Twisted Chain Stitch
a member of the chain stitch family
Twisted chain stitch has a hand embroidery stitch which has slightly textured appearance.
It is a variation of chain stitch and can be effectively introduced in many types of needlework projects.
To work twisted chain bring the needle up through the fabric and hold the thread with the left thumb. Insert the needle to the left of where it emerges from the fabric. This point can be varied depending upon how wide you want the 'spike' of the chain. The wider the gap the larger the spike.
Take the needle through the fabric bringing the point of the needle out a short space along the line to be stitched.
Cross the thread over the needle, then wrap the thread under the needle point and pull the needle through the fabric.
The stitch that you have created is a twisted chain. It is ideal for linear details as it follows curve with ease.
Worked with large long spikes this stitch can have an organic quality. A large variety of threads can be used from the finest thread to silk ribbon, the size of the stitch will depend on the weight of the thread used.
Twisted chain stitch can also be worked in the same way detached chain is worked with each loop being anchored by a small straight stitch. It can be worked as single stitches or arranged in a circle to form floral motifs. In the illustration above the stitch is worked on a crazy quilt block in rayon ribbon topped off with a row of bugle beads. It is a stitch that is also suitable for silk ribbon embroidery.
Chain stitch Family:
There are many other stitches in this group. The stitches that I have listed here in the chain stitch family are:
- Alternating barred chain stitch,
- Barred chain stitch,
- Butterfly chain,
- Detached chain,
- Feathered chain,
- Heavy Chain stitch
- Reverse Chain stitch
- Twisted chain,
- Open chain,
- Oyster Stitch,
- Rosette Chain,
- Whipped chain
- Zig Zag chain.
