Detached Buttonhole Stitch
a member of the buttonhole family
Detached buttonhole is a detached filling stitch which produces a solid area in a closely embroidered shape.
This stitch is formed in the same way as buttonhole stitch but it is worked into itself rather than into the foundation fabric hence the name.
With this stitch you are actually constructing a layer of fabric over the foundation fabric. This adds texture or high relief to a piece.
This stitch is seen used in needlelace and Stumpwork.
Stretch the fabric in an embroidery hoop as it is important to work this stitch at an even tension.
To work the stitch you first lay a line of foundation stitches down. In order to do this you can use any linear stitch that you can attach buttonhole stitches to. For instance back stitch, chain stitch are both suitable as foundation stitches. For the illustration I have used a buttonhole bar as my starting point.
Working from left to right work a row of buttonhole stitches over these threads without entering the foundation fabric.
In order to not pierce the foundation threads and fabric use a blunt ended needle such as a Tapestry needle of suitable size.
These stitches should be worked closely together and for the best results use a firm thread.
Turn your work and sew the next row into the loops of the previous row, once again without entering the foundation fabric. Continue in this manner working from side to side until you have filled the shape required.
To create shapes in this stitch you increase by working two stitches into one loop or decrease by not working a stitch into the loop at the end of each row. To produce a neat edge the final row should be worked in a slightly tighter tension. When complete use small straight stitches to secure the edge to the foundation fabric.
You can raise this stitch by working it over padding such as felt. Cut the padding to shape but slightly smaller than the area you wish cover. Stitch the padding into position before commencing detached buttonhole and then work over it until the shape is filled.
Buttonhole family:
There are many other stitches that are classified in this group. The stitches that I have listed here in the Buttonhole family are:
- Barb stitch
- Berwick stitch
- Bonnet stitch
- Buttonhole Bar
- Buttonhole wheel
- Closed Buttonhole stitch
- Closed Feather stitch
- Crossed Buttonhole stitch
- Detached buttonhole stitch
- Feather stitch
- Rosette of thorns
- Up and Down Buttonhole
- Up and Down buttonhole feathered
