How to Sew a Chain Stitch

Want to add some fun texture to your embroidery? Chain stitch is the way to go!

This post contains affiliate links to products I recommend. I do make a portion off any you may purchase. See full disclosure here.

This stitch creates a series of interlocking loops that look like—you guessed it—a chain. It’s great for bold outlines, vines, and decorative borders.

It takes a little practice to get the rhythm right, but once you get it, you’ll love the look of these playful, raised stitches.

What supplies do I need to get started?

Getting started with embroidery is super easy! You only need a few things:

Fabric – Cotton or linen work best.
Embroidery hoop – A wooden or plastic ring that holds your fabric tight.
Embroidery floss – Colorful thread made just for stitching.
Embroidery Needle – A needle with a big eye so you can thread your floss easily.
Scissors – Small, sharp ones are best for cutting thread.
Transfer Paper – You can use transfer paper to print designs for embroidery
Cricut EasyPress Mini - Simple, small iron that makes embroidery easier

VIDEO: Sew a Chain Stitch

Chain Stitch Instructions

Bring the needle up at point A.
Insert it back down at the same point but do not pull the thread all the way through.
Bring the needle up slightly ahead at point B, catching the loop of thread under the needle.
Pull through to form a chain loop.
Repeat, inserting the needle back into the end of the previous loop each time.

Beginner's Guide to Hand Embroidery

Make sure to take a moment to download your copy of our Beginner's Guide to Hand Embroidery. You'll get our entire list of tools, steps for getting started hand embroidering, links to all our video tutorials PLUS a free stitch sampler.