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Raised chain band stitch icon
Raised chain band stitch

  • Raised chain band
  • Raised chain stitch

​This is a decorative band stitch worked on a foundation ladder of parallel stitches.

Raised chain band stitch is generously sponsored by Tania Clarke

Method

This stitch can be worked with the ladder showing or with the stitching filling and therefore hiding the base ladder.  Multiple chains can be worked into the same base ladder if it is wide enough.

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1

Start by stitching a ladder, bringing the needle up on alternate sides in order to make short stitches on the back.

2

Thread a needle with another colour and bring the needle through at the top of the ladder in a central position.

3

Draw the thread through and swap to a tapestry needle. Pass the needle upwards and left under the top stitch of the ladder.

4

Draw the thread through and pass the needle downward on the right hand side under the same top stitch of the ladder. Ensure the loop of the thread lies under the needle.

5

Pull the thread through and then down to create a ‘Y’ shape.

6

Pass the needle upwards and left under the second straight stitch of the ladder.

7

Draw the thread through.

8

Pass the needle downward on the right hand side under the same straight stitch. Ensure the loop of the thread lies under the needle as before.

9

Pull the thread through and then down to create a ‘Y’ shape.

10

Repeat along the line to the bottom of the ladder.

Raised chain band stitch

Identifying Raised chain band stitch

​Raised chain band stitch consists of rows of parallel lines of equal length with a ‘Y’ shaped thread woven in between each row to form a column of linked ‘Y’s down the length of the ladder.

References

  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.63
  • Mrs Archibald Christie, Samplers and Stitches (1921) , p.77–8
  • Mary Thomas, Jan Eaton, Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (Revised Edition) (1989) , p.57