Chevron Stitch

Chevron Stitch is a stitch which is sometimes used in smocking, but it makes a great space for itself in your surface embroidery.

Another stitch formed in two parts, one on each side of the stitching line, it forms a zig-zag pattern, with each point of the zig-zag capped with a short straight stitch. These straight stitches can be close together or spaced apart, and form two rows on the outside of the stitching.

See our video tutorial on Chevron Stitch here.

Steps to Create Chevron Stitch

Step 1: Preparation

Cut a length of thread, approximately 12 to18 inches long, to ensure it is manageable and doesn't tangle easily. Thread the needle and knot the end of the thread to prevent it from pulling through the fabric. (see our video - Getting Started In Hand Stitching for a simple starting knot , or the Getting Started in Hand Stitching blog page for a description with photos.)

If you are using our stitch guide, mark your fabric. For practice stitching, pencil works well. I have used a 2B pencil here, which is soft enough to make clear marks.

Step 2: Starting the Stitch

Insert the needle into the fabric from the underside at the point where you want to start your stitching. Pull the thread through until the knot rests against the fabric.

For the first stitch, your needle is at the beginning of one of the little straight stitches capping the first zig-zag.

Step 3: Making the Stitches

Push the needle back into the fabric, a short distance along the stitching line, at what will be the end of the short straight stitch.

Then bring the needle back to the front of the fabric mid-way between the ends of the short stitch.

This is easier to do with a sewing motion, as you can control where the thread lies as you stitch.

Keep the thread that will form the short stitch outside (above) the zig-zag area. Pull the thread all the way through the fabric.

Take the needle to the lower edge of the stitches, and insert the needle at the centre of the short straight stitch.

Bring the needle back towards the front of the stitching, to the start of the short straight stitch. Pull the thread all the way through the fabric.

Complete the lower short straight stitch, by inserting the needle at the far end, and bringing it back out at the mid point of the short straight stitch.

Keep your thread outside (below) the zig-zag area. Pull the thread all the way through, creating another short stitch.

This is one stitch.

Step 4: Continuing the Pattern

Continue the pattern by inserting the needle at the top of the next zig-zag (which will be at the centre of the straight stitch) and bringing it back out at the back end of the stitch. Pull the thread through. Insert the needle at the front end of the short stitch, bringing it back out at the centre. Keep the thread above the zig-zag area. Pull the thread through.

Repeat the process, switching between the top and bottom of the zig-zags. By using a sewing motion, you can repeat these small back stitches in the pattern that forms the Chevron stitch.

Continue creating Chevron stitches along your stitching line.

Step 5: Finishing the Stitch

When you reach the end of your line of stitching, finish one last short straight stitch to cap the zig-zag, then bring the needle to the under side of the fabric.

Make a small knot close to the fabric to secure the thread. Trim any excess thread with scissors. (see our video - Getting Started in Hand Stitching for a simple end knot, or the Getting Started in Hand Stitching blog page for a description with photos.)

Variations on Chevron Stitch

You can change the length of the zig-zag, alternating tall then short, you can create a quick variation of Chevronn stitch.

Applications of Chevron Stitch

Chevron stitch is used in smocking, to help contain the pleats of fabric. In surface embroidery it can be very decorative and can describe shapes by making the edge lines follow the outlines.