How to

Reverse chain stitch

The chain stitch is very handy go-to stitch but it can be time consuming and fiddly. The reverse chain stitch is the faster and easier version and worth trying as an alternative.

I prefer this stitch as you have the additional bonus of being able to control the stitch length at a glance, instead of the basic chain stitch where you feel the need to mark spots on the fabric to help you space the stitches more evenly.

Have a look at my short video demonstration below to learn how to make the reverse chain stitch.

If you are having trouble viewing the video, please click here to view it directly on Youtube.

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Step by step

Follow along and you will very soon master the versatile reverse chain stitch.

TIP

The most important thing you need to practice with this stitch is to keep the tension loose to prevent the loops closing up. Keep on practicing this until you are able to keep the tension even as you stitch. It might feel fiddly at the start but you will soon find it is much easier than it seemed.

Start by threading your needle with embroidery floss. Knot the end of the floss.

Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, where you want to start your stitch. Make sure the knot is on the backside of the fabric.

Insert the needle back into the fabric, a tiny stitch length away to the right. This is the anchor stitch for the first loop of the chain stitch.

Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric, a stitch length away to the right.

Slide the needle under the small anchor stitch.

Pull gently making sure the thread is sitting loosely as in the example. Keeping the tension loose and even is the most difficult part of this stitch.

Insert the needle back into the fabric into the same hole (or right next to it) where the stitch started.