Buttonhole Stitch

Buttonhole stitch is often used to stitch the edges of the blanket, so it is also known as blanket stitch. It  is a very versatile stitch, which is most appropriate stitch for sewing button holes. One can also use them to edge fabric instead of doing a Hemstitch finish. The stitch is also used for mirror studding. Beautiful pyramid shapes can be formed by varying the length of the stitches and giving it a decorative and practical appeal. This stitch is a foundation stitch whose length may vary according to the embroidery design.

 

Types of buttonhole stitch

 

Contrasting color threads result in formation of attractive patterns. Different patterns can be created by stitching different rows of this stitch or by working back to back. Crazy quilting involves this ideal stitch to seam embellishments. Detached stitch, French knot, colonial stitch or beads can be used further to decorate the spines. Another way of stitching buttonhole stitch is by working it in a free form manner. Here, rows are stacked to create a beautiful texture.

 

This stitch is always worked from left to right. The thread is to be brought out from the lower line of the two imaginary lines, and needle is to be inserted straight in position to the upper line, making a straight downward stitch. While working this thread should remain beneath the needle point. A loop is formed when the stitch is pulled through. The same procedure is to be repeated while stitching further. Buttonhole stitch can be used to couch textured threads also.