Linked Chain Stitch is an interesting linear stitch which produces a thick line that follows a curve well. You can use it wherever a strong line is needed or if you want to outline an area. The beaded version is particularly nice.
You need to know how to work basic chain stitch and these instructions are worked using cotton perle #5 thread
How to work Linked Chain stitch
Linked chain stitch is worked from top to bottom
Begin by making a slightly long chain stitch.
Turn your needle and make a back stitch so that the needle tip emerges from the middle of the first chain, as illustrated in the photograph.
Pull your thread through so that it is now emerging from the middle of the first chain stitch.
Insert you needle where the thread emerges and make another chain stitch.
Continue making stitches in this forward and back motion down the line.
When you each the end you will need to make a small, extra straight stitch to finish the line neatly.
How to work Beaded Linked Chain stitch
Now the beaded version is very exciting but read this tip!
In order to work this stitch use a size 26 tapestry needle. Since the eye of a tapestry needle is long you can thread perle #8 and Perle #5 through the long eye. However the needle itself is thin which means you can add a bead to your working thread as you stitch. The Beading is not done afterwards but during the stitching process.
As with Linked chain stitch the beaded version is worked from top to bottom
Begin by making a slightly long chain stitch. Keep it loose and don’t pull too tight as you want the bead to sit between the chain. Thread a bead on to your working thread and push it near your work as I have illustrated.
Turn your needle and make a back stitch so that the needle tip emerges in the middle of the first chain as illustrated in the photograph. Push the bead into position.
Pull your thread through so that it is now emerging from the middle of the first chain stitch as you would with regular Linked chain stitch.
Insert you needle where the thread emerges and make another chain stitch as illustrated.
Continue making stitches in this forward and back motion down the line adding beads to the back stitch.
As you can see you end up with a thick line of chain stitches with a line of beads stitched down the middle! It is a really versatile beaded stitch as you it will follow a curved line with ease. You can work it in circles to create patterns or freeform ‘scribbles’ that have that little extra sparkle. Have fun with it and not difficult if you use the needle I recommended.