What is a Buttonhole Stitch?

Question: What is a Buttonhole Stitch?

Answer: A buttonhole stitch is used to trim the raw edges of fabric to secure the edges of a button hole. Without using a buttonhole stitch, the fabric will likely tear and unravel. A buttonhole stitch is sometimes confused with a blanket stitch, which is only slightly different.

For further instruction, here is a step-by-step photo tutorial on hand-sewing a buttonhole stitch from our Guide to Sewing.

Stitch How-to Index:

• Straight Stitch
• Overcast Stitch
• Zigzag Stitch
• Blanket Stitch
• Buttonhole Stitch
• Slip Stitch
• Chain Stitch
• Running Stitch
• Back Stitch
• How to thread a needle