Closed Chain Stitch
Closed Chain Stitch, also known as Double Chain Stitch, is a decorative variation of the Chain Stitch. The stitching method is straightforward and fast, so this technique is widely used in surface hand embroidery.
While the Closed Chain Stitch looks like a decorative band formed from triangles on the surface, on the reverse side, it forms two parallel rows of backstitches.
Other names of the Closed Chain Stitch
Other names, like Double Chain Stitch or Turkmen Stitch, refer to the same hand embroidery technique as Closed Chain Stitch; therefore, I used them interchangeably.
Applications of the Double Chain Stitch
A decorative band stitched with a Closed Chain Stitch will nicely decorate garments or home textile objects like napkins or tea towels. As the stitch takes curves well, you can use it to embellish the edges of clothes or to embroider your crazy quilt.
More stitches from the Chain Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Closed Chain Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Closed 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 Closed Chain Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark two parallel lines to position the stitches. You can stitch vertically as well as horizontally – as you find it more convenient. Bring the needle to the surface on the left mark, half stitch below the top point. Then, make a diagonal stitch towards the top of the marked line on the right.
2. Pull the thread, but leave a loop of the working thread open. Then, bring the needle to the surface on the right marked line one stitch below, inside the loop.
3. Now, pull the thread to the surface to tighten the loop. Push the needle down to the same point where the first stitch started. Leave the loop of the working thread open.
4. After that, bring the needle to the surface on the left mark, one stitch below and inside the loop.
5. Tighten the loop, which will form the triangle. After that, make a stitch to the right, to the same point where the last stitch started. Leave the loop of the working thread open.
6. Now, on the right mark, bring the needle to the surface, one stitch below. Tighten the loop and form one more triangle.
7. Eventually, repeat the steps to embroider the entire row of Closed Chain Stitch. Secure the last loop with a small anchor 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.
