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Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges icon
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges

Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges main image

This method of drawn thread preparation is often used when you are working drawn thread right up to some other stitching. In this example, a buttonhole edge is used. However, the edge could use other stitches such as satin stitch (frequently seen in Hardanger work) or trailing.

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Drawn Filling Border Drawn Thread Whitework Hardanger Drawn thread preparation

Dedicated to Isobel Clarke

Method

Just like the standard drawn thread preparation, it is advisable to loosen the fabric so that it hangs slack in the frame, just before you remove the threads.

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Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 1 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 1 photograph
1

Start by working a running stitch on the outline.

Running stitch
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 2 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 2 photograph
2

Work a double running stitch by going back and filling in the gaps between the running stitches.

Double running stitch
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 3 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 3 photograph
3

Repeat the stitching on the other side of the drawn thread area.

Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 4 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 4 photograph
4

Using buttonhole stitch, cover the double running stitch. The buttonhole edge should be towards the centre of the area which will be drawn.

Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 5 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 5 photograph
5

Make sure that the buttonhole stitch is very close to the double running stitch: in this example the buttonhole stitch is one ground fabric thread away from the double running stitch.

Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 6 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 6 photograph
6

Cut one of the lengthways threads of the ground fabric thread in the middle of the area to be drawn.

Drawn thread preparation
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 7 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 7 photograph
7

Withdraw the thread up to the buttonhole stitch.

Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 8 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 8 photograph
8

Push the blade of your scissors against the buttonhole stitch, hold the thread taut and snip it away.

Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 9 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 9 photograph
9

Repeat on the other side, as close as possible to the buttonhole stitch.

Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 10 illustration
Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges method stage 10 photograph
10

Repeat for each lengthways thread as required. Be careful not to cut the buttonhole stitch or the crossing ground fabric threads.

Drawn thread preparation with buttonhole edges

Structure of stitch

Drawn

Common uses

Filling Border

Embroidery Techniques

Drawn Thread Whitework Hardanger

Variant Stitches

Drawn thread preparation

References

  • Lizzy Lansberry, RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Whitework (2012) , p.67
  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.337