Using chain at the back of a stole

Using chain at the back of a stole

by Leigh
(from Oregon)

I just sent this question in through your "Contact Us" link; then I saw this "Ask a Pro" heading. I asked a question through this heading once before, and you were gracious (and mighty quick!) to respond to it.

I'd like to know where exactly to attach the short length of chain to a stole. How far from the center back seam of the stole is it attached? I also would like to know what length of chain---i.e. number of inches---is generally used? Lastly, is there anything a person can use for this purpose instead of chain, or is chain the best and most acceptable choice? I've never worked with chain on stoles before.

Thank you for your help, once again.

Leigh

Comments for
Using chain at the back of a stole

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 02, 2010

stole chain
by: Anonymous

Hi there! I'm putting in two cents worth on the stole chain. From the pictures and description it seems that you are asking about the chain that rides behind the neck, not in front, on the stole. The purpose of this chain is to keep the stole off the neck. This serves several purposes. It keeps the stole from bunching up on the neck. It keeps the stole from making contact with skin, and therefore keeps the fabric of the neck of the stole cleaner longer, and lastly it keeps it from wearing out so fast from friction.

I started making stoles for my priest husband a couple years back. When I first researched on stole making, the internet was not available! So I used library books and other sources. One book I found described the chain as a way of keeping the stole off the neck, as the wearer was 'unworthy to wear the yoke of Christ', which the stole represents. (I really think it was put there to keep the stole clean, though.) Anyway, the chain doesn't have to be chain. It can be cord or rolled fabric. I use gold cord for the stoles I make now, and incorporate it into the seam line.

The cord, chain, whatever, should be 4 inches down from the center back n each side (8 inches). the length of cord itself is just under 8 inches, say 7-7.5 inches, to keep it from making contact with the neck.

I hope this helps!

Rosalie

May 06, 2010

Neck chain mystery
by: Leigh

Thank you so much for your help with this question. The neck chain has been a real puzzle for me. I'm still not quite sure how long to make it, in terms of inches, but I'll try to figure it out based on how it looks. Luckily, my husband lets me use him as a model.

Many thanks,
Leigh

May 05, 2010

Where to get chain and how to attach it.
by: Lynne Green

Hello Leigh,

While I have never made a stole with a chain, it can be done quite simply. The trick is to attach the chain before you finish stitching the lining onto the stole. For chain material, you can get a low-cost, silver-plated cable chain from any craft store. We found a link here.

Cut the chain to the desired length by using pinch-nosed pliers. Then using a slip stitch, attach each end of the chain to the stole at the desired spot. Then stitch the lining to the stole as usual.

From the pictures we have seen, the chain looks to be about three inches down from the back of the neck.

Hope this helps, and thanks for contacting us.

Lynne Green

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask the Pro

How to Sew Vestments - The Book is Here!

Easy, step-by-step instructions on making a full vestment set, plus how to make your own patterns, right at your fingertips!
Click here to learn more.