Checkered or Alternating Chain Stitch Video Tutorial
The chain stitch is perhaps one of the most common stitches in hand embroidery. By itself, it's pretty versatile. Add all the variations, and you can do just about anything with the chain stitch! Here's the alternating or checkered chain stitch...
With this stitch, you end up with a chain stitched line wherein two colors alternate with each stitch. In the video tutorial, I use dark purple and light purple, and I end up with a line that progresses in dark-light-dark-light loops of chain stitches.
This stitch is kind of fun, because you're working with two different colors of thread in the same needle. Don't be intimidated by the sound of it! If you can do the chain stitch, you can do this! It's just a matter of looping one of the colors of thread under your needle instead of both. You might want to check out the chain stitch video tutorial if you aren't familiar with that stitch yet.
And, on a final note, I really have to apologize for this shaky video! One of these days, I'm going to get a better tripod! In the meantime, the concept is there, so once you pick it up, you can expand the applications of the stitch.
Have fun with it!
For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.
With this stitch, you end up with a chain stitched line wherein two colors alternate with each stitch. In the video tutorial, I use dark purple and light purple, and I end up with a line that progresses in dark-light-dark-light loops of chain stitches.
This stitch is kind of fun, because you're working with two different colors of thread in the same needle. Don't be intimidated by the sound of it! If you can do the chain stitch, you can do this! It's just a matter of looping one of the colors of thread under your needle instead of both. You might want to check out the chain stitch video tutorial if you aren't familiar with that stitch yet.
And, on a final note, I really have to apologize for this shaky video! One of these days, I'm going to get a better tripod! In the meantime, the concept is there, so once you pick it up, you can expand the applications of the stitch.
Have fun with it!
For more video tutorials for hand embroidery stitches, please visit the Video Library of Stitches Index.
Labels: beginner embroidery, Hand embroidery stitches, video tutorials
Posted By: Mary Corbet on Wednesday, November 29, 2006
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8 Comments:
This is a cool stitch I didn't know about. I'm going to be doing a Christmas ornament tonight and will try this one. Thanks!
You'll have to let the rest of us know how your Christmas ornament turns out! I'm happy you found a stitch you didn't know about - this one is fun! Enjoy it!
A couple of months ago, someone posted on Craftster about "magic chain stitch," which seems to be this stitch, but she didn't give directions. I've been curious about it ever since, although I had the impression that it was a very complicated process involving two needles . What a marvelous surprise to see it here, and so do-able. Thank you for another wonderful tutorial!
This is such a beautiful stitch. I really liked it. Do you think it could be used to fill a tree branch with light and brown floss? Or would you recommend satin stitch?
It depends on what you want your tree trunk to look like... If you're going for a "stylized" look (not a natural look) for a tree trunk, I think it would be ok to use this stitch in shades of brown, alternating where the stitches are falling. Typically, though, for a stylized tree trunk, you'd use something more like a stem stitch filling, working the rows in shades of brown. But if you want a natural look, I'd go with a long and short stitch.
Glad you like the checkered chain - nope, it's not complicated at all, Elizabeth - it's fun to work, and will work up a lot faster than the video shows it!
Hi, I am looking for a verbal/ video tutorial of checkered chain band, while searching for it I came across your cool site & the nice descriptive videos that you have. DO you know how to do this stitch if yes I would love to learn how to do it. I have a photo but no description & the photo isnt clear at all. I would appreciate any help as I am about to start a piece that uses this stitch. Thanks so much. Akanksha
Hi, Akanksha -
Actually, this is the same stitch! It's a checkered chain band, alternating chain stitch, checkered chain stitch, etc.
Hope that's helpful! Good luck on your project!
Hi Mary,
Thanks so much.
Akanksha
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