Embellishment.Design/Master the Chain Stitch in 7 Steps: Visual Step-by-Step Guide

You're signing up to receive emails from Embellishment.Design.

Cover of a free embroidery guide titled “Tambour Chain Stitch Step-by-Step” by Ksenia Semirova, showing instructional diagrams for learning the Luneville hook technique

  • Free email delivery

Master the Chain Stitch in 7 Steps

  • Download

A free visual guide to start tambour embroidery with the Luneville hook

You're signing up to receive emails from Embellishment.Design.

Curious about Luneville embroidery but not sure where to start?

This free step-by-step guide walks you through the very first thing you need to learn:
the Tambour Chain Stitch.

It’s simple, visual, and made for beginners—so you can stop second-guessing and start stitching.

What you'll get

  • A clear, visual breakdown of the 7 steps of the chain stitch

  • Designed for complete beginners using the Luneville hook

  • Created by Ksenia Semirova, embroidery artist & educator

  • Bonus tips on what makes Luneville different—and worth learning

Reader feedback on a previous guide by Ksenia Semirova

“It felt like flipping through a luxurious book — thick white pages, stunning visuals. Not like those dimly filmed Instagram tutorials. This felt professional.”

Cover of a free embroidery guide titled “Tambour Chain Stitch Step-by-Step” by Ksenia Semirova, showing instructional diagrams for learning the Luneville hook technique

  • Free email delivery

Get the free guide

  • Download

Just enter your email below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

You're signing up to receive emails from Design School.

No spam. No fluff.

Just real embroidery knowledge from someone who’s been there

Need the Right Tool for Practice?

To get started with this technique, you’ll need a proper Luneville hook — also known as a tambour hook

Many mass-produced versions don’t hold the needle securely, which is why I now stock a small range of EU-made tambour hooks with ash wood handles and brass fittings — the same ones I use in my studio.

Not sure which tambour hook to choose? I’ve put together a practical guide on how to choose a tambour hook for Luneville embroidery, including what to look for before you buy.

Classic ash tambour hook with simple smooth handle and brass fitting, supplied with size 70 needle for Luneville embroidery

Classic Ash Tambour Hook

Simple, durable choice for daily practice

Dark ash tambour hook with chess-inspired turned handle and brass screw fitting, supplied with size 70 needle for Luneville embroidery

Signature Tambour Hook – Chess Design Handle

Elegant carved design with a wand-like look

Striped ash tambour hook with contrasting black and golden wood design, brass screw fitting, and size 70 needle for bead and sequin embroidery

Striped Tambour Hook

Bold striped finish for those who prefer a distinctive tool

Continue Learning Luneville Embroidery

Choose a course depending on your level, from learning the foundations to working on more ambitious embroidery projects.

  • £65

Introduction to Luneville Embroidery

  • Course

Learn Luneville embroidery basics in this step-by-step online course for complete beginners. Master the essential techniques, from framing fabric to stitching with beads and sequins. Includes video lessons, a practical project, and personal coaching to help you build confidence and start creating with the Luneville hook.

  • £70

Couture Camellias: Learn Luneville Embroidery Techniques

  • Course

Learn the art of couture embroidery through an elegant Camellia-inspired design. Master intricate Luneville techniques to create a versatile composition, perfect for embellishing garments like tweed dresses or displaying as art. Whether you're a designer, embroiderer, or fashion enthusiast, this course blends tradition with wearable sophistication.

  • £50

1984 – Advanced Luneville Embroidery Course

  • Course

1984 is an advanced Luneville embroidery course for those who are already confident using the Luneville hook. Through a series of live webinars, you’ll learn advanced tambour techniques while creating a contemporary numeric composition. The design can be embroidered onto a ready-made blouse, a garment you sew yourself, or completed as a standalone piece.

  • Waitlist

Face the Snake: An Embroidered Bag Project

  • Course

An ambitious embroidery project inspired by a python called Jodie Foster, a remarkable piece of veterinary medicine — and my own complicated relationship with snakes.