Chain stitch. This is a tremendously useful stitch that is quick and easy to do. Chain stitch is a foundation stitch for a whole family of looped stitches. The trick with all the chain stitches is to not pull the stitch too tight, as a tight tension will pull the loop of the stitch tighter causing a puckered line.
Chain stitch will hold a curve well and is ideal to use to outline a pattern or for lettering. The sample above is a sample worked in cotton perle #5 thread.
This sample is worked in a fine knitting yarn that has a metallic blended thread in it. It is worked on 25 count linen.
Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 4 Beyond TAST
This week I am for those who are doing Beyond TAST I am suggesting two varieties of a stitch to explore. Raised chain has 2 versions. The first is a version published in most stitch dictionaries, Raised Chain as version 1. In the case of Raised Chain as version 2, I learnt this version years ago. This version is another handy variety. It creates a raised but flat surface.
I have decided to suggest people try both, for the challenge, because they both have their merits. And they are well worth experimenting with. Also, I know if I suggest one without the other, someone will ask if I know the other version!
As I said, both have their merits and both can add texture in interesting ways to a piece. They both make a great edge finish to your work too!
Where to share your Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 4 samples
If you are new to hand embroidery the challenge is to learn the stitch and share what you have learned. If you are an experienced embroiderer, enjoy Beyond TAST and give your work a modern twist. And of course, share it online so beginners can see what they can do with a little imagination.
If you are doing the design challenge you have a month to work on your design and stitch it up.
So the idea is to stitch a sample, photograph it, share it in the Take a Stitch Tuesday facebook group, or use the hashtags #TASTembroidery and #PintangleTAST on Instagram.
Follow Pintangle and have it delivered to your inbox
You can have Pintangle including TAST delivered to your inbox — just type in your email address and click on the Subscribe button below. Then check your email inbox for a confirmation email and click the link to confirm your subscription. If you don’t see a confirmation email, check your spam folder — sometimes the computer puts it there.
If you need more information, the challenge guidelines are on the TAST FAQ page.
My book for creative stitchers
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!
Please note if you buy one of my books via this link as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow Pintangle and have it delivered to your inbox
You can have Pintangle including TAST delivered to your inbox — just type in your email address and click on the Subscribe button below. Then check your email inbox for a confirmation email and click the link to confirm your subscription. If you don’t see a confirmation email, check your spam folder — sometimes the computer puts it there.
