Sinhalese Chain Stitch
Sinhalese Chain Stitch is a decorative variation of the Chain Stitch. This surface embroidery technique is similar to the Open Chain Stitch. Still, two laid threads are added to make the stitch more decorative and bold.
Other names of the stitch
This hand embroidery technique comes from Sri Lanka and can also be called the Singalese or Singhalese Chain stitch.
Applications of the Sinhalese Chain Stitch
Sinhalese Chain Stitch is a decorative embroidery technique to decorate the borders and edges of home textiles and garments. Besides that, it will look great in botanical embroidery and any other surface embroidery project.
To make this embroidery technique stand out – use the threads of two contrasting colors. Sinhalese stitch made with one thread color will look like Open Chain stitch with a bolder outer line.
You can embroider this stitch on straight or slightly curved lines. If you embroider this stitch on the curved line, leave the ends of the laid threads loose so you can move the laid thread around to follow the curve. You will secure them as a final step of the embroidery.
More stitches from the Chain stitch family
Learn how to embroider Sinhalese Chain Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Sinhalese Chain Stitch quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.
How to embroider Sinhalese Chain Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
- Mark the design
Draw two parallel lines to define the width of the stitch. Make a long stitch along the entire line. If your design is curved, leave a laid thread loose.
- Add the second laid stitch
Make one more parallel stitch on the second mark.
- Start the first Chain stitch
Take the needle up on the inner side of the laid threads at the base of the stitch and pass the needle under both laid threads.
- Chain stitch
Take the needle down at the base of the second laid thread, on the inner side of the laid threads. Leave the loop of the working thread open.
- Finish the first stitch
Take the needle up on the inner side of the laid threads, one stitch away, inside the loop. Pull the thread on the back of the fabric to tighten the loop. Leave enough space for the second side of the Open Chain Stitch.
- Pass the needle under the laid threads
This will form the second Open Chain stitch.
- Push the needle down to the fabric inside the first loop
This will close the first stitch and create a loop for the next one. Continue adding the stitches in this manner to embroider the entire design.
- Anchor the final stitch
When the decorative bar is done, anchor the final open chain stitch with two stitches at the angles of the stitch.
Video tutorial
Tools and materials I used for this sampler
Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.
What’s next?
If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
