Chevron Stitch

Chevron Stitch

Hand embroidery stitches / Stitch Dictionary
Chevron stitch sample 1

Chevron stitch is a decorative stitch used in surface embroidery and smocking. Some people consider it a basic stitch that you can use in numerous ways in hand-embroidered projects. The sample above is on a piece of crazy quilting and consists of a row of Chevron stitch, worked either side of a ribbon. You can read more about it on Crazy Quilt block 73.

Chevron stitch sample 5

In this sample, I worked a single row of Chevron in cotton perle # 5. I then stitched dome-shaped sequins in between the feet of the stitch.

How to work Chevron stitch

Work from left to right on two imaginary lines.

Chevron stitch step by step 1

Bring the thread from the back of the fabric on the left of the top line. On the same line, move right and insert the needle with the tip pointing left to have it emerge in the middle as illustrated. Pull the needle through to make a small stitch.

Chevron stitch step by step 2

Take the needle diagonally down to the bottom line and insert it. Point the needle left to take it back along the line as illustrated. Pull your needle through and take your needle to the right.

Chevron stitch step by step 3

Keep your needle pointing left to make the foot of the stitch, by inserting your needle as illustrated. Have it emerge at the base of the diagonal stitch.

Chevron stitch step by step 4

Take your needle to the top line and repeat the process again.

Chevron stitch step by step 5

Work this way along the row alternating up and down.

Some ideas on how to use Chevron stitch

Chevron stitch sample 7

With Chevron stitch, you can change the spacing of the feet as well as the height/width of the stitch to create some interesting effects.  Chevron stitch becomes very interesting when you add other stitches to the hills and valleys. An example is this band of hand embroidery where I tucked three detached chain stitches into the peaks of the stitch.

Chevron stitch sample 8

Working two rows of Chevron stitch creates a grid-like pattern where you can add all sorts of embroidered and beaded elements. This seam detail is from Block 76 in the I Dropped the Button Box quilt.

Chevron stitch sample 4

Two rows give you enough room down the centre line to add quite large items such as novelty beads.

Chevron stitch sample 3

You can also build up row-upon-row of chevron stitch working each row back to back to create an interesting pattern.

hand embroidery band sampler detail 723

You can vary the pattern by working rows back-to-back and tying the foot plate of each row with a single straight stitch. In this sample, I also worked single straight stitches in the space of the chevron pattern, tied with a cross stitch

Chevron stitch sample 2

Chevron stitch can also be stacked to create an interesting filling too!

Crazy Quilt Block 98 detail 635

Chevron stitch worked in cotton perle #5 thread on Block 98 of the I Dropped the Button Box Quilt

Have you seen my Crazy Quilting book?

holding my book in front of quilt

My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results shares detailed practical methods about how to design and make a crazy quilt. From fabric choice, to balancing colour, texture, and pattern, in order to balance and direct the eye around the block.  I cover how to stitch, build decorative seam treatments in interesting and creative ways. My book is profusely illustrated as my aim is to be practical and inspiring.

Please note if you buy one of my books via this link as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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123 Comments

  1. Pingback: Chevronsteek (Chevron Stitch) • Studio Paars • workshops | blog | shop

  4. Pingback: TAST 2012 #6: Chevron Stitch - Studio Paars: embroidery chevron stitch

  5. Pingback: Isolated Stitches in Embroidery - Beyond TAST

  71. For this week's Chevron stitch, I borrowed inspiration from Sharon's seam treatment ideas over on In A Minute Ago, and it came out beautifully! Thank you so much, Sharon, for being so willing to share your knowledge through your classes and websites — it lets a novice crazy quilter like me get results that make my heart sing with joy!

    I blogged week 4's Cretan stitch and this week's Chevron stitch here: http://kidsbyhand.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/tast-week-4-6/

    My 8 yr old daughter wouldn't let me share her work for the past few weeks – she doesn't like how they turned out. (And apparently feather stitch doesn't deserve to be shared because "it doesn't look like feathers AT ALL, Mom!")

    Andi
    Reply

  103. Hi Sharon, My week 5 and 6 are done and posted to my blog. I've gone with a Valentine colour theme of pink, red and white with little heart charm adornments.

    Thank you to those of you who have commented on my blog. My days are very busy and I do manage to take a quick peek at what some of you are doing, but I never seem to have time to see them all, but what I have are really lovely and works of art.

    Thanks so much, Romona http://northbrookstitches.blogspot.com

    Romona
    Reply

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