Zig-Zag Chain Stitch Tutorial

Zig-Zag Chain Stitch Tutorial

 zig-zag chain stitch sample 1

This stitch is called Zig-zag Chain Stitch but is also known as Vandyke chain stitch. Needless to say Zig-zag chain is a member of the Chain Stitch family.

Zig-zag chain stitch is effective when worked alone or if you stack it sewn row upon row you can build up  patterns for borders. As you can see from the sample taken from one of my crazy quilt blocks it also looks great used to secure ric rac!

Work the zig zags from left to right between two imaginary parallel lines or mark your work with a quilters pen that is removed when you add moisture.

zig-zag chain stitch step 1

Bring the needle up through the fabric on the bottom line and insert the needle back into where it came out and take a bite of the fabric to have the needle emerge on the top line, a short diagonal space along. With the thread wrapped under the needle point pull the needle through the fabric.

zig-zag chain stitch step 2

Point your needle back into where it came up from the fabric and take a bite of the fabric to have the needle emerge on the bottom line, a short diagonal space along. With the thread wrapped under the needle point pull the needle through the fabric.

zig-zag chain stitch step 3

Continue along the line working each loop at right angles to the previous loop to create the zigzag line.

If your loops flip up as you enter the fabric with each loop pierce the end of the previous loop. This will ensure that each section of the chain lies flat.

zigzag chain stitch sample

This sample is zig-zag cable chain. It is simply cable chain worked in a similar manner to regular zig-zag chain

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Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery book cover

If you enjoy my site you will gain real value from my book:  Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery: Visual Guide to 120 Essential Stitches for Stunning Designs

Feeling stale? Wondering how to add sparkle to your embroidery? I have aimed Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery to be suitable for both beginners and seasoned embroiderers. It introduces techniques to encourage your creative interpretations of stitches. I guide you towards discovering play-points in your embroidery by varying the height and width; by stacking stitches; or by filling multiple rows with the same stitch. With creative variations and demonstrations of tiny tweaks, You will be ready to head off down your own creative path and, of course, illustrated with plenty of eye candy!

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