Fancy Bobbin Edging is an interesting variation of buttonhole. I discovered it in an old book called The Batsford encyclopaedia of embroidery stitches
It was bit tricky to figure it out from the illustration and I had to flip the direction of the stitch to get it to work but eventually I came up with this. It is almost like someone was trying to work out German buttonhole and made a mistake but if that was the birth of this stitch it is nice mistake!
Also when exploring a stitch like this we do need to remember it is an edging stitch and something sitting on edge of say a needle book, or the hem of table runner will look totally different to something worked in a band as I have done.
Since Fancy Bobbin Edging is based on buttonhole it will follow a curve well, makes a wonderful edging stitch and like buttonhole you can create many interesting patterns with this stitch by varying the arm spacing and length.
How to work Fancy Bobbin Edging
Fancy Bobbin Edging 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.
Loop the working thread under the needle point. Pull the needle through the fabric to form a loop as you would for the standard buttonhole or blanket stitch.
Slide the needle under the vertical leg you just created. Point the needle from right to left. You are not going through the fabric at this point just wrapping the leg of the buttonhole with the working thread.
Pull the thread through.
Make another buttonhole stitch.
Repeat the wrapping process. Do this for the length of the line.
This stitch behaves differently with the type of thread used.
This sample is worked in a chainette yarn that has a metallic blending thread woven through it.
The sample above is cotton perle #5.
This sample is 6 strands of cotton floss.
Like regular buttonhole you can vary the arm spacing and length.
I hope you like this variety of buttonhole! If anyone knows more about this variety leave a comment as I would like to know more about it.
Have you seen my Stitchers Templates?
As someone who loves crazy quilting and embroidery, I designed these templates with other stitchers in mind. With my templates, you can create hundreds of different patterns to apply to your stitching and crazy quilting projects. They are easy to use, totally clear so you can position them easily and they are compact in your sewing box.
To see what they look like, find out about the free ebook of patterns that come with them visit the information pages.
Or go directly to the Pintangle shop to purchase them.
Thanks for hosting this stitch in beyond tast this week. My sampler is here.
http://hobbysewing.blogspot.com/2020/11/tast-41-beyond-tast-41.html
Sharon, what type of fabric is that? I must say, in trying to learn as much as I can about the different styles of embroidery, you have been the biggest wealth of info I have found. I shall quit looking!! lol no kidding though, your tutorials and instructions are very well written and easily understood. I can’t wait for my check to get here so I can buy some thread and ribbon and get started!!! Thank you so much, Judy P
The fabric I use to demonstrate the stitch is Linda 27 count evenweave Needlework fabric by ZWEIGART which is cotton. The top sample is 25 count Belfast linen
This is a new stitch for me. I like it and will try it on my next block. Thanks Sharon.
Carol I hope it works well for you
Hi Sharon,
this is lovely stitch, Thanks for sharing the method of working.
Chitra
Hi Chitra pleased you like it
This is really pretty!
Hi Angela I agree I think it has a lot of potential
Ah. Only slightly different from blanket stitch and yet, what a difference! Thanks, Sharon! I like this.
Carla yes it could be used as a blanket stitch replacement – I am sure it would add that extra zest to many projects
Thank you so much Sharon. Have a good weekend.
You enjoy your weekend too Juno
Hey Sharon, I bought that book last week! We were visiting Scotney Castle where they had a room with second hand books for sale. There were quite a few needlework and quilting books but this is the one I chose. Fancy bobbin edging is a great name for this attractive stitch.
Allys its an interesting book but some of the stitch directions are a bit puzzling – I have taken to trying mirror image versions of some of the stitches and they work out better
Yes, after reading this post I had a look in the book and I agree with you. I shall have to try it out for myself 🙂
Love to hear what you think of it and if you interpret the diagram the sam as I did – I mirrored the instructions to make sense of it
I, too, haven’t been emboidering much lately. I have been getting my ‘fix’ from these great tutorials! Thank you, Sharon! I’m going through a knitting phase right now.
Thank you, Sharon,
I don’t stitch much lately but I enjoy following the stitches.
And I love to look in facebook what people are creating.