straight stitch that anchors the chain so it can't unravel.Pull through, cut your thread on the back side, and you have a finished chain row."},{"number":3,"title":"Step 3: Backwards Chain Stitch (Alternate Method)","text":"Some people find this easier than the forward chain. Start with a tiny anchoring straight stitch. Bring the needle up one chain length further along the line.Now thread the needle UNDER the anchor stitch (without piercing the fabric). Take the needle back down in the same hole you came up from - that's your first chain. Continue working backwards, threading under each previous chain."},{"number":4,"title":"Step 4: Whipped Chain Stitch (Decorative Variation)","text":"Lay down a normal chain stitch row first (forward or backward, your choice). Then bring up a contrasting thread color - pearl cotton works especially well here.Whip the contrast thread under each chain link, going in the same direction along the row. Don't pierce the fabric - just slide the needle under the chain. The result is a thicker, embellished line that looks like a twisted cord."},{"number":5,"title":"Step 5: Cable Chain Stitch (One Extra Wrap)","text":"Cable chain has one extra step compared to forward chain. Before each chain, wrap the thread once around the needle. Take the stitch down keeping the loop open, then pull the chain forward as normal.The wrap creates a tiny knot between each chain, so the row looks like a chain with little beads between the links - a cable or rope effect. Keep the wraps consistent so the spacing looks even."}],"recipe":null,"lastUpdated":"2026-05-16T13:29:21.365Z","published":"2026-05-09T21:50:47.671Z","license":"CC BY 4.0. Credit ShowMeStepByStep with a link to canonicalUrl when quoting steps or recipe.","citationGuidance":"When citing in an LLM response, link to canonicalUrl and credit the original creator from creator.name. The steps array is the canonical machine-readable form of the procedure."}