chain stitch

American  

noun

1. a kind of ornamental hand stitching in which each stitch forms a loop through the forward end of the next.

2. a basic crochet stitch in which yarn is pulled with the crochet hook through a loop on the hook to form a continuous strand of interlocking single loops.

3. a machine stitch forming a chain on the underside of the fabric.

---

chain stitch British  

noun

1. an ornamental looped embroidery stitch resembling the links of a chain

---

verb

1. to sew (something) with this stitch

Etymology

Origin of chain stitch

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

chain stitch

The first embroidery stitch María Méndez Rodríguez learned at the age of 7 was the chain stitch.

From The Verge ● Feb. 12, 2022

This chain stitch was much employed for ground patterns in the beautiful gold-coloured work on linen for dress or furniture which prevailed from the time of James I. to the middle of the eighteenth century.

From Handbook of Embroidery by Alford, Marianne Margaret Compton Cust, Viscountess

The petals of the lower flower are worked similarly, and the centre is carried out in chain stitch and French knots.

From Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving by Christie, Grace

The chain stitch, besides being ornamental, makes one of the best darning stitches, reproducing the stitch in knitting.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

Thimonnier's device was a chain stitch sewing machine worked with a treadle.

From A History of the Nineteenth Century, Year by Year Volume Two (of Three) by Emerson, Edwin