How to Stitch a Buttonhole Bar

The buttonhole bar is much easier to stitch than you might think. It's often used in pulled and drawn work, and it creates a raised effect on the fabric. You can also use this stitch as an accent, in detail work and crazy quilting. To work the buttonhole bar, you must first be able to work the basic buttonhole stitch. Read on to learn how to stitch a buttonhole bar.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Outline the row or border and trace the design onto the fabric. Draw the design on the fabric with a marking pencil or a another type of transfer method.

2. Place the fabric into an embroidery hoop. Smooth the fabric and tighten the hoop. Keep the fabric taut as it is being worked.

3. Begin with two or three straight stitches across the areas where the bar is to lay. Bring the thread up on the lower left side of the bar just created.

4. Work the buttonhole stitch over the straight stitches only without passing through the foundation fabric. Slide the stitches along the bar so that the finished stitches sit close together.

5. Learn this stitch at first using threads with a firm twist. Master the stitch and then experiment with textured or metallic threads for a contemporary design.

Tips & Warnings

• When working the buttonhole bar, use a blunt needle to help avoid piercing the fabric.
• Use hand-dyed threads to get shifts of color along the bar.

Resources

• Source for Patterns, Supplies and Accessories