How to Hand Embroider Buttonholed Double Chain

Hand embroidery stitches / Stitch Dictionary

buttonholed double chain stitch step 1

Buttonholed Double Chain  is an unusual variety that I found this variation of double chain in The Constance Howard Book of Stitches (p 106).

This version of double chain is buttonholed and can feel messy and can feel a little awkward.  Once past the first few stitches it takes on a form, settle dawn and behaves.

How to work Buttonholed Double Chain stitch

Work Buttonholed Double Chain stitch downwards between imaginary parallel lines.

Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric on the left hand side of the line and insert it on the right hand side with the needle pointing downwards. Position it a little to the right of where the thread emerged.

With the thread wrapped under the needle pull the needle through the fabric so that you create a very open chain stitch.

buttonholed double chain stitch step 2Instead of tying the chain stitch down, working from right to left, use the open chain stitch as a foundation to create 3 to 4 buttonhole stitches. At this stage of the stitch do not pass your needle through the fabric just buttonhole the bar.
buttonholed double chain stitch step 3
When you have worked along the bar to the half way point make the second (openish) chain by inserting the needle into the fabric pointing downwards, on the left hand side of the line just below where the thread first emerged. (See the illustration)
buttonholed double chain stitch step 4

To start the first buttonhole wrap the thread over the needle and under before pulling the needle through. This makes the second chain stitch which is a foundation bar for buttonhole stitches. Working left to right work 3-4 buttonholes stitches.
When you have worked along the bar once again at the  half way point make the next open chain by inserting the needle into the fabric pointing downwards, on the right hand side of the line.

buttonholed double chain stitch step 5Once again to start the first buttonhole wrap the thread over the needle and under before pulling the needle through.
buttonholed double chain stitch step 6 Continue in this manner back and forth down the line.
buttonholed double chain stitch step 6
When you first start this stitch it feels sloppy and uncontrolled but once you get in the swing it forms an interesting line or worked row upon row develops into an interesting net like texture.

buttonholed double chain stitch step 8

Follow Pintangle and have it delivered to your inbox

a tangle of pins
You can have Pintangle delivered to your inbox by using the subscribe feature in the sidebar. Enter your email address, and when you get the confirmation email make sure you say yes. Then you are all set!
If you are on a mobile or tablet you will need to scroll to the bottom to find the subscribe feature.

Have you seen my book?

holding my book in front of quilt

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.

12 Comments

  9. Hi Sharon
    I have noticed that you use some very beautiful variegated threads at time, I would like to know where you buy you them and what size they are. When you stitch them, they look fantastic.

    Nora
    Reply

    1. Nora Thanks for the compliment. I hand dye my threads – mostly they are either #5 or #8 perle cotton or silk. Very Occasionally – and I mean occasionally like every 2-3 years I have a clean out and put some up for sale. To get a good price I buy bulk and then every now and then I have a I will never use all this thread moment!

      sharonb
      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *