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Detached Chain Stitch

Detached Chain Stitch

Hand embroidery stitches / Stitch Dictionary
sample of detached chain the lazy daisy stitch 1

Detached Chain is often one of the first stitches people learn. Many people call this stitch: daisy stitch, lazy daisy stitch, tall chain stitch, loop stitch, tied loop stitch, picot stitch, and knotted knot stitch. But don’t let those names lead you into thinking that you can only make flowers with it. 

What’s in a Name?

We call Detached Chain by that name because that is what it is, a single chain stitch. You can use it to create all sorts of patterns and textures. For instance, I stitched the sample above on hand-dyed Aida cloth. I arranged the Detached chain stitches in a grid and secured the sequins with a seed bead in the spaces. It is a pattern that you can use to work on a small item such as a bag or purse, for instance.

sample of detached chain the lazy daisy stitch 2

This sample makes a really nice border pattern. I have arranged the detached chain stitches in sets of three in a fan shape. In addition, I secured the centre detached chain stitch with a small chain rather than a straight stitch. And I have added a seed bead to the head of the stitches. I worked the next sample over sequin waste to create a medallion pattern.

How to work Lazy Daisy or  Detached Chain stitch

Bring the needle up through the fabric and hold the thread with the left thumb. Insert the needle as illustrated, so that the point emerges a short distance away.

step by step instructions on how to work detached chain the lazy daisy stitch

With the thread wrapped under the needle’s point, pull the needle through the fabric.

step by step instructions on how to work detached chain the lazy daisy stitch 2

To fasten the loop, make a small straight stitch.

step by step instructions on how to work detached chain the lazy daisy stitch 3

As you can see it is a stitch easily worked in a circle to create flower shapes.

step by step instructions on how to work detached chain the lazy daisy stitch 4

The next 2 samples are Detached Chain stitches used in crazy quilting.

sample of detached chain the lazy daisy stitch 3

In this sample, I combined Detached Chain with straight stitches and seed and novelty beads to work along the edge of lace. The thread I used was cotton perle #5.

sample of detached chain the lazy daisy stitch 5

In this sample, I used Detached Chain along the edge of lace. If you want to see this detail in context you can see the whole block and have the pattern for Block 99 free.

Crazy Quilt Block 99 detail 639

Have you seen my Stitchers Templates?

Templates

Create your own designs with Sharon’s easy-to-use stitchers templates. Combine shapes to create hundreds of patterns and designs to embroider. It is the ultimate mix-and-match fun for stitchers of all skill levels. I created them to be as versatile as possible. I include four multi-patterned templates in each set. You will find them easy to use, totally clear to help you position them on your work, and they are nice and compact to fit in your sewing box. Each set comes with an e-book filled with patterns and designs that you can create and use as a jumping-off spot for your own designs. They are available now in our shop here!

Happy stitching!

116 Comments

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