Crossed Buttonhole Stitch

Crossed Buttonhole Stitch

Hand embroidery stitches / Stitch Dictionary
crossed buttonhole stitch sample

Crossed buttonhole stitch is an interesting variety of Buttonhole. You can create patterns and interesting borders with this stitch.

How to embroider Crossed Buttonhole Stitch

You need to know basic buttonhole to work this stitch, as it consists of pairs of angled buttonhole stitches that are crossed.

step by step tutorial on crossed buttonhole 1

Work between two imaginary lines. Bring the thread out on the lower line and insert your needle at an angle with the tip of the needle pointing left. Loop the working thread under the needle’s point.

step by step tutorial on crossed buttonhole 2

Pull the needle through the fabric to form the first stitch.

step by step tutorial on crossed buttonhole 3

Insert the needle to the left of the first stitch, at an angle, with the tip of the needle pointing right. Loop the working thread under the needle’s point and pull the needle through the fabric to cross the last stitch.

step by step tutorial on crossed buttonhole 4

Repeat this process along the line.

step by step tutorial on crossed buttonhole5

I have to admit that when you first look at this stitch, it looks a little mundane — but really, there are many creative ways you can work with it.

Crossed buttonhole stitch sample 1

You can stack it, work the stitch in a square and overlay it. In the sample below, I have worked the units of crossed buttonhole in a square pattern and added beads to the middle. The thread is an overdyed cotton perle #5.

Crossed buttonhole stitch sample 3

You can also create variations by changing the spacing of the stitch or lengthening the height of the arms on the stitch

Crossed buttonhole stitch sample 2

It is also interesting to use this stitch to couch on textured threads. In the sample below I have used it to couch down eyelash thread. I also added beads to create an interesting edge. This decoration could also be used in crazy quilting.

Crossed buttonhole stitch sample 4

There are also numerous possibilities if you work it diagonally or extend one of the arms too!

sample of stitch

Worked evenly and row upon row a patterns are easily achieved. It is a stitch that is worth playing about with, as experimentation will lead to some fun and interesting results.

My book for creative stitchers

Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery book cover

If you enjoy my site you will gain real value from my book:  Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery: Visual Guide to 120 Essential Stitches for Stunning Designs

Feeling stale? Wondering how to add sparkle to your embroidery? I have aimed Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery to be suitable for both beginners and seasoned embroiderers. It introduces techniques to encourage your creative interpretations of stitches. I guide you towards discovering play-points in your embroidery by varying the height and width; by stacking stitches; or by filling multiple rows with the same stitch. With creative variations and demonstrations of tiny tweaks, You will be ready to head off down your own creative path and, of course, illustrated with plenty of eye candy!

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62 Comments

    1. I just saw your work on Pintangle TAST and your Flickr photo stream – I think your work is amazing and so lovely…. I’m not normally a fan of muted colours but your colours are beautiful and harmonious. I look forward to seeing your new work. I am new to all this – only started TAST last week but I’m loving it already

      Sue
      Reply

  23. Hi Sharon, I have completed my crossed stitch sampler, the detaisl are here-http://jizee6687.wordpress.com/category/tast-2012/18-crossed-buttonhole-stitch2/
    flickr-http://www.flickr.com/photos/22818176@N07/6999135498/
    stitchchin fingers-http://stitchinfingers.ning.com/photo/18-crossed-buttonholest2-sampler1?context=user
    Thank you,
    Chitra

    chitra gangadharan
    Reply

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