Buttonhole bar is often used in traditional pulled and drawn needlework and often seen used in combination with needle weaving. Used in a freeform manner it is fun and I find it highly addictive!

It is also easier to sew than most people realise. The main trick is to keep your tension even, so stretch the fabric in an needlework hoop or frame while you work.

In order to work a buttonhole bar you need to know how to work buttonhole stitch so if you are beginner make sure you know basic buttonhole first.

Start with two or three horizontal straight stitches across the area you wish the bar to lay.

This forms the bar on which you sew.

Work from left to right. Bring the thread out on the lower left hand side of the straight stitches you have just created.

Work a buttonhole stitch over the bar of straight stitches. You do not pass the needle through the fabric, just under the bar.

As you work nudge the stitches long the bar so that they are snug but not so tight they twist the bar.

Take your needle to the back and secure it.

When you first learn this stitch use a thread such perle #8 or #5. When you have mastered it experiment with other threads. All sorts of threads can be used such as metallic, novelty or  textured threads.

Hand dyed multicoloured threads can also look interesting as with this type of thread the colour shifts along the bar.

Since it is important to sew the buttonhole stitches over the foundation threads without entering the fabric use a blunt ended needle such as a Tapestry needle of suitable size for the buttonhole stage of the stitch.

Online classes available

If you are enjoying this series of articles I regularly offer online classes. These are currently on offer.

• The Artists Studio Journal: A Designers Workhorse will start May 22nd 2013.
• Sumptuous Surface Embroidery will start on 12th June 2013.

Follow the links for further details, requirements list and to book a place. If you are not sure how an online class runs visit this page for a description of how classes are run online.

How to join in

It is not complicated. All you need to do is stitch a sample of this stitch or ANY of the stitches listed on the TAST FAQ page.

Once you have worked a sample,  photograph it and put it online at your blog, flickr etc then swing back to the Last TAST post (you will find it under the category each week)   and leave a comment that includes  your web address. When you leave a comment include the http:// part of the address as then your address becomes a link and readers will be able easily visit and see your sample. Remember you can leave a comment about any stitch you have worked as long as it is listed on the TAST FAQ page.

Any special rules?

There are no rules but I do have a request, please link back here.

Further information

If you need further information on the challenge a list of stitches covered so far or directions on how to participate please visit the TAST FAQ page.

You can read back through TAST articles by browsing Challenges -  Take a Stitch Tuesday category

Other groups and networks

You can also share your explorations with other members on the social network site of your choice. There is a Facebook TAST 2012 page,   stitchin fingers group and the flickr TAST site. All these sub groups are set up at request of members