Knotted Chain Stitch
The Knotted Chain Stitch is a highly decorative variation of the Chain Stitch. Instead of drop- or almond-shaped chains, this stitch variation is formed by small circles connected by a slanted stitch. To create these tiny circles, you must make the same movement as if forming the knot – therefore, the name of the Knotted Chain Stitch.
This technique might initially seem difficult to execute, as you need to manage the tension of the thread well to make neat circles of equal size. It will get easier with some practice, trust me!
On the reverse side, this hand embroidery technique produces a line of tiny vertical stitches.
Other names of the stitch
This decorative option of the Chain Stitch can also be called Link Stitch.
Applications of the Knotted Chain Stitch
Knotted Chain Stitch is a decorative linear stitch that can be stitched on straight or curved lines. You can adjust the size of the links and the distance between the links to create various visual effects.
This Link Stitch technique is great for embroidering decorative borders and outlines or embellishing home textiles and garments. The rows of Knotted Chain Stitch positioned close to each other will create an intricate filling.
More stitches from the Chain Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Knotted Chain Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Knotted 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 Knotted Chain Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark the line you want to stitch. Work from right to left. Take the needle up at the far right end and make a small stitch to the left, slightly above the marked line.
2. Pull the thread to the back, take the needle out under the line, and pull the entire thread to the surface.
3. Pass the needle under the tiny straight stitch from right to left. Pull the thread through to form a little loop.
4. Pass the needle in the loop you just shaped. Carefully pull the thread to tighten the knot to the size you desire for your loops.
5. Take the needle down above the marking line to the left from the first link.
6. Take the needle back to the surface under the line. Pass the needle under the link between two stitches. Then, pass it one more time inside the loop. This will create the second link.
7. Tighten the knot to the same size as the first one and take the needle down above the marked line to start the third stitch.
8. Repeat the steps to embroider the entire shape. At the end, take the needle down on the marked line and secure the thread on the back.
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, 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.
