The up and down buttonhole stitch is a perfect edge or border stitch for garments and linens. It is a variation of the basic buttonhole stitch or blanket stitch. The two stitches form a scallop-like edge with a little knot that forms at the base of the stitch. It is also known as the mirrored embroidery stitch, the mirrored blanket stitch or the mirrored buttonhole stitch.
This stitch is great on all types of fabrics. Select an appropriate thread and needle for the fabric. You can use six-strand embroidery floss with all six-strands for a light weight or loosely woven fabric. Or use two-strands with finer fabrics. I’ve used size 8 perle cotton for the sampler.
This stitch is worked left to right along a line. The line can be straight as I’ve done in the sampler, or curved – even in a circle! Vary the length of the legs of the stitch for different looks.
How to Embroider the Up and Down Buttonhole Stitch
Learn how to stitch the up and down embroidery stitch with our step-by-step tutorial.
Materials
- Fabric for embroidery
- Embroidery thread or floss
Tools
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery scissors
- Embroidery needle suitable for the thread or floss selected
Instructions
- Hoop your fabric. I like to use an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut while you are stitching. This helps keep your stitches with the right tension.
Mark two (2) lines on your fabric. These lines will be the top and bottom of your stitching line. Use a removeable fabric marker. I like to use a Frixion pen. A Frixion pen removes with heat. NOTE: Always test your marker on a scrap of fabric before beginning your stitching project.
Start by bringing your needle up at the beginning of your line. Bring your needle to the top line and stitch down to the bottom line, wrapping your thread around the needle point.
- Next, take your needle down through the fabric near where you just pulled the needle up on the bottom line. Wrap your thread around the needle point.
- Pull your needle through, knotting the thread at the base of the bottom line.
- Do this same process over again for the next stitch. Take your needle down from the top line to the bottom line, bringing your thread around the needle point.
- Turn the needle around and bring it up from the bottom line to the top line, wrapping your thread around the needle point.
- Pull your needle through, forming a knot at the bottom line.
- Continue stitching in this manner for the length of your line.
- Remove your marked lines. Your stitching is complete!
Notes
TIP: Use an embroidery hoop to keep your stitch tension while you are stitching.
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NOTE: Always test your marking tools on a scrap of fabric. You don't want to do all of the work and then find out the markings are permanent.
Recommended Products
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Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 7, 15 Per Package -
DMC w Collector's Tin with 35 Colors Floss -
Valdani Perle Cotton Embroidery Thread Size 8 Vintage Hues Collection -
Caydo 6 Pieces Embroidery Hoop Set Bamboo Circle Cross Stitch Hoop Ring 4 inch to 10 inch for Embroidery and Cross Stitch -
kai 5 1/2 inch Embroidery Scissors, Black Handle
What are other variations of the buttonhole stitch?
The basic buttonhole stitch can be switched up with changing the spacing between the stitches and the height of the stitches.
The closed buttonhole stitch is another variation of the buttonhole stitch.
Check out all of our embroidery tutorials on Create Whimsy!
