Chain stitch
In the country of Portugal which boats of a rich history and cultural heritage, one of the striking features comprise of the manifold embroidery patterns which have earned fame worldwide. Chain stitch is one such pattern.
While it is true that the origin of the chain stitch can be traced to the Indian subcontinent and Persia, over the years the chain stitch has consolidated its position in western culture as well and it is one of the basic embroidery patterns on the basis of which various other stitching patterns have developed. Chain stitch is also referred to by other names like point de chainette or tambour stitch and this name has been derived form the use of a specific tool or hook known as tambour which aids in this form of stitching. This tambour hook is often referred to as crochet hook as well and such embroidery is called tambour embroidery. It is interesting to note in this respect that there is a notable distinction between the chain stitch embroideries sewn by hand and those sewn with the help of the tambour hook. In order to realize the difference one needs to observe the backside of the embroidery which will display the difference. Chain stitch is simpler and less complicated and therefore it is considered ideal for learning by young children. Chain stitches can be of various kinds like barred chain stitch, detached chain stitch etc and they are often used in order to design a flower motif by drawing a circle and this is known as the lazy daisy stitch. Chain stitches are suitable for embroidery on a variety of fabrics and numerous kinds of threads can be used for stitching like ribbons and silks. One thing must be remembered in this case that the length or size of the stitch will be dependent on the size of the thread itself.