Chain Stitch Embroidery — Your Logo in Vintage, Looped Stitching
We loop thread into a raised, dimensional chainstitch — the heritage look of varsity jackets and old workwear — hand-guided or computerized, in multi-color and specialty threads.
- Looped, raised, dimensional stitch
- Hand-guided or computerized
- Vintage character, made in L.A.
Trusted by thousands of companies across the U.S.
What Is Chain Stitch Embroidery?
Chain stitch loops thread into a raised, dimensional chainstitch with a distinctly looped texture — the heritage look you've seen on varsity jackets, old mechanics uniforms, and bowling shirts. It's stitched hand-guided or computerized, and it reads vintage every time.
- Looped, raised, dimensional texture
- Vintage, retro heritage character
- Multi-color, plus metallic & 3D puff threads
Pro Tip: Chain stitch loves script, lettering, and bold, simple shapes — it's not built for tiny detail. Send your design and we'll guide it to the right machine and thread.
Chain Stitch, Three Ways
The same looped craft delivers very different looks — hand-guided vintage script, crisp computerized lettering, or bold multi-color specialty-thread emblems. Not sure which fits your brand? Talk to a rep.
Hand-guided vintage script
- Looped, dimensional script
- The classic Cornely chainstitch
- Hand-guided, each piece unique
- Perfect for cursive & signatures
Bold, clean lettering
- Computerized precision
- Bold, clean block lettering
- Repeatable across big runs
- Great on caps & jackets
Specialty & multi-color
- Multiple thread colors
- Metallic & 3D puff threads
- Intricate, eye-catching emblems
- Bold, dimensional detail
Why Brands Choose Chain Stitch
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Looped, Dimensional Texture
A raised, looped stitch with real depth you can feel.
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Vintage, Retro Character
The heritage look of varsity jackets and old workwear.
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Hand-Guided or Computerized
Artisan vintage machines or precise automated stitching.
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Multi-Color & Specialty Thread
Multiple colors, plus metallic and 3D puff threads.
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Built to Last
Durable stitching that withstands regular wear and washing.
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Perfect for Script & Bold
Shines on cursive, lettering, and bold, simple designs.
Set Your Chain Stitch Up for Success
Chain stitch shines on script, lettering, and bold shapes. Send your design, pick your threads, and we guide it to the right machine and triple-check every order before production.
Keep it bold: chain stitch isn't suited to very fine detail or tiny text — it loves script, lettering, and bold shapes. Heavier, tighter-weave fabrics hold it best; lighter fabrics may need extra stabilization. We recommend a sample.
How This Process Works
Three simple steps from design to finished merch — and every order is triple-checked by our team before production and again before it ships.
Choose your product(s)
Pick your blank — chain stitch works on denim, canvas, cotton, fleece, and more — then choose your colors, sizes, and the placement you want for each design.
Upload your design
Send your script, lettering, or bold design and any special instructions. We guide it to hand-guided or computerized stitching, and you approve a proof before we stitch.
Make a lasting impression
Hand out merch with a looped, dimensional, vintage finish your employees and customers actually want to wear.
Not sure between vintage and computerized?
Hand-guided gives an artisan, one-of-a-kind look; computerized gives precise, repeatable runs. Your rep will recommend the best fit and triple-check every order.
How Much Does Chain Stitch Cost?
Chain stitch is priced by design size, thread colors, and quantity. Hand-guided work is more artisan and detailed runs add stitches, so it runs more than a simple flat logo — and the vintage character is worth it. Your rep builds the exact quote.
What Can You Chain Stitch?
Looped, vintage stitching on varsity & denim jackets, caps, hoodies, fleece, and tote bags. A heritage, dimensional finish that makes merch feel premium — made in LA.
Products we chain stitch
Varsity Jackets
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Beanies
Tote Bags
Long Sleeves
Polos
Sweatpants
T-Shirts
Varsity Jackets
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Beanies
Tote Bags
Long Sleeves
Polos
Sweatpants
T-Shirts
Varsity Jackets
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Beanies
Tote Bags
Long Sleeves
Polos
Sweatpants
T-Shirts
Varsity Jackets
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Beanies
Tote Bags
Long Sleeves
Polos
Sweatpants
T-Shirts
Varsity Jackets
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Beanies
Tote Bags
Long Sleeves
Polos
Sweatpants
T-Shirts
Varsity Jackets
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Beanies
Tote Bags
Long Sleeves
Polos
Sweatpants
T-Shirts
Varsity Jackets
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Beanies
Tote Bags
Long Sleeves
Polos
Sweatpants
T-Shirts
Varsity Jackets
Hoodies
Crewnecks
Beanies
Tote Bags
Long Sleeves
Polos
Sweatpants
T-Shirts
Chain Stitch Embroidery: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Haven't found what you are looking for? Email or contact us and we'd be happy to assist.
What is chain stitch embroidery?
It is a specialized embroidery technique that loops thread into a raised, dimensional chainstitch with a distinctly looped texture. It reads vintage and retro — the heritage look of varsity jackets, old mechanics uniforms, and bowling shirts.
What's the difference between vintage and computerized chain stitch?
Vintage machines are motor-driven but hand-guided — like drawing with the needle, so each piece is unique and artisan. Computerized machines deliver higher precision, faster production, and repeatable, intricate multi-color designs across large runs.
How is it different from regular flat embroidery?
Chain stitch is looped and dimensional with a vintage character, while standard flat embroidery is a smoother satin or fill stitch. Chain stitch is the choice when you want that raised, retro, heritage look.
What designs work best?
Script, lettering, and bold, simple designs shine with chain stitch. Very fine details or small text are not ideal due to the nature of the stitch, so we steer those toward a different method or simplify the design.
What threads can you use?
We can stitch in multiple thread colors, plus specialty metallic and 3D puff threads for an extra-dimensional, eye-catching finish.
What products and fabrics work for chain stitch?
It works on a wide range of fabrics — cotton, denim, canvas, fleece, and performance fabrics — on varsity and denim jackets, hats, chambray shirts, canvas bags, button-ups, and more. Heavier, tighter-weave fabrics hold it best; lighter fabrics may need extra stabilization.
Is chain stitch embroidery durable?
Yes. Chain stitch is known for its durability, providing long-lasting embellishment that withstands regular wear and laundering.
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Adams Headwear
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Adidas
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Allmade
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American Apparel
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ANETIK
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Artisan Collection by Reprime
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AS Colour
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Augusta Sportswear
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Badger
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BAGedge
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Bayside
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Beimar
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Bella + Canvas
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Bogg
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Boxercraft
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Carhartt
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Carmel Towel Company
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Champion
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Colortone
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CORE365
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Columbia
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Comfort Colors
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Cotton Heritage
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DTLA Print
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Dyenomite
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Econscious
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Everybody World
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Everywhere Apparel
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Flexfit
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Fruit of the Loom
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G Fore
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Galvin Green
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Gildan
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Hanes
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Helly Hansen
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Independent Trading Co.
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Imperial
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Infinity Her
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Jaanuu
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Jerzees
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Johnnie-O
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Just Hoods By AWDis
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Kati
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Kishigo
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Knack
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Lane Seven
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Legacy
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Liberty Bags
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Linksoul
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Los Angeles Apparel
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M&O
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Marine Layer
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Mega Cap
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New Era
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Next Level
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Nike
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North Face
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Oakley
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OGIO
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OGIO Endurance
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Onna
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OTTO
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Original Favorites
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Paragon
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Patagonia
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Peter Millar
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Port & Company
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Port Authority
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Q-Tees
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Richardson
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Rabbit Skins
