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.

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Looped & dimensional

Vintage, retro character

Metallic & 3D puff threads

Made in Los Angeles

Trusted by thousands of companies across the U.S.

Looped & vintage

What is Chain Stitch Embroidery?

Chain stitch loops thread into a raised, dimensional chainstitch with a distinctly looped texture, a versatile stitch known for its unique appearance. Done by hand for thousands of years and automated in the industrial revolution, it's the heritage look of varsity jackets, 1960s mechanics uniforms, and old bowling shirts (you'll see a similar stitch on the bottom hem of jeans). Today we stitch it hand-guided or on computerized machines that create intricate designs quickly and accurately.

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.

Connect with a rep

Looped chain stitch embroidery on a garment

One stitch, many looks

Vintage Embroidery Chain Stitch vs Computerized Embroidery Chain Stitch

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.

Looped vintage chain stitch script on denim

Vintage Script

Hand-guided vintage script

Looped, dimensional script
The classic Cornely chainstitch
Hand-guided, each piece unique
Perfect for cursive & signatures

Bold computerized chain stitch lettering on a cap

Bold Lettering

Bold, clean lettering

Computerized precision
Bold, clean block lettering
Repeatable across big runs
Great on caps & jackets

Bold multi-color chain stitch emblem with metallic thread

Specialty & Multi-Color

Specialty & multi-color

Multiple thread colors
Metallic & 3D puff threads
Intricate, eye-catching emblems
Bold, dimensional detail

The difference

We stitch on both. Vintage machines are motor driven but guided by a person, like drawing with the needle, so each piece is unique. Computerized machines run on software, for a more exact design with no chance of human error.

Computerized embroidery machines

Higher precision and faster production
Replicate complex, multi-color designs accurately
Can be programmed for automated operation

Motor (vintage) embroidery machines

A hands-on experience with more control for skilled operators
Room for creativity, customization, and various stitching techniques

Chain stitch embroidery on a cotton garment

Make Merch People Actually Want to Wear

Why Brands Choose Chain Stitch

Looped, Dimensional Texture
A raised, looped stitch with real depth you can feel.
Vintage, Retro Character
The heritage look of varsity jackets and old workwear.
Hand-Guided or Computerized
Artisan vintage machines or precise automated stitching.
Multi-Color & Specialty Thread
Multiple colors, plus metallic and 3D puff threads.
Built to Last
Durable stitching that withstands regular wear and washing.
Perfect for Script & Bold
Shines on cursive, lettering, and bold, simple designs.

Chain stitch embroidery on a performance garment

Chain stitch specs

Suggested Fabrics for Custom Chain Stitch Embroidery

Chain stitch works on a wide range of fabrics. Cotton, denim, and canvas are sturdy, durable canvases for long-lasting results. Weigh weight, weave, and stretch: heavier, tighter-weave fabrics give more stability for intricate, bold designs, while lighter fabrics may need extra stabilization to prevent puckering or distortion. Send your design, pick your threads, and we triple-check every order before production.

Best For Script, lettering & bold, simple designs

Texture Looped, raised, dimensional vintage stitch

Threads Multi-color, plus metallic & 3D puff

Fabrics Denim, canvas, cotton, fleece & more

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.

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How it works

Step 01

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.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Connect with a rep

Transparent pricing

3 Ways to Save on Custom Chain Stitch Embroidery

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. Our online ordering keeps it simple: choose your colors, send your logo or design, and we bring it to life. Your rep builds the exact quote.

Clear communicationDetailed instructions (product, dimensions, colors, design specifics, and special requests) so your order is executed accurately

A simple designThe more complex the design, the more it may cost. A simpler one keeps costs down and still looks great

Order in bulkOrdering in bulk, like custom rope hats, lowers the per-unit cost: the more you order, the more you save

Hand-guided or computerized Low minimums on every project Wholesale pricing at volume Metallic & 3D puff threads

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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.

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Products we chain stitch

Varsity Jackets

Caps & Hats Hoodies

Hoodies

Crewnecks Beanies

Tote Bags

Long Sleeves Polos

Sweatpants

T-Shirts

Varsity Jackets

Caps & Hats Hoodies

Hoodies

Crewnecks Beanies

Tote Bags

Long Sleeves Polos

Sweatpants

T-Shirts

Varsity Jackets

Caps & Hats Hoodies

Hoodies

Crewnecks Beanies

Tote Bags

Long Sleeves Polos

Sweatpants

T-Shirts

Varsity Jackets

Caps & Hats Hoodies

Hoodies

Crewnecks Beanies

Tote Bags

Long Sleeves Polos

Sweatpants

T-Shirts

Varsity Jackets

Caps & Hats Hoodies

Hoodies

Crewnecks Beanies

Tote Bags

Long Sleeves Polos

Sweatpants

T-Shirts

Varsity Jackets

Caps & Hats Hoodies

Hoodies

Crewnecks Beanies

Tote Bags

Long Sleeves Polos

Sweatpants

T-Shirts

Varsity Jackets

Caps & Hats Hoodies

Hoodies

Crewnecks Beanies

Tote Bags

Long Sleeves Polos

Sweatpants

T-Shirts

Varsity Jackets

Caps & Hats Hoodies

Hoodies

Crewnecks Beanies

Tote Bags

Long Sleeves Polos

Sweatpants

T-Shirts

Custom 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.

How long does it take to complete a custom chain stitch embroidery order?

The turnaround time for custom chain stitch embroidery depends on factors such as the complexity of the design, order quantity, and current workload. Our standard turnaround time is between 12-15 business days but to get a better idea, reach out to an account rep.

Are there any limitations on the complexity of designs for chain stitching embroidery?

While chain stitch embroidery can handle intricate designs, very fine details or small text is not ideal due to the nature of the stitch. It's best to consult with your account rep for guidance on specific design considerations.

How durable is chain embroidery stitch?

Chain stitch embroidery is known for its durability, providing long-lasting embellishment that withstands regular wear and laundering.

Can I provide my own items for embroidery chain stitch?

Yes, we are one of the few shops that allow clients to supply blanks. However, supplying your own blanks does change our minimums. Your account rep can walk you through it.

Is it possible to get a chain stitch embroidered napkin?

We focus on producing apparel and headwear so unfortunately, if you're looking to have napkins embroidered we are not the right shop for you.

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 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.