Raised Chain Stitch – Easy Tutorial For An Impressive Technique

The raised chain stitch is a technique found in stumpwork embroidery. Instead of making the chain stitches directly on the surface of the fabric, this raised stitch is worked and interlaced through foundational stitches. It’s got a wide variety of uses; you can use it for borders or even as a fill stitch!

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How To Do The Raised Chain Stitch

This stitch can be worked in any direction you want. For this example I set the stitches up so I could work the raised stitches vertically because I find them easiest to make this way.

I used Zollies array yarn for this example, but any embroidery thread will do. You may also find it helpful to have both an embroidery needle and a tapestry needle on hand for this stitch as some of it involves weaving under and over other stitches.

Step 1: Make horizontal stitches that are evenly spaced out across the area you plan to stitch.

Step 2: Using a new piece of thread, Come up directly above the first foundational stitch.

Step 3: Pull the working thread through and place your needle underneath the first stitch and off to left of the working thread.

Note: Left-handed stitchers will find it easiest to start by going up and to the right of the working thread.

Step 4: Pull the working thread through. Then place the needle down through the foundational stitch to the right of the little stitch.

Note: For left handers, place the needle down to the left of the stitch.

Step 5: A loop will start to form, place your needle and thread over the loop.

Step 6: Gently pull the working thread so the loop tightens. This is the first chain stitch.

Step 7: Proceed to the next foundational stitch.

Step 8: Repeat steps 3-6 for each chain stitch.

Step 9: To end the row of stitches, place the needle and thread down through the fabric at the base of the last stitch.

Stitching Along A Curve

It’s entirely possible to make this stitch along a curve. All you have to do is set the foundational stitches so that they are evenly spaced out along the curve. They won’t be completely parallel, and that’s totally fine. Instead, they will slightly fan out, similar to how you would lay satin stitches across a curve.

Then, make the chain stitches across each of the foundational stitches like usual.

Extra Tips

• If you plan to make a single row of these stitches, keep the foundational stitches very short. If you plan to fill in a larger area, the foundational stitches should run across the area you intend to stitch.
• Be careful not to pull working thread too tight; I think this stitch looks best worked a little bit looser, which makes it fluffier.
• Try playing around with different color combinations with this stitch. The foundational stitches will show through ever so slightly, so adding a contrasting color might add a little something extra.

I hope you found this little tutorial helpful. Please check out lots of other embroidery stitches to learn even more!

Amanda

Amanda is a hand embroidery teacher and artist. With over 15 years of experience in the craft industry and embroidery, she owns and runs Crewel Ghoul, sharing accessible tutorials and patterns to help inspire fellow crafters to get creative. In addition to running this website, she teaches on Skillshare and Youtube.