The Hungarian Braided Chain Stitch (also called the Hungarian Chain Stitch or the Hungarian Braid Stitch) is worked in a manner similar to a reverse chain stitch or a heavy chain stitch, with one notable difference that gives a completely different look to the line.
I love this stitch! It is fun to work, it works up rather quickly, and it can be used anywhere you want a heavier chain-stitch-like line that has a bit of texture to it and looks braided. It really is a lovely stitch!
The Hungarian braided chain stitch works well on straight lines, gently curved lines, and even on tightly curved lines. Practically anywhere you can work a chain stitch, you can work this stitch.
In most books, you’ll see the stitch diagrammed in such a way that it looks really easy just to follow the diagram – but in fact, it can be rather frustrating to work when you try to pick up the inside stitch. In the video, I’ll show you the easy way to do this.
Another point about the way the Hungarian braided chain stitch is diagrammed in books: it is usually shown worked from the top of a line, towards the stitcher. You can actually work this stitch in any direction – left to right, right to left, top to bottom, bottom to top. I find it easier to work the stitch away from me rather than towards me. It’s worth taking some time to play around with the stitch to find out which way is more comfortable for you to work it.
Here’s the video – I hope you enjoy it!
If you’ve received this daily blog post in your e-mail, you’ll need to visit the website to see the Hungarian Braided Chain Stitch video.
For more hand embroidery stitch videos, feel free to visit my collection of embroidery how-to videos here on Needle ‘n Thread! You’ll find over 70 hand embroidery videos there to help you learn various stitches to add to your hand embroidery projects.
Thank you very much for the video Mary..
I was always making mess by splitting the thread while doing braided chain stitch. I followed your tip and really fell in love with the stitch..
Love n Regards
Lakshmi Sadala
Mary, you make all these stitches look so easy that I just have to try them all. And they are pretty easy- once you explain them! Thank you so much.
Alice
Ahhhhh, what will they think of next?!
Live and learn with Mary 
I loved the tutorial,thank you!
Very small addition > it’s called double chain “Dupla láncöltés”
They have also the simple or single one.
http://prozsa53.blogspot.com/2011/03/delalfoldi-szorhimzesek-oltestechnikaja.html
Thanks for the treasures you are sharing with us
I love this stitch ! I will try it. Thanks a lot
Wonderful instructions and far better than in my book which I had been trying to work out.Thank you so much.
The only problem with getting daily emails from Mary is that I can never get any housework done! It seems every stitch must be tried right away and before I know it hours have flown by!
Housework?! That word sounds vaguely familiar…. I think it’s something we’re supposed to avoid, if I recall correctly!
Actually, I always find that needlework is a carrot. If I get my housework done, I can spend more time (with a clear conscience!) on the Fun Stuff!
*sigh* As my mother always said, “The laundry won’t do itself…”
~MC
Dear Mary,
I just learn more one stitch. You are the most important people in my life.
I ask you if there are a book with all kinds of stitches you make.
Please send me the name and how I can buy it.
I wich you wonderful 2013. You are so special for me.
Just discovered this wonderful site. I have never done much embroidery my hand but after looking at all the information on this site, I will! Thank you. It is a goldmine!
I just love this runner. It is a rarity that you see a runner, and even more so one that is embroidered. I love the Hungarian braid stitch so very pretty. I haven’t done embroidery since the third grade, however, watching you progress in your runner has led me to the temptation in trying out some stitches. The other day I came across a tablecloth that my mom always used for special occasions. It has burn marks from dad’s cigarettes but surprisingly it is still in excellent condition and fits my table! I was debating on how I can incorporate some embroidery around the burns. Definitely a project to ponder for this Summer. Thank you for your inspiration!
I just picked up an embroidery needle after about a 30 year hiatus, and realized that I didn’t remember anything past a chain stitch. Luckily I found you on Pinterest which led me to your wonderful web site. Love it, love it, love it. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and great talent.