Threaded Alternating Buttonhole Stitch is an interesting and fun development of Alternating Buttonhole Stitch. You can use many novelty threads to lace the foundation rows, but you can also explore across many patterns, building up an area by working row upon row. There is also the option of changing the height and spacing of the arms of this stitch. In addition, you can offset the rows for more options.
How to work Threaded Alternating Buttonhole stitch
Start by working a foundation row of Alternating Buttonhole Stitch. If you need a refresher on how to work this stitch, you will find a tutorial here.
Commence threading the foundation row with your needle emerging just above the start of the line, as illustrated. Pass your needle under the first set of buttonhole stitches. Pull your thread through. You are lacing the stitch, not passing the needle through the fabric.
To continue threading the stitch, move your needle above the central line and pass your needle under the second set of buttonhole stitches. Pull your thread through.
Repeat lacing with this up-and-down motion, along the line.
When you reach the end of the line, turn your needle and lace the return journey. To keep the lacing neat, pass the needle under the lacing thread with each stitch.
When you reach the end of the line, take your thread to the back of your work near where you started. And that’s it, you have threaded your alternating buttonhole. Happy stitching!
Thread Twisties!
Experimenting with different threads can be expensive. You would normally have to buy a whole skein of each type of thread. My thread twisties are a combination of different threads to use in creative hand embroidery. These enable you to try out stitching with something other than stranded cotton. For the price of just a few skeins, you can experiment with a bundle of threads of luscious colours and many different textures.
These are creative embroiderers’ threads. With them, I hope to encourage you to experiment. Each Twistie is a thread bundle containing silk, cotton, rayon, and wool. Threads range from extra fine (the same thickness as 1 strand of embroidery floss) to chunky couchable textured yarns. All threads have a soft and manageable drape. Twisting them around a needle makes experimental hand embroidery an interesting journey rather than a battle. Many are hand-dyed by me. All are threads I use. You may find a similar thread twist, but no two are identical.
You will find my thread twisties in the Pintangle shop here.
