Also known as: Vandyke chain stitch
This stitch is the incorporation of chain stitch in a zig zag manner. In other words, a zig zag chain stitch is done between two parallel lines instead of one. Ideal for any border embroidery, this is more of a decoration stitch.
I have used only one stitch line to illustrate this stitch. You may imagine a parallel stitch line over the one that I have marked. To do this stitch, you need to know how to do chain stitch.
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| Fig 1: With the base on the stitch line, do a chain stitch loop. | Fig 2: The stitch should be slanted at about a 45 degrees angle, from the stitch line. If it helps, you may draw a parallel stitch line as well. | |
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Fig 3: Continue with the chain stitch procedure, but keep the needle at a 45 degree angle always, for every new stitch. | |
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| Fig 4: You should get a pattern like this when done on a straight line. You can try to follow curves too. | ||
Tags: chain stitch, chain stitch family, chain stitch variations, chain stitch variety, embroidery tutorial, hand embroidery, vandyke chain stitch, zig zag chain stitch
Hi sarah ..
Just pitched into the embroidery section when I was browsing .. Good job!!! There is a beautifully written tutorial for a wide range of stitches… Had never seen this zig-zag chain stitch anywhere .. You have explained this stitch with really good pics !!!
Book marking this site for future reference !!
-srilatha
Hey srilatha,
Thanks. Nice to hear from you.
Do let know if you looking for any other kind of specific stitch. Maybe I can place it up here.
Thank’s a lot about your very excellent write tutorial. You give me more than what I want. Thank’s…….
Hey Ratnawati,
Thanks for your appreciation. Enjoy stitching!
[...] embroidery stitch is also known as Vandyke chain stitch. It is a line stitch and filling used on plain-and even-weave fabrics and is suitable for use with [...]
hey sarah,
isnt the stitch at 45 degrees? just asked to avoid confusion for beginners like me.
Dear Leema,
Thanks for pointing that out! You are right, it should be 45 degrees with the stitch line as the base.
I think my head had taken a vacation.
The correction has been made.
Hi Sarah,
Great to see that you have already corrected it!
Its human to make mistakes. I thought it spoiled the otherwise perfect tutorial and hence sent you a mail.
Btw it would be great if you could reply to my doubt in the homepage of the chain stitch family. As suggested by you posting a comment in the relevant page would help others who might have similar doubts and hence I am not asking it here again.
Also warm bday wishes for your lil one.
Just anxious to know where you are located in India. Are you in Kerala and if so in which part of Kerala? If you are in Trivandrum I would love to attend your classes in person.
Leema
Hello Leema,
Thanks for your wishes.
We are located in Pune. Right now, we are in Kerala for a few days, though.