The second stitch in my embroidery stitch stamp series is chain stitch! Carve your own mini chain stitch stamp to add pretty borders and textures to paper and fabric crafts. Use it with your mini cross-stitch stamp for even more embroidery-inspired goodness!

Supplies:
* Speedy-Carve block or a large, flat eraser
* Graph paper, 4 squares per inch
* Mini wooden spool
* E-6000 adhesive

Tools:
* Speedball Stamp Making Kit or stamp carving tool with both a wide and a fine u-shaped gouge
* Pencil
* Ruler
* Craft knife
* Toothpick

**Please note that the links provided above are affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you choose to make a purchase after clicking through.**

Step 1
Draw an upside down U shape in one square on the graph paper, then draw a second U shape directly below it, making sure the curve of the second U intersects with the open end of the first. To give the shapes a chain-like appearance, curve the open ends slightly toward the center.

Before moving on, use a ruler to make sure that your shapes are the same size. Once you’re satisfied, go over the lines several times with a pencil to make sure that they’re nice and dark. (Your shapes don’t have to be perfect—slightly imperfect curves look more like real stitches!)

Step 2
With a craft knife, cut a 1″ x 1″ piece from the carving block.




Step 3
Place the graph paper onto the piece of carving block with the drawing side facing down, then carefully rub your thumbnail over the drawing several times to transfer the markings. When you pick up the graph paper, the chain shape should now appear on the carving block.


Step 4
To get the block ready for carving, use a carving tool with a wide u-shaped gouge to remove excess material around the chain shape. Make long, straight lines until you’ve removed around an 1/8″ or so of material from around the shape. (Don’t get too close to the chain just yet—the detail work will be done with a fine u-shaped gouge and a toothpick in the next step.)

Step 5
Next, use a fine u-shaped gouge to carefully carve away the material around the chain. Remember to go slowly, especially when working on the centers of the U shapes. I used a toothpick to smooth out the center curves and to dig out excess carving block material in spaces that were too tight for a gouge.

Tip: Always carve away from yourself and away from the shape.

Step 6
Once you’ve completed your carving, test out the stamp to make sure it looks right.

If it does, it’s time to mount the stamp. If not, spend a little more time working with the carving tool.

Step 7
To prepare the stamp for mounting, use a craft knife to trim away the excess material from around the edges of the chain shape.


Step 8
Add a dab of E-6000 adhesive to the back of the stamp to mount it onto a mini wooden spool. (Since the stamp is so small, the spool works as a handle, which gives you more control over the placement of your marks.)


Once the adhesive is dry, you’re done. Grab a piece of paper and chain away!

Did you miss the first stamp in the series?

Check out the rest of my embroidery stitch stamp series:

Tutorial: Mini Cross-Stitch Stamp	Tutorial: Mini Chain Stitch Stamp	Craft Tip: Perfect Cross-Stitch Stamp Placement
Craft Tip: 4 Ways to Cross-Stitch Stamp on Fabric