Buttonhole Stitch

Buttonhole Stitch

Hand embroidery stitches / Stitch Dictionary
buttonhole stitch sample 9

Buttonhole stitch, or blanket stitch, as many people call it, is actually the foundation stitch for many varieties of Buttonhole. This stitch is often used along the edge of projects — often blankets — hence the name. Never underestimate a stitch-like buttonhole, as it is a marvellously versatile stitch. You can also work Buttonhole in a freeform manner with the rows stacked to create texture. I worked the illustration above in a hand-dyed fine woollen yarn. You can create other textures and patterns if you experiment with changing the spacing and height of the upright arms.

How to work Buttonhole Stitch (Blanket stitch)

Buttonhole stitch is worked from left to right along two imaginary lines. Bring the thread out on the lower line. Insert the needle on the upper line, making a straight downward motion.

buttonhole stitch step by step 1

Loop the working thread under the needle point. Pull the needle through the fabric to form a loop. Repeat this process along the line.

buttonhole stitch step by step 2

Some variations

You can create many interesting patterns with this stitch. For example, by varying the arm length, you can create shapes.

buttonhole stitch sample 1

If you change the baseline, you can create interesting variations too.

buttonhole stitch sample 3

It can be fun to work out different patterns

buttonhole stitch sample 2

Some become little motifs in their own right.

buttonhole stitch sample 4

Or you can work buttonhole stitches back-to-back.

buttonhole stitch sample 6

You can build up interesting patterned bands.

buttonhole stitch sample 5

Play with the spacing by working the upright parts closely together, or work them further apart.

buttonhole stitch sample 10

I worked this sample in Buttonhole using various threads. Try working it in different threads, on different fabrics, or on hand-dyed fabrics. Or you can add beads, overlap lines of the stitch, or use it to couch down another thread or ribbon.

buttonhole stitch sample 11

Here I was experimenting with leaf shapes

buttonhole stitch sample 8

Of course, Crazy-Quilters use this stitch a lot.

Crazy quilt Block 74 detail 488


Here I have worked a line of buttonhole stitch in perle #5 cotton. With a silk thread, I added French knots and Cast-on stitch loops. I finished off the seam with seed beads and bugle beads. You can see the crazy quilt block this detail came from here

Mid tone detail 2

In this example, I worked Buttonhole stitch in cotton perle #5. I further decorated it by adding sequins and seed beads to the arms of the stitch. If you are interested in seeing, reading about, and getting the free pattern for the crazy quilt block this detail came from, you will find it here in my Diamonds are Forever series.

Have you seen my Stitchers Templates?

Templates

Create your own designs with Sharon’s easy-to-use stitchers templates. Combine shapes to create hundreds of patterns and designs to embroider. It is the ultimate mix-and-match fun for stitchers of all skill levels. I created them to be as versatile as possible. I include four multi-patterned templates in each set. You will find them easy to use, totally clear to help you position them on your work, and they are nice and compact to fit in your sewing box. Each set comes with an e-book filled with patterns and designs that you can create and use as a jumping-off spot for your own designs. They are available now in our shop here!

Happy stitching!

193 Comments

  4. Wow that week went by fast! I have posted a picture of my buttonhole stitch on my blog here
    http://princessbubblescreates.blogspot.com/
    I wish that my work was fine and delicate like so many of you do. Alas, that is not me. I guess I should just celebrate that I am a creative person – unique, not delicate but unique nonetheless. Truly we all bring a unique aspect to this world and we should enjoy that!

    Angela

  16. A favorite of mine, so it was quick and fun to do! I went with 'blanket' because buttonhole has more letters to stitch! ;D

    http://smallestforest.net/2012/01/11/httpwp-mepeep9-ey/

    Also, a question from a newbie for you, Sharon:

    On the stitch dictionary page of each stitch you list other stitches that the current stitch is related to; should we be considering those as options for the sample, as well, or will TAST eventually get around to devoting a week to each of those other stitches? Ex. will I get a chance later in the year to work buttonhole bars, or closed feather, or the wonderfully titled Up and Down Buttonhole Feathered (!), or was this week my only chance to do all those? Just wondering how far I can take it further.
    Thanks for your time, sorry for these elementary questions.
    XX Nat
    http://smallestforest.net

    Nat Uhing

  36. Oh, yay! I love this stitch, and look forward to a chance to explore more variations of it. I was dreaming about a variation last night, so now I get to try before I forget it!

    Susan

Comments are closed.

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