Reverse chain stitch

Reverse chain stitch is an alternative way to embroider a simple Chain stitch. The visual result of the embroidery stitches will be the same as the regular Chain stitch on both the front and back sides.

Other names of the stitch

Chain stitch is also called Tambour stitch and the Point de chainette.

Applications of the Reverse chain stitch

Making a Chain stitch in a reverse way is a convenient way to change the direction of the stitches when the design requires it.

Applying the rows of alternated regular and Reverse chain stitches will create a knit-like pattern.

This hand embroidery chain stitch, the same way as a Chain stitch, is a very versatile and widely used hand embroidery stitch. In modern surface embroidery, we use chain stitch for:

Outlines
Lettering
Border designs
Filling
As a part of composite stitches

How to embroider Reverse chain stitch

Start with a tiny straight stitch.
Come up with a needle one stitch away and pass the needle under the stitch you just made.
Come down in the same hole where you pulled the needle up. This will form a chain stitch.
Come up one more stitch away and thread the needle under both threads from the previous stitch.
Come down in the same hole where you pulled the needle up.
Continue looping stitches under the previously made ones.
TIP. You can use the back of the needle to pass the thread under the stitches.

More variations of the Chain stitch

Chain stitch
Lazy daisy stitch
Backstitched chain stitch

Video tutorial

If you are a visual learner, watch a video tutorial below or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel.

What's next?

Looking for some other stitch? Head to this blog’s Stitches and Techniques page and choose the stitch you want to learn!

N.B. Some links may take you to the Easy To Make Designs blog. This is my older hand embroidery blog. While I’m dedicating all of my energy to the Practical Embroidery blog, the previous version still has a lot of great content!