A blanket stitch is a strong stitch, similar to a buttonhole stitch, used to finish and reinforce the edges of blankets.

The buttonhole stitch is a loop stitch that reinforces the edge. It is similar to a blanket stitch.

Embroidery is the handicraft of decorating fabric or other materials with needle and thread or yarn. Chain stitch, buttonhole or blanket stitch, running stitch, satin stitch and cross stitch are some fundamental techniques of hand embroidery.

There are several different types of Indian stitches. Some of the stitches that are often used is the running stitch that is used in Kantha embroidery, the chain stitch used in Zardozi embroidery, and the buttonhole stitch used in Chikankari embroidery.

If you have the manual, refer to pages 28-31.

Making a buttonhole

NOTE:

1. It is recommended to practice making a buttonhole on a scrap piece of fabric before attempting it on your project.

2. Using tailor's chalk to mark the position and length of the buttonhole on the material is also recommended.

Step A: Bar Tack

1. Set the stitch length between 0 and 1 (F), stitch width to 5 and the needle position to R.

2. Lower the presser foot over the top right corner of the buttonhole mark and sew 3-6 stitches.

3. Stop the machine when the needle is in the material on the right side of the stitch. (Turn the balance wheel counterclockwise if necessary.)

Step B: Right Row

1. Set the stitch width to 2.

2. Sew the predetermined length of the buttonhole to the other end.

3. Stop the machine when the needle is in the material on the right side of the stitch. (Turn the balance wheel counterclockwise if necessary.)

Step C: Final Bar Tack

1. Set the stitch width to 5.

2. Sew 3-6 stitches.

4. Stop the machine when the needle is in the material on the left side of the stitch. (Turn the balance wheel counterclockwise if necessary.)

Step D: Left Row

1. Lift the presser foot.

2. Turn the material 180 degrees using the needle as an axis and set the stitch width to 0. Lower the presser foot.

3. Turn the balance wheel toward you (counterclockwise) to sew one stitch. This moves the needle from the left to the right.

4. Set the stitch width to 2.

5. Sew until the needle reaches the other bar tack. Stop the machine with the needle in the material on the right of the stitches.

Securing the stitching and cutting the buttonhole

1. To secure the stitching, turn the material 90 degrees counterclockwise, set the stitch width to 0, stitch length to 1, and sew 5-6 Straight Stitches.

2. Remove the material from the machine.

3. It is recommended that pins be placed across both bartack ends of the buttonhole as protection against cutting the stitches.

4. Cut an opening in the middle of the buttonhole with a seam ripper tool. Be careful not to cut through any stitches.