How to Stitch the Detached Single Chain

 

Isolated chain stitching, often called a single chain stitch, is a looped embroidery stitch that is part of the chain stitch family. The shape usually looks like a teardrop or flower petal shape which makes these motifs useful for sewing. But it's also a bit of a building block stitch and so it's an important stitch to learn.

Basic chain stitches are made by stitching several (or many) of these stitches together in one line, but the smaller "tatching" stitch leaves it at the end. Once you learn one of these two stitches, learning the other is fairly easy.

Standard Detached Chain
 
To work the seamless chain stitch, lift the needle up through the fabric at your starting point (point 1).

Insert the needle again at the starting point (point 2) and pull the thread so that there is a small loop of thread on the surface. Bring the index a short distance from the starting point (point 3), grabbing the loop of thread as you drag.

If you prefer to work the stitching method, put your needle as far forward as possible, try this: After you sert the needle at point 2, bring the tip a short distance away with the cloth (point 3), catching the thread loop.

Insert the index (point 4) into the fabric on the reverse side of the thread loop, placing it in place
Repeat the process to make additional stitches.

Reversed Detached Chain
 Another way to make this stitch is to follow the reverse chain stitching method. This version prevents the possibility of pulling a loop of thread through the fabric. As the name implies, you can work it back a bit.

Bring the needle through the fabric (point 3) to see what will be the turning edge of the stitch (point 3). Take the needle back down (point 4), forming the stitching stitch.

Return a short distance from the titching stitch (point 1) and then slide the needle down the stitch. Insert the index at point end of stitch (point 2).

This method is helpful from time to time but will not work for lazy daisies.

Tips for Working Single Chain Stitch 

 Watch a twisting thread while you work this stitch. If the thread is twisted, the tail will be seamlessly shaped. This is especially true when working with embedded cotton embroidered floss, so be sure to regularly empty your thread and needle.

The size of this stitch will vary depending on how tight you are pulling the loop of the thread and how you should use it to your advantage. Keep the loop loose for rounders and wide stitches or tighten it for narrow and sharp stitches.

If you find that the stitch is not the size you like, it is better to pull the threads through the fabric and adjust it rather than pulling it in and starting over.