Cable Chain Stitch

Cable Chain Stitch is a decorative variation of Chain Stitch. A straight stitch is inserted between the chain stitches to create a decorative link. This way, the stitch resembles a metal chain.

Other names of the stitch

A Cable Chain Stitch is also called a Cable Stitch.

Cable Chain Stitch Embroidery with pearl cotton thread

Cable Chain Stitch Embroidery rear side — Rear side of the sampler

Applications of the Cable Chain Stitch

You can use a Cable Chain Stitch anywhere you would use a Chain Stitch—for outlines, borders, lettering, decorative edges, or filling. It looks excellent in botanical embroidery and is also used to embellish clothes and home textiles. To create an even more decorative look, you can lace the Cable Chain Stitch or combine it with other decorative stitches for more complex and elaborate borders.

Cable Chain stitch can be worked on straight lines, but it also takes the curves well.

More stitches from the Chain stitch family

Learn how to embroider Cable Chain Stitch

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Cable Chain Stitch in no time. 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 Cable Chain Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

Instructions

1. Mark the line for the stitch. Work from right to left. Take the needle to the surface at the right point of the line. Twist the working thread around the needle.

2. Push the needle to the fabric a short distance from the starting point. Leave a loop of the working thread open.

3. Take the needle up one stitch away, inside of the loop. Pull the thread from the underside to tighten the loop. Then, pull the thread to the surface to tighten the loop.

4. Make one more wrap on the needle and push it down to create a connecting link. Come up inside the loop and tighten it.

5. Repeat the steps as many times as you need to finish the design.

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.

Embroidery fabric cotton linen neutral colors Etsy — Embroidery fabric

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!