This week the stitch for the Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge is Cable Chain Stitch.
I hope people will have with this one, as there is a lot you can do with it. Cable chain stitch also known as cable stitch. Cable chain is a variation of chain stitch. It is worked in a similar manner to basic chain stitch but with an added step of twisting the thread round the needle after each chain loop.

stitch illustration

Cable chain is used as a linear stitch on both plain and even-weave fabrics. The extra loop between chain stitches creates a link between the chains. As with basic chain stitch this version follows curves well and can even be worked solidly as a filling stitch.

How to work the stitch

Bring the needle up through the fabric on the line you want to work.

Slip the needle under the thread

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With the needle under the thread hold the thread with the left thumb and twist the thread around the needle once as illustrated.

stitch illustration

Point the needle back into the hole it emerged from. Push the thread so it sits close to the fabric so it forms a firm loop around the needle.

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Bring the needle out below the loop and wrap the thread under the needle point as you would for basic chain stitch.

stitch illustration

Pull the thread through the fabric and you have created your first cable chain stitch.

Repeat these steps along the line working a row from the top down.

stitch illustration

This is a very quick and versatile stitch which is interesting on its own or worked in combination with other stitches. You can also lace and thread this stitch or a bead can be stitched to the middle of each chain.

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I hope you enjoy this stitch as I do! Well that’s it for this week remember to swing by and leave a comment here so that people can follow the link and see what you have done and there is a Take a stitch Tuesday flickr group which you can browse

For anyone enjoying this challenge or who enjoyed the Sumptuous surfaces class which has just finished up, you will possibly enjoy the Develop a Personal Library of Stitches starting on October 31.

Crazy quilters will be pleased to know that the Encrusted Crazy Quilting is being offered again starting on October 26.