Alternating buttonhole stitch is a quick and easy stitch that is worked so that the arms of the buttonhole stitch fall left and right of a central line. You need to be familiar with buttonhole stitch. If you need a refresher, you can find it here. You can create patterns by changing the size of the unit, the height of the arms, changing the spacing and the number of stitches in each unit.
You can also work Alternating Buttonhole in an irregular manner in freeform embroidery, producing an organic twig-like line.
How to work Alternating Buttonhole stitch.
This stitch is worked from left to right. First, bring the thread out on the central line and work three or four normal buttonhole stitches. Make 3 or 4 stitches. Then flip to the other side of the central line. Insert the needle on the lower line making an upward motion with the needle tip emerging on the central line, loop the working thread under the needle’s point. Pull the needle through the fabric to form a loop.
Work this way along the line working first one side then the other, flipping as you go.
I hope you enjoy this variety of Buttonhole stitch.
Her I have worked Alternating Buttonhole stitch at different levels, in a fine chainette thread. I then spaced the novelty heart beads in between seed beads. You can see this seam on Tumbling block 19 which is part of a free block of the month pattern, in the Diamonds are forever Crazy quilt stitch along. It is the quilt featured on the cover of my book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design.
Have you seen my Crazy Quilting book?
My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results shares detailed practical methods about how to design and make a crazy quilt. From fabric choice, to balancing colour, texture, and pattern, in order to balance and direct the eye around the block. I cover how to stitch, build decorative seam treatments in interesting and creative ways. My book is profusely illustrated as my aim is to be practical and inspiring.
Please note if you buy one of my books via this link as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Thank u maam ,for all your effort. I had learned some basic stitches from my grandmother and mother. Now I able to know the versatility of these beautiful stitches. I am Staying in rural India.