Hello folks, it’s Francesca Jane Gonzalez! On chilly winter days in upstate New York, I stay inside with my embroidery. I don’t do well in the cold because of Raynaud’s syndrome, so my hands are happiest indoors with fabric and thread. Lately, I’ve been practicing the Russian chain stitch, a stitch that’s fun and versatile for borders, accents, and motifs.
Winter Cozy Moments with Russian Chain Stitch
The snow piling up outside makes winter afternoons feel long and quiet. This makes it perfect for settling in, focusing on stitching, and enjoying the simple rhythm of creating something with your hands. Although I go outside daily to tend to my backyard chickens, being cozy inside with embroidery is where I find warmth and comfort. I wish I had more time with my chickens, but the cold keeps me inside.
There’s something peaceful about having a warm drink nearby while watching the snow fall. Then, letting my hands work on stitches becomes grounding. Quiet time like this also makes it easier to focus on learning the Russian chain stitch.
Practicing the Russian Chain Stitch
I’ve been working on the Russian chain stitch using Coats and Clark embroidery floss instead of my usual DMC. The texture felt different moving through the fabric, and I’m not sure if I like this type of floss. I do know that I like DMC so much better, and I have more appreciation for their quality than I did before. For this practice piece, I also experimented with waxing the thread. I normally don’t use wax, and I may have added a little too much, but it worked fine for learning.
Exploring the Russian Chain Stitch
The Russian chain stitch is essentially three interlocked lazy daisies. It creates a bold yet delicate look that works well in borders, decorative accents, and small motifs. I think it would look really cool as a border on a quilted pillow sham. In fact, I need to make two new pillowcases for some pillows I thrifted, and they washed up very well in the washing machine. It would also be great as a border on a table runner! This stitch is forgiving, which makes it perfect for experimenting. Even a few rows of practice are enough to see how the loops form and how the stitch flows across the fabric.
Russian Chain Stitch Video Tutorial
I also made a YouTube video showing the Russian chain stitch step by step. Watching the stitch in real time makes it easier to see how to move the needle in and out of the fabric. Beginners can follow along and gain confidence, while experienced stitchers may have never tried this stitch before! In addition, seeing the stitch done with threads that are new to me shows that experimentation is part of the process. These differences may add character.
Cozy Winter Stitching and Self-Compassion
Cold, snowy afternoons are also a good time to reflect on my YouTube journey and my embroidery practice. At times, building a channel and sharing my work hasn’t been easy. Some days, progress feels slow, and I worry I’m not doing enough. However, I’ve learned that self-compassion is key.
Celebrating Small Wins
Recognizing small accomplishments keeps me motivated. Even posting one practice video or completing a single row of stitches counts. Staying consistent with tiny efforts makes a difference. I also try to talk to myself like I would a friend, reminding myself: “You’re learning, and that’s enough.”
Staying Patient and Gentle
Being patient and gentle with yourself allows creativity to flourish. On challenging days, I take short breaks or step away for a few minutes. Then I return to stitching or filming feeling refreshed. Sharing the process with viewers helps me stay accountable while keeping it enjoyable.
Being patient, staying curious, and enjoying the process makes embroidery and YouTube growth sustainable and fun. On these days, with the snow falling and a warm drink nearby, it’s rewarding to step back and appreciate the rhythm of stitching. Every stitch, practice session, and video is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be fast—it just has to be consistent. I hope you enjoy learning the Russian chain stitch with me.