Chained Bar stitch

Chained Bar stitch

Hand embroidery stitches / Stitch Dictionary

Chained bar stitch forms a solid line, ideal for borders, or you can use it to couch down ribbons, tape, or flat braids.

Create the foundation of this stitch by first laying down some long, straight stitches. Between two and six straight stitches in DMC pearl 3 thread works well. But if you want to go for a different primitive look, you can use string-like yarns or even fine knitting wool. You can use highly textured threads as the bar. If they are very hairy, the chain will create interesting indentations on the line.

Chained bar 1

You are going to work a zig-zag chain stitch across the bar. You might like to refresh your memory on how to work zig zag chain.

This is a stitch where contrasting threads work well. For instance, a metallic thread over a bar of silk is stunning.

Chained bar 2

Work from left to right. Bring the needle from the back of the fabric and hold the thread with your left thumb. Insert the needle back into where it first came out. Take the needle through the fabric, bringing the point of the needle out diagonally below the straight stitches. With the thread wrapped under the needle, point pull the needle through the fabric.

Chained bar step 3

In the second stitch, turn the angle of the chain stitch to take the chain over the bar. Continue along the bar until the straight stitches are couched down by the zig-zag chain stitches.

Tip! If your stitches do not lie flat as you enter the fabric with each loop, pierce the end of the previous loop.

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!

17 Comments

    1. Yes I know what you mean there is tip – I catch each stitch as I go – it’s in the instructions when I say “If your stitches do not lie flat as you enter the fabric with each loop pierce the end of the previous loop.”

      sharonb
      Reply

  5. I love both of these stitches Sharon. Could you see them as seam treatments in a crazy quilt? Or would they be ‘too busy’? Or perhaps your answer will be …. there are no rules in CQ.

    Claire Turner
    Reply

  11. I have been an admirer of your work and industry for well over a year now. But this and the woven trellis are WOW!!!
    Really WOW!!!
    Such wonderful inspirations…

    So many ideas.

    As always thank you. A feast for the eyes, and a smile on my face. This made my day.

    Rhonda
    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Jojobet GirişGirlfriend PornextrabetjojobetmeritbetcasibomCasibom girişcasibomartemisbetJojobet GirişcasibomcasibomcasibomjojobetMadridbetMadridbetcasibommatbetganobetpokerklasjojobetmatbetMarsbahis GüncelCasibomkavbetJojobetGrandPashaBet destekDeneme bonusu veren siteler 2026GrandPashaBet Şikayetjojobet girişbetsmoveCasibom Girişdeneme bonusu