Types Of Buttonhole Stitch| Let’s Get To Know the Versatility Of Buttonhole Stitches

After learning what a buttonhole stitch is and how to do it, one question popped into my mind: Are there any different types of buttonhole stitch? 🤔 The answer is yes; there are 17 types of buttonhole stitch. I must admit that each of them is more beautiful than the others. But my personal favorites are-

1. Knotted Buttonhole stitch
2. Closed Buttonhole stitch
3. Triple buttonhole stitch
4. Crossed Buttonhole stitch

Doesn’t it sound interesting? It looks even more enjoyable. Let’s discuss it in detail below.

17 Types Of Buttonhole Stitch

Yes, there are 17 types of buttonhole stitch. Although buttonhole stitch may be simple, it has many varieties. So, let’s talk about it.

1. Keyhole Buttonhole Stitch
2. Normal Buttonhole Stitch
3. Knotted Buttonhole Stitch
4. Closed Buttonhole Stitch
5. Triple Buttonhole Stitch
6. Crossed Buttonhole Stitch
7. Long & Short Buttonhole Stitch
8. Double Buttonhole Stitch (In)
9. Double Buttonhole Stitch (Out)
10. Twin Tangle Buttonhole Stitch
11. Close Buttonhole Stitch
12. Detached Buttonhole Stitch
13. Open Buttonhole Filler Stitch
14. Buttonhole Wheel Stitch
15. Tailor’s Buttonhole Stitch
16. Buttonhole Scallop Stitch
17. Buttonhole Bar Stitch

A keyhole buttonhole stitch is a wrap stitch around the keyhole. This stitch looks like a regular buttonhole but with a rounded or circular end. It is like the shape of an old-fashioned keyhole with hand-sewn buttonholes.

If you are concerned about the size, then-

The straight part of the stitch runs along the sides of the buttonhole opening, and the rounded end gives extra space for thicker or shank buttons to pass through. This strong stitch helps prevent the fabric from fraying or stretching, especially in places where the button is used.

Where is it most used?

A buttonhole stitch is a looped stitch that reinforces the edge of the fabric, helping to prevent it from fraying or coming apart. It is the most common buttonhole stitch. It is not just to hold the fabric or sew a button on your fabric. It is kind of like a vertical buttonhole.

This buttonhole stitch can also be used for embroidery. If done correctly, it can produce a pretty good design. It’s made up of small, uniform stitches that line the length of the slit, giving it a neat and polished look.

Looking at it may raise questions like, “Is buttonhole stitch the same as blanket stitch?” It looks the same at first glance, but the reality is different. You can see the difference if you look closely.

The ends of the buttonhole are square or slightly rounded, but without the wider, rounded section, you’d see in a keyhole buttonhole.

Where can you see it mostly?

A knotted buttonhole stitch is a normal buttonhole stitch with a knot at the leg. Instead of wrapping the edges like a regular buttonhole stitch, this one includes knots at regular intervals.

These knots make the buttonhole look unique and help keep the edges of buttonholes from fraying.

The knotted buttonhole stitch has a unique and textured look that sets it apart from regular buttonholes. Instead of a smooth edge, you’ll see small knots or bumps along the sides. It gives a raised effect that adds a bit of flair.

The buttonhole usually has a rectangular shape or slightly rounded ends, just like a traditional one. But what makes it special is those decorative knots, which look great and make the buttonhole super sturdy.

Uses of knotted buttonhole stitch-

The closed buttonhole stitch is a triangular buttonhole stitch. In this shape, the stitch “legs” angle go forward or backward, meeting at the center to create a triangular shape. This design gives the buttonhole a decorative touch and makes it sturdy and secure.

The space allows the fabric to lie flat and creates a neat finish. The triangle shape formed by the angled stitches adds a unique texture.

Where is the Closed Buttonhole Stitch?

This creates a thicker, more reinforced edge, making the buttonhole extra strong and durable. The triple layers of stitches provide added support. The finished look is bulkier and sturdier, ensuring the fabric won’t fray or weaken around the buttonhole.

Uses of it? Well,

The crossed buttonhole stitch is a decorative stitch in which each buttonhole stitch crosses over the previous one.

It forms a series of small “X or diamond” shapes along the edge of the buttonhole.

This crisscross pattern adds visual interest and texture while reinforcing the fabric to prevent fraying.

Use of crossed buttonhole stitch?

This creates a more textured, decorative effect while still strengthening the buttonhole.

Combining long and short stitches adds visual interest. It is perfect for decorative garments or projects where you want the buttonholes to stand out. The stitch lengths still help reinforce the edges to prevent fraying, giving both style and durability.

Where is it used mostly?

The double buttonhole stitch (in) is a technique for creating a strong buttonhole by sewing 2 rows of stitches side by side.

First, you make one row of buttonhole stitches and then add a second row close to the first. 

This makes the edges thicker and more durable, which is great for heavy fabrics like jackets or coats. The extra row strengthens the buttonhole and gives it a neat, polished appearance.

The double buttonhole stitch (out) is similar to the double buttonhole stitch (in) but is sewn on the outside of the fabric instead of the inside.

