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Alternating Buttonhole Stitch

Alternating Buttonhole Stitch

Alternating buttonhole stitch used on crazy quiltingAlternating buttonhole stitch is a quick and easy stitch that is worked so that the arms of the buttonhole stitch fall left and right of a central line. You need to be familiar with buttonhole stitch. If you need a refresher, you can find it here. You can create patterns by changing the size of the unit, the height of the arms, changing the spacing and the number of stitches in each unit.

Alternating buttonhole stitch sample

You can also work Alternating Buttonhole in an irregular manner in freeform embroidery, producing an organic twig-like line.

Alternating buttonhole stitch sample 2

How to work Alternating Buttonhole stitch.

Alternating buttonhole stitch step 1This stitch is worked from left to right. First, bring the thread out on the central line and work three or four normal buttonhole stitches. Make 3 or 4 stitches. Then flip to the other side of the central line. Insert the needle on the lower line making an upward motion with the needle tip emerging on the central line, loop the working thread under the needle’s point. Pull the needle through the fabric to form a loop.

Alternating buttonhole stitch step 2Work this way along the line working first one side then the other, flipping as you go.

Alternating buttonhole stitch step 3I hope you enjoy this variety of Buttonhole stitch.

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My book for creative stitchers

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

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned embroiderer, Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery gives you techniques to encourage and develop a fresh and creative embroidery style. Discover play points in your embroidery. Explore variations in height and width, stacking stitches, or using repetitions of the same stitch to create areas of texture and shape. All these techniques and more will give you creative variations. I have included numerous demonstrations of small tweaks that create big effects. I have given you plenty of eye candy to send you down your own creative path.

One comment

  1. Thank u maam ,for all your effort. I had learned some basic stitches from my grandmother and mother. Now I able to know the versatility of these beautiful stitches. I am Staying in rural India.

    Jayashree Singh

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