chain stitch

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

noun

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

verb

1. to sew (something) with this stitch

Word History and Origins

Origin of chain stitch¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

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

From The Verge

“For the embroidery pattern on the socks, I used a classic chain stitch to spell names, although initials would also work as a less laborious alternative,” Ms. Rocha said.

From New York Times

A chain stitch is where you pull the needle through the loop into the next stitch.

From New York Times

Hearing that Ms. Wolfe was interested in sound, Victoria Aviles, the owner, ran some of her sewing machines: one that does the purl stitch, and another that she had just bought because its chain stitch is needed for work on jeans.

From New York Times

Mr. Huynh, the store’s in-house hatter, spends most of his days crammed between wooden blocks and weathered chain stitch machines, making, reshaping and repairing hats.

From New York Times