Comment broder Buttonhole scallop edging
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The Buttonhole scallop edging, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Buttonhole scallop edging.
The buttonhole scallop edging is worked along a hemmed edge by forming a loose loop that is covered with close blanket stitches to create a raised bar, repeated evenly to form a structured decorative finish.
1 – Begin the first bar
Fasten the thread on the wrong side of the fabric. Bring the needle up at A on the selvedge of the hem. Insert at B keeping the thread under the tip of the needle. Bring the needle up at C flush with the selvedge. Pull the thread to form a first loose loop against the edge.
2 – Form the buttonhole scallop
Slide the needle from left to right under the loop just formed without piercing the fabric. Keep the thread under the tip of the needle. Pull to form a blanket stitch that sits against the previous one. Repeat this gesture 3 to 5 times to build a compact scallop bar.
3 – Anchor the bar and continue
Insert the needle at 3 to anchor the bar. Bring the needle back up on the selvedge of the hem and repeat the previous steps to form a new bar. Continue along the entire length of the edging.
4 – Finish the edging
Pass the needle to the wrong side by sliding it over the last loop. Fasten the thread under the stitches already worked. ___________
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from left to right keeping the thread under the needle at each stitch.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from right to left following the same principle. Tips for a successful buttonhole scallop edging
Tips for a perfect buttonhole scallop edging
Thread position: The thread must always pass under the tip