The buttonhole stitch is visually similar to the blanket stitch, but uses a different method of sewing.
Traditionally, this stitch is used to secure the edges of buttonholes as it gives a much sturdier stitch due to the knots it makes. But, over time, it came to be confused with the balnket stitch as these two stitches are used for the same purpose, that is, securing fabric edges.
A buttonhole stitch is best done with a slightly thicker thread.
I have illustrated this stitch between two horizontally parallel lines. This stitch can be done in any direction.
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| Fig 1: Bring the needle out through A. Now, loop the thread around from left to right. Take the needle in through B and bring it out from C, as shown. Keep the thread below the needle always. | Fig 2: Pull out the needle towards the top. This creates a small knot near the point B. DO NOT pull the needle downwards as it will not give the desired results. |
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Fig 3: A finished portion of the buttonhole stitch would look like this. A thicker thread would have revealed the knots better. | |
Tags: blanket, blanket stitch, buttonhole, buttonhole stitch, embroidery tutorials, hand embroidery
Sara
I have done a project using buttonhole stitch and fly stitch. Please do have a look at it.
My completed project of a churidhar tops is on my blog.
The link is
http://shamiatcraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/fly-stitch-and-button-hole-stitch-in.html
Dear Shami,
It is really nice to see how you have used the buttonhole stitch. I particularly like the way you have done the snowflakes inside using fly stitch.
Thanks for sharing your works with us!
At the moment, I am not able to comment on your pages. I will try to sort out the problem asap.
Sara,
My next try with buttonhole and stem stitch on a chudi tops. Have a look at it.
My blog post regarding this is under this link
http://shamiatcraft.blogspot.com/2011/12/buttonhole-stitch-embroidery.html
Shami Immanuel
Really neat Shami. I remember me having done such flowers years back. You brought back those memories.
Sarah,
Thank you so much! I looked at maybe 10 different sites to better understand this stitch. Yours are the best instructons.
Wonderful resource!
Thank you Bela. It is nice to know that you were able to follow our instructions to learn this stitch.
I’m glad to see someone finally showing the buttonhole stitch correctly. So many well known needleworkers/books show the buttonhole and blanket stitch as the same.
The knot on the buttonhole stitch is called a “purl”
When the stitch is worked closely together the purl is more evident as you mentioned and it helps the buttonhole on a tailored suit to wear better.
The purl (or knot) is an excellent place to add a bead.
The bead will be locked in by the stitch and won’t move around. I’ve done it with seed beads and it almost looks like a fancy zipper. It makes a wonderful decorative stitch for crazy piecing.
Thank you for a wonderful stitch dictionary.
Dear Susan,
Thank you for detailing out and adding on to the information.
Hi Sarah,,,
Thax a lot for the wonderful instruction and step by step guidance…. i m searching for hand embroidery stitches since long…
i m trying this stitch in my dress.. will definitely post.. for ur more instructions and comments… now onwards ur my teacher for embroidery…
once again thnx for all the resources…
regards
Beena
Greetings Sarah ~
I just found your site from pinterest and want you to know I am thrilled to have done so.
Your instructions are well read and pics are extremely helpful, I have not done any stitching in 20 years and am now ready to get back to where I left off.
Thank You very much for your efforts for this educational site. I am bookmarking it.
All the best for you ~
Cheers ~
mindy
Sarah
Here is my another project with buttonhole stitch for flowers.
I have blogged about it here:
shamiatcraft.blogspot.in/2012/12/blouse-back-neck-embroidery
Thanks for sharing Shami. Nicely done.
Nice photos desins
I am liked
I hand embroidry
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thank u so mam. i am a student and this stitch was required in my practical exam. u made it easy for completely ignorant students like me