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Buttonhole edging icon
Buttonhole edging

This version of buttonhole stitch, as its name suggests, is used to edge fabric.  The stitch is completed before the fabric is trimmed and thus lends itself to creating decorative hems.

For an introduction to the basic stitch, see buttonhole stitch.

For an alternative method of working this stitch where the fabric is trimmed before the stitch is worked, see buttonhole edging (variation).

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Looped Buttonhole Eyelet Edging Whitework Cutwork Ayrshire

Buttonhole edging is generously sponsored by Jenny Beal

Method

Both this method and the other version of buttonhole edging stitch can be used to create a pretty hem for your work, for example a scalloped border (although this method is more suitable for a large area).  If creating a border, work the stitches the reverse way round so that the corded edge faces outwards.
When changing thread while working, finish the last stitch by making a tiny stitch over the loop. Start a new thread and bring the needle up between the last two stitches to form the next loop.
Make sure you have small, very sharp stitches for trimming the fabric away.

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Buttonhole edging method stage 1 illustration
Buttonhole edging method stage 1 photograph
1

Work a line of double running stitch just outside the outline. To begin buttonhole stitch, bring the needle up just inside the line and take it down just outside the line, leaving a loop.

Double running stitch
Buttonhole edging method stage 2 illustration
Buttonhole edging method stage 2 photograph
2

Bring the needle up just inside the line, right next to the first stitch, with the needle inside the loop.

Buttonhole edging method stage 3 illustration
Buttonhole edging method stage 3 photograph
3

Pull the excess thread to the back and then bring the needle and thread through and pull taut to complete the stitch.

Buttonhole stitch
Buttonhole edging method stage 4 illustration
Buttonhole edging method stage 4 photograph
4

Working clockwise, repeat around the shape, placing the stitches as close together as you can. Make sure that the two ends match up neatly.

Buttonhole edging method stage 5 illustration
Buttonhole edging method stage 5 photograph
5

Begin trimming the fabric by cutting slits, first from the middle to the top, then to the bottom, and then to each side to make flaps.

Buttonhole edging method stage 6 illustration
Buttonhole edging method stage 6 photograph
6

Fold the flaps to the reverse side. You can cut more slips to make smaller flaps in order to fold along the flaps more closely to the stitched line.

Buttonhole edging method stage 7 illustration
Buttonhole edging method stage 7 photograph
7

Take the embroidery out of the frame and turn it to the reverse side. Trim away the folded flaps up to the edge of the buttonhole stitch.

Structure of stitch

Cutwork removes part of the fabric, allowing any backing material to show through. Buttonhole stitch is a traditional stitch used for cutwork, and is the easiest way to get a neat finish because the stitch forms a corded edge. Stranded cotton and coton à broder work well for cutwork stitches.

Looped Buttonhole

Common uses

This method trims the fabric after completing the buttonhole stitch around the shape, so works well for larger and more complex shapes. This method can also be used with satin stitch or trailing, as well as buttonhole stitch as in the instructions.
The stitching may be worked at the same time as other core stitches, but the cutting away should be done at the very end.

Eyelet Edging

Embroidery Techniques

Whitework Cutwork Ayrshire

Related Stitches

Double running stitch Buttonhole stitch Overcast edging

References

  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.344