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Buttonhole shading embroidery stitch

Buttonhole Shading Embroidery Stitch

Buttonhole shading is a variation of the Blanket stitch for filling. The rows of dense Blanket stitches are applied one above the other to create a smooth filling of rows of vertical stitches.

Other Names Of The Stitch

This hand embroidery stitch for filling is sometimes also called Blanket stitch shading.

how to Embroider Buttonhole Shading Embroidery Stitch: various shades of blue embroidery floss
how to Embroider Buttonhole Shading Embroidery Stitch: Back side

Applications Of The Stitch

Buttonhole shading hand embroidery stitch is excellent for filling. Choose slightly different shades of the same color thread, and you will have a gradient filling.

On the other hand, you can choose contrasting colors and create intriguing colorful patterns. Besides that, the rows of Blanket stitches can be wavy and create abstract designs.

How To Embroider Buttonhole Shading Stitch

Buttonhole shading step 1
Buttonhole shading step 2
Buttonhole shading step 3
  • Mark the area you want to fill with this stitch.
  • Embroider from top-down and from left to right.
  • Start with a row of dense Blanket stitches.
  • Now add the row of Blanket stitches below the first one. The leg of the stitch goes between the two stitches from the upper row.
  • Continue adding the rows one under the other until the desired area is fully filled.

More Stitches From The Blanket Stitch Family

Video tutorial

If you are a visual learner, watch a video tutorial below or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel. In this video, you’ll find easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions that will have you creating the Buttonhole shading filling stitch like a pro in no time.

Buttonhole shading hand embroidery stitch

What’s next?

If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!

Need More Guidance?

The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.

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