This technique also involves creating 2 parallel rows of stitches around the buttonhole, but it’s designed to be visible outside the cloth. The buttonhole becomes a decorative feature using this method, as the double rows create a strong and stylish edge. 

Mostly used place?

Curious about how to do a Double Buttonhole Stitch? It is easy. Here is a glance at it,

1. Grab your needle and thread to get started.
2. Create a simple row of buttonhole stitches along the fabric edge, spacing them evenly.
3. Push your needle from the outside of the first row of stitches.
4. Instead of staying on the same line, push back through the first-row line.
5. Slide the thread under the needle and pull it to lock the stitch in place.
6. Repeat by pushing the needle beside the first stitch, about ⅙ inch away.
7. Keep your stitches straight and uniform—don’t angle them like crossed buttonhole stitches.
8. Interlock each pair of stitches as you go, working your way across the fabric.

The twin tangle buttonhole stitch is between 2 parallel lines of stitching that create a tangled, intertwined look, almost like a braided effect. This gives the buttonhole a textured appearance. That’s the specialty buttonhole stitch.

It’s often used in projects where you want to combine functionality with a bit of flair, like on garments or accessories. The twin tangle stitch looks great and reinforces the buttonhole.

It is strong enough to handle everyday wear. It’s a creative way to add personality to your sewing projects while ensuring they stay durable.

The close buttonhole stitch is a neat, tightly packed stitch forming a solid edge around a buttonhole. It’s called “close” because the stitches are placed close together, leaving no gaps between them. 

This gives the buttonhole a strong, clean finish and prevents the fabric from fraying. That’s the difference blanket stitch vs buttonhole stitch.

You often see this stitch on garments where you want a smooth, polished look, like on shirts or blouses. It’s functional and decorative, adding excellent detail while keeping the buttonhole sturdy.

Commonly used place?

Unlike a regular buttonhole stitch, the detached version doesn’t connect directly to the fabric after each stitch, creating a lacy, open look.

This stitch is great for embroidery or filling in shapes where you want some texture, like leaves or petals, in a floral design. It’s simple and adds a unique.

Where you may have seen it?

Open Buttonhole Filler Stitch is a simple open form of buttonhole stitch. It creates a beautiful and textured look while keeping the edges secure. If you see buttonhole stitch images, then you would know.

It’s a great choice for adding flair to garments or projects where the buttonhole stands out. Plus, it helps prevent fraying and keeps everything looking neat.

So, if you want to elevate your buttonholes with some style, the open buttonhole filler stitch is a fantastic option.

A buttonhole wheel stitch is a wheel stitch done by a buttonhole stitch to form a textured, round detail. The stitch starts with a central knot, and you work outward, creating a series of buttonhole stitches in a circular pattern. This gives it a lovely, layered look. It’s not just beautiful; it’s also functional.

The more fun part is that there 5 different types of wheel buttonhole stitches, too. Such as:

1. Whipped Buttonhole Wheel
2. Barred Buttonhole Wheel
3. Inside-Out Buttonhole Wheel Stitch
4. Buttonhole Wheel Cup Stitch
5. Half Buttonhole Wheel Stitch

Tailor buttonhole stitch is basically a reverse buttonhole stitch. This version features an extra twist that secures the stitch more firmly, creating a braided effect along the fabric’s edge. Unlike other buttonhole stitches that may focus on decorative aspects.

The Tailor’s Buttonhole Stitch has a neat, professional look, and its signature zigzag pattern outlines the buttonhole. This stitch is all about strength and durability.

It is perfect for tailored garments like jackets and coats. It holds up well on heavier fabrics, such as wool and denim, ensuring that buttonholes can withstand regular wear without fraying.

The buttonhole scallop stitch is a detached stitch with a wavy effect. It is a delightful embroidery technique that adds a decorative scalloped edge to buttonholes. You can create some stunning buttonhole stitch embroidery with it.

It gives them a charming and whimsical look. This stitch combines the strength of traditional buttonhole stitching with a unique, flowing design that mimics the shape of scallops.

So whenever you need to do some stunning design, do a buttonhole scallop stitch.

Buttonhole bar stitch is a blanket stitch wrapped around with thread. From afar, it looks like a bug lying on fabric.

This technique makes looped buttonholes for garments and locker loops for hanging jackets. It adds functionality and a decorative touch, making it an excellent choice for various sewing projects. It also has some versions. Such as:

1. Twisted Buttonhole Bar Stitch
2. Detached Buttonhole Bars Stitch
3. Reversed Buttonhole Bar Stitch

Types Of Buttonhole Stitch Pdf

That’s all the types of buttonhole stitches I have found so far. And digging out the types wasn’t easy! Not everyone talked about this clearly, so I decided to note it down. Since you can find it, I recommend downloading and saving the PDF. It’s easy to forget or mix it up.

All Types Of Buttonhole stitch video tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

Warp Up

That’s all 13 types of buttonhole stitch. Each of them is more beautiful than the others, I must say. And each of them has unique features to look forward to. Each of them gives a fancy twist whenever and where you want.

So, which one has caught your attention so far? Comment down in sewinginspo your opinion.