How to Stitch a Barb Stitch

The barb stitch is worked in between two facing buttonhole stitches, creating a textured line that weaves itself in and out of the buttonhole ridge formed by the stitches. This is a simple stitch that can be completed by children and beginning sewers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Blunt tapestry needle
• Thread
• Scissors

1. Stitch 2 buttonhole stitches with the continuous lines of the stitches (pearls) facing each other in the center on a piece of fabric. The buttonhole stitches are the foundation of the barb stitch, so they must be stitched first.

2. Take a blunt tapestry needle and thread the needle with the same thread you used for the buttonhole stitches or a contrasting thread, depending on what look you want to achieve.

3. Insert the needle in between the buttonhole pearls. Go under both buttonhole stitch loops as you do this.

4. Bring the needle up through the fabric and back down through the loops that are in between the adjoining buttonhole stitch pearls.

5. Continue with the barb stitch until you have stitched through all of your buttonhole stitches.

6. Secure the thread in the back of the fabric, and use scissors to snip the thread when you are finished.

Tips & Warnings

• See related eHow articles for instructions on sewing a buttonhole stitch.
• For a bold look, choose a thread that is thicker or metallic to use to create your stitches.
• Barb stitches can be used for single lines, as a border or as loose stitches for floral embroidery projects.