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If you want your embroidered lines to look super-neat, then you should check out how to do the cable chain stitch! Your loops are locked into place so your stitches are not only uniform but nice and sturdy too. In this tutorial we’ll show you how to do the cable chain stitch, as well as showing you how to make a mug rug with your newly learnt skills!
You will need to download and print the Free cable chain stitch mug rug pattern template
Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance.
Bring the needle up through the fabric and wrap the working thread over and under the needle.
Insert the needle a short distance from where the thread came up, then bring it back up through the fabric a stitch distance away. Pull the working thread taut and then hold it under the needle.

Pull the needle through the fabric, making sure that the working thread is inside the loop of thread that forms.


Place the linen fabric centrally on top of the template and trace over it lightly in pencil or erasable pen.
Embroider the concentric circle design on linen, following the traced lines and the stitch guide above. Use three strands of stranded cotton to work cable chain stitch, as well as running stitch and back stitch.
Trim the linen to 16x21cm (63/8×81/4in), with the design central.

Place the linen and backing fabric right sides (RS) together with the wadding between them.
Pin and then sew together all the way around but leaving a 6cm (23/8in) turning gap in the centre of one side.
Trim the corners and turn RS out.

Fold the turning gap to the inside.
Work a running stitch around the edge using three strands of stranded cotton.

Mollie is the author of Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small. She lives near Chicago and is happiest with a cup of coffee and some stitching. She specializes in designing exceedingly cute, contemporary embroidery and cross stitch projects with a kawaii influence. Her work has been featured on The Spruce Crafts and in books and magazines including Simply Sewing Magazine, Cross Stitch Crazy and Mollie Makes. She co-hosts the Very Serious Crafts Podcast with Haley Pierson-Cox and Heidi Gustad. Find her on Instagram @molliejohanson
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