Open Chain Stitch
Open Chain Stitch is one of the decorative variations of the Chain Stitch. This variation forms a wider line made of square-looking stitches.
Other names of the stitch
This antique hand embroidery technique has various alternative names, such as Square Chain stitch, Roman Chain stitch, Small writing, Big writing, or Ladder stitch.
Applications of the Open Chain Stitch
This hand embroidery technique is decorative and versatile. You can use it for borders, outlines, lettering, decorative filling, or crazy quilting. The stitch takes curves well, so you can embroider vines and other botanical elements with Open Chain Stitch.
This stitch is often used to embellish clothes and home textiles. It can be used as a standalone motive or combined with other decorative stitches to create composite borders.
More stitches from the Chain Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Open Chain Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Open 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 Open Chain Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
Instructions
1. We will work in the top-down direction. Mark two parallel lines.
2. Take the needle to the surface on the top left mark and make a stitch to the top right mark. Leave the loop of the working thread open.
3. Take the needle up on the left mark, one stitch below.
4. Make a stitch to the right mark. Pull the working thread from the left while the needle is in the fabric to tighten the loop.
5. Repeat the steps 3 and 4. Now, you have one more square on your ladder. Repeat as many times as needed to finish the entire marked line.
6. Make an anchoring stitch to secure the left side of the Open Chain stitch.
7. Then, add one more anchoring stitch to secure the right side of the stitch.
Open Chain 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.
