Chained Wheatear is similar to Wheatear stitch except it has an extra Chain stitch, making for a thicker textured line. Like Wheatear, this variety holds a curve well and can be very effective if you add beads down the central line.
How to work Chained Wheatear Stitch
Work Chained Wheatear in a downward motion. Commence with two straight stitches worked in a V shape. Make sure the base of each stitch meets.
Form a single Wheatear stitch. If you need your memory jogged on how Wheatear stitch is formed here is a tutorial. To summarise the steps, bring your thread out a little below the base of the V. Pass your needle under the two straight stitches at the base of the V. Pull your needle through and take it to the back of the fabric so that the thread loops in a single chain.
The next step is what creates the chained part of the Wheatear. Bring your needle out at the base of the chain, literally a thread or so below the chain stitch.
Pass your needle under the two straight stitches to form a second chain stitch.
Take your needle back into the fabric at the point where it emerged, so that it forms a second chain.
Create another V using two straight stitches. As you do this, make sure the base of the V emerges from the same point as the base of the chain stitch.
Once again, pass your needle under the two diagonal stitches to make another wheatear stitch.
Bring your needle out close to the base of the wheatear stitch and, taking the needle under the two bars of the V-stitch, create another loop of the chain.
Continue in this manner down the line.
You can vary this stitch in different ways. For instance, the length of the diagonal straight stitches can be varied. With Chained Wheatear Stitch, many types of embroidery thread can be used to great effect. You can also work with single units arranged in patterns. Chained Wheatear lends itself to beading and looks great if you tuck a seed bead into the chains.
Chained Wheatear is a versatile stitch. I hope you enjoy exploring what you can do with it!
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Great stitch, will try it.
Great stitch. It will be fun to use.
The chained wheatear with yellow beads looks just like the caterpillars that appear on the pentas in my garden. It’s a perfect stitch for caterpillars.