what is chain stitch embroidery?

Fine Work Customs creates unique chainstitch embroidered textiles with a handle-cranked industrial machine. Each piece is uniquely handmade, one at a time—no computers involved.
 
Chainstitch is a sewing and embroidery technique in which a series of looped stitches form a chain-like pattern. Because chain stitches can form flowing, curved lines, they are used in many surface embroidery styles that mimic “drawing” in thread. Hand sewn examples have been dated to 3rd century BC. 
 
In 1790, the first mechanical sewing machines used chainstitch until lockstitch sewing machines were invented in 1832. The first handle-cranked chainstitch embroidery machine was invented in 1865 by Antoine Bonnaz in Paris—Cornely’s Machine ‘A’. Singer’s model 114w103, released in 1911, was a popular version of the Cornely machine. It was often called a “Cornely Type” and was used to stitch names onto garments, handkerchiefs, and workshirts. 
 
Elise of Fine Work Customs uses a Consew Model 104-1T chain and moss stitch embroidery machine—a descendant of the original Cornely. The 104-1T is 100% hand-operated—unlike modern, computer-based embroidery machines—using a handle mechanism under the machine that rotates 365 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise that guides the machine. It is considered an art form due to the free motion of the machine and has a very steep learning curve.
 
Each piece is uniquely one-of-a-kind, and meant to last a lifetime.