What is a single chain stitch and how do I use it?
The single, or sometimes called detached, chain stitch is a simple, single loop embroidery stitch. It is used to create both the lazy daisy stitch and the chain stitch. The single/detached chain stitch is often used individually as leaves, or clustered together to create simple embroidery flowers or plants. In the Stitching Raccoon Sampler, the single chain stitch is used to create the four-leaf clovers.
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Single/detached chain stitch diagram
Below is what a typical diagram for the single/detached chain stitch may look like in an embroidery pattern or on other how-to pages.
See the single chain stitch in action
Follow along with this quick video to see how each step of the single/detached chain stitch comes together.
Step-by-step instructions
Now, let's walk through each step in the single/detached chain stitch together.
Step 1: From the backside of the fabric, bring your needle up where you want the bottom of the stitch to be.
Step 2: Holding the embroidery floss to the side, insert the needle back down through the same hole you just came up, but do not pull the floss all the way through yet.
Step 3: Now, bring your needle back up, about a stitch length ahead at the top-most part of the loop. Make sure the embroidery floss goes around your needle. Then, pull the needle so the floss comes all the way through. You should have a loop of floss.
Step 4: To finish, make a tiny stitch over the loop to secure it in place.
Save it for later
Want to remember how to do the single/detached chain stitch? Pin the image below to Pinterest as a quick reference for later!
Give it a try, you can do it!
Now it's your turn to grab a needle, some embroidery floss, and give it a go! Practice the single/detached chain stitch, along with other basic embroidery stitches, in the Stitching Raccoon Sampler. Get the embroidery pattern for FREE by signing up below!
