How to Embroider: Heavy Chain Stitch- Video and Step by Step Tutorial

Heavy Chain Stitch

The heavy chain stitch creates a thick chain link line on the fabric. It can be used as a decorative stitch and to add raised texture to a project. Use this DIY video and step-by-step tutorial to learn how to embroider the heavy chain stitch.

What you'll need to create the heavy chain stitch:

Heavy Chain Stitch Video

Heavy Chain Stitch Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. The heavy chain is a variation on the reverse chain stitch. Like the name suggests, it creates a thicker/heavier chain on the front of the fabric. Start by making a short back stitch along the line of the heavy chain.

2. Similar to the reverse chain, bring the needle up through the fabric about a ¼ an inch away from the start of the back stitch. Then slide the needle underneath the back stitch. Gently tug so that the thread is flush with the fabric. Bring the needle back down through the fabric where it’s coming out of the fabric to close the link.

3. Now leave another ¼ inch space away from the end of the previous stitch and bring the needle back up through the fabric. Slide the needle underneath the back stitch again. Gently tug so that the thread is flush with the fabric. Bring the needle back down through the fabric where it’s coming out of the fabric to close the link. This is the first heavy chain link.

4. Continue adding heavy chain stitches to the row by sliding the needle underneath the section where the previous heavy chain is doubled. Repeat until the row of heavy chain is complete.

Looking for more helpful embroidery tips, supplies, and hands-on workshops?

Workshops

Join Melissa Galbraith of MCreativeJ for a hands-on workshop! Melissa makes hand embroidery easy with a wide variety of embroidery classes. Classes are beginner-friendly to advanced and will walk you through a wide variety of stitches, techniques, and designs.

Find all upcoming workshops at: https://www.mcreativej.com/upcoming-seattle-events

Embroidery Books

Want a great hand embroidery reference? Try one of Melissa's hand embroidery books! Each book is great for beginners and breaks down materials, stitches, techniques, and projects for you.

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