Heart Chain Stitch
Heart Chain Stitch is a fun and decorative variation of the Chain Stitch embroidery technique. The embroidery method of this stitch is straightforward – two Detached Chain Stitches are positioned to form a heart shape. The stitches can be regular or slightly opened (like in the Fly stitch technique) to better mimic the heart shape.
Technically, this is not a separate embroidery stitch but rather a method for positioning Detached Chain stitches.
On the reverse side, the Heart Chain Stitch will result in a group of diagonal straight stitches.
Applications of the Heart Chain Stitch
This hand embroidery technique creates heart-shaped motives. Therefore, you can use it anywhere this decorative motive is required or fits.
Small detached hearts will look nice on children’s garments, socks, napkins, and anywhere you feel like adding one.
Hearts positioned in a row will look nice as a border stitch to embellish seams, edges, cuffs, or necklines of the garments.
More stitches from the Chain Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Heart Chain Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Heart 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 Heart Chain Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark the shape of the heart you want to stitch. Start with one Detached Chain Stitch.
2. Add the second Chain Stitch, which starts at the same point as the first one.
3. To mimic the shape of the heart more accurately, you can create Detached Chain stitches with a slightly open stitch – like making a Fly Stitch.
4. Add the second stitch to finish the shape.
5. You can position the Heart Chain Stitch in the row to create a decorative band.
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!
Don’t miss a thing!
Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Flipboard, and Pinterest. Or why not subscribe to Practical Embroidery newsletter and get embroidery tips straight to your inbox every few weeks?
Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
