Chain stitch
Construction — one of 70 in the glossary
A stitch formed by looping the thread through itself, leaving a row of interlocking loops on the underside that looks like a chain. It stretches with the fabric, which is why it is used on knit hems and shoulder seams, and it sews fast, which is why it is used on side seams of jeans. Its weakness is that it can unravel from one end if the thread breaks — pull the right loop and the whole row runs. It is also the stitch used in chain-stitch embroidery, which gives the thick, looped lettering seen on varsity jackets.