I was flipping through an old embroidery best sewing books for beginners at a vintage shop, pages slightly yellowed, thread samples still neatly tucked between them. And there it was, Cable Chain Stitch.
This looks like a beautiful, interlocked stitch resembling a tiny, elegant rope winding its way across the fabric. I couldn’t believe how textured and bold it looked, like it had its own rhythm.
The steps were so straightforward, too. You just gotta do,
Cable Chain
To do a cable chain stitch by hand, make a chain stitch and then anchor each loop with a tiny horizontal stitch across its top, creating a braided, rope-like effect.
The descriptions look so tempting that I had to try them.
Table of Contents
Cable Chain Stitch Definition
Cable Chain Stitch is a stitch that creates a textured, rope-like effect by linking small loops together in a closely packed, overlapping pattern. That’s creating a cable chain effect & that’s where it gets its name.
It’s a variation of the regular chain stitch, but with an added twist—literally, since each loop wraps around the previous one. It’s great for borders, outlines, and adding a bold, dimensional look to your embroidery work.
Cable Chain Stitch Design Images
The formation of stitches creates so interesting embroidery. Here is how it looks in designs.
Cable Chain Stitch Step By Step
Remember doing twisted chain stitch? The technique is similar to that, but with a little difference. Here is how it’s done.
- Put The Needle On The Right Side
- Hold The Thread And Wrap It Around The Needle
- Push Back Needle In & Out From The Starting Point To 1 Inch Far
- Wrap The Thread Again Around The Needle & Pull
Put The Needle on The Right Side
First, I grab an embroidery needle (I like size 7 or 8 for this one) and about 2 strands of embroidery floss to keep the stitches smooth but still bold. I’m working on medium-weave cotton fabric because it gives enough grip for the loops without puckering.
At my starting point, I bring my needle up from the back of the fabric. This tiny move is key. It helps anchor the first part of the stitch without pulling the thread too tight.
Hold The Thread And Wrap It Around The Needle
Now, I hold my working thread with my left hand (if you’re right-handed) and make a neat little loop by wrapping it once around the needle, counterclockwise.
This is what will start forming that signature chain look.
Push Back Needle In & Out From The Starting Point To 1 Inch Far
Here’s where the “cable” effect comes in. I insert my needle again, right where I came up, and bring it out about 1 inch along the stitch line at a 180-degree angle. I try to keep the spacing consistent to make the cable look even.
But you don’t always need to follow 1 inch gap. You can adjust it according to your design demands.
Wrap The Thread Again Around The Needle & Pull
Before pulling the needle through, I make another loop by wrapping the thread around the needle again, just like before.
Then I gently pull the needle through, and ta-da!
The thread wraps around itself, creating a beautifully twisted cable effect. I repeat this process for a row of stunning stitches.
Cable Chain Stitch Diagram
So lovely, right? If you’ve done it correctly, the stitch should look like this.
Cable chain stitch pdf
Interesting right? So save the PDF and take a peek whenever you try for the 1st time.
Another Version Of Cable Chain Stitch
It is an exciting form, but hold on; there is more variation of chain stitch. Excited? I got excited too. The other form is also enjoyable. Here is how it’s got,
Zigzag Cable Chain Stitch
It’s worked by alternating the stitch placement across two parallel lines. This stitch adds texture and movement to borders or outlines. That’s why it’s so ideal for bold, ornamental designs. Here is how i do it,
- I start by making a loop like in a regular chain stitch, keeping the base on one line.
- I wrap the thread around the needle, holding it at a 90° angle near the broader end of the loop.
- I insert the needle through the opposite stitch line and bring it out at a 90° angle on the first line.
- With the thread still wrapped, I loop it from inside out and pull through to form a zigzag loop, just like a detached chain.
- I keep repeating the process, consistently placing the needle at the broad base of the previous loop.
- I keep the needle at 90° each time and always loop the thread from inside out, left to right when stitching left, and right to left when stitching right.
How To Do Knotted Cable Chain Stitch?
The Knotted Cable Stitch is a textured and decorative stitch that creates a series of knotted loops linked together by small, twisted cable-like knots. The technique is easy, too. For intense,
- I bring the needle up at the right end of the line and take it down just above it, leaving a loop.
- I twist the loop, then bring the needle up inside the twist just below the line.
- I pull through to make a knot, then slide the needle under the straight stitch (don’t pierce the fabric).
- I leave another loop and take the needle down just below the knot.
- I bring it up on the line, inside the loop, and pull through to make a chain.
- I repeat the steps to continue the stitch.
- To end, I make one last knot and take the thread down through the fabric.
Cable Chain Stitch Vs Chain Stitch
If you have seen a chain-stitch diagram, then you can definitely tell the difference between the two. But still, newbies always struggle & mix them up. Although the main difference,
Cable chain stitch has a twisted, knotted look with overlapping loops, while chain stitch forms smooth, uniform looped chains.
Rather than that, there are more differences.
| Feature | Cable Chain Stitch | Chain Stitch |
| Appearance | Looks like a twisted or knotted rope | Smooth, looped appearance like a chain |
| Texture | Thicker and more textured | Lightweight and flat |
| Thread Type | Works well with thicker threads like perle cotton | Works with all thread types, especially cotton floss |
| Needle Type | Embroidery or crewel needle, size 6–8 | Embroidery or crewel needle, size 6–10 |
| Stitch Size | Around ½ to 1 inch per link | Adjustable, usually ¼ to ½ inch |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s it used for?
It’s great for borders, outlines, vines, or decorative lines that need a little extra flair or texture.
Is It Hard To Do?
Not really! Once you’re comfortable with chain stitch, cable chain is just a small twist—literally. It just takes a bit more attention to angles and loop direction.
Do I Need Any Special Tools?
Nope—just your regular embroidery needle, thread, and fabric. A hoop helps with tension but isn’t mandatory.
Outro
That’s how cable chain stitch works. I love it so much cause it adds such a unique touch to my embroidery. Try it you won’t regret it for sure.
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