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EMBROIDERY CHAIN STITCHES!

As the name implies the links are joined by a chain.
Each stitch has it’s own special configuration and particular use, but together
they form one of the most indispensable of the stitch groups.
Chain stitches are looped, the working thread is always carried under the needle
point before the stitch is pulled tight.
For the most part, these stitches are worked vertically and are used for outlining
and decorative borders.
If worked in rows to fill in a area, each row is usually stitched in the same
direction to give a texture resembling fabric.

To Make a Basic Chain Stitch.

Chain stitches are one of the most popular embroidery stitches for outlining or
if worked in close rows for filling an area.
When doing the chain stitch, the needle is at point 1, you insert the needle back
into the same hole at point 1, and bring it out at point 2, carrying the thread
under the needle point, then pull it through point 2 is now point 1 of the next
stitch.
Work all stitches the same way, always inserting needle into the hole made by
emerging thread. To end the row, take a small stitch over the last chain loop
to hold it down.

LACED CHAIN STITCH!
Top Image Below.
Laced chain stitch resembles a chain with two link sizes.
To achieve this double link effect,detached chain stitches are laced with a
contrasting thread.
This makes a pretty border or it can be used as a outline stitch.

Here is how to do it.
First work a row of detached chain stitches,( as shown in first picture ).
Using a blunt needle and contrasting thread, bring needle up under last chain.
Lace thread back and forth under each chain,( as second picture ) do not
catch the fabric.
Start again at bottom and lace in opposite direction, keeping loops even on
both sides of the detached chain stitches, ( as third picture ).

ZIGZAG CHAIN STITCH!
Middle Image Below.
Zigzag chain stitch is worked with the chains positioned at alternating angles
to give a decorative zigzag effect.
Work first stitch exactly like a basic chain stitch, angling it,(as shown in
first picture ), between double lines.
The hole from which the thread emerges becomes point 1 for the next stitch.
Insert needle at 2, piercing loop end to anchor it, and exit at 3 carry the
thread under needle point, then pull through,( as second picture in image below).
Continue sequence, ( as third picture ) always piercing loop end and keeping
angle of stitches consistent.
To end, take small stitch over last chain loop.

TWISTED CHAIN STITCH!
Bottom Image Below.
Twisted chain stitch makes an unusal textured outline.
To work, bring needle out at point 1, insert needle at point 2, which is slightly
lower and to the left of point 1, then exit at 3, which is in line with point 1,
(as shown in picture 1), carry thread under point of needle, then pull through.
Work the next stitch in the same way.
Note: point 3 of previous stitch is point 1 of new stitch..
Complete row of chains. To end, take a small stitch over the last loop to
hold it down.