What is Chainstitch Embroidery?

When speaking with my customers, many don't understand the complexity in using both machines; namely when asking about chain stitch embroidery. 

Chain stitch embroidery was historically used for work-wear, embellishing garments, and western wear. (Not to be confused with a chain stitch made in hand embroidery!) Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot of information online about this type of embroidery. The machines were made by Cornely and Singer. The particular machine that I use started being manufactured around 1911. It uses a hand-crank to steer the machine/stitches, and it was first used with a treadle table. For those who don’t know, a treadle table is operated with a foot pedal. The foot pedal is pumped, which in turn rotates a wheel to operate the machinery, as these types of tables don’t use any electricity. These days, steering a chain stitch machine is still controlled with the hand-crank, but most people use electric motor to power the machine. On this machine, the needle is guided by turning a handle below the machine.  It has taken a lot of practice to build up hand and eye coordination.  Also, there are no buttons or automated settings on this machine so changing things like stitch length and width requires making manual adjustments by loosening a screw slightly and adding extra oil in the right place; not to mention raising or lowering the needle. 

I decided to go with a replica model because of the fact that it's brand new. Most users have chain stitch machines that were used in the early 1900's and many of them have their quirks (not to say that mines doesn't).

Because everything is done by free-hand, each design produced will have variations and take longer to finish.

Feel free to contact me for any questions and take a look at our Gallery of designs for inspiration!