Printed visual of a tambour chain stitch guide showing step-by-step hook movement for Luneville embroidery, designed by Ksenia Semirova.

When I first started learning Luneville embroidery, I was told the tambour chain stitch — one of the least exciting exercises — was also the most important.

At the time, it didn’t seem like a big challenge to me. But years later, while teaching, I saw how many students struggled with it. The movement of the Luneville hook just didn’t click for some people — and videos alone weren’t enough.

That’s why I created this 7-step visual breakdown of the tambour chain stitch. It’s now part of my Introduction to Luneville Embroidery course, but I’ve made it available as a free guide as well.

If you need a reminder of how the hook moves — or want to understand the stitch more clearly — you’re welcome to download it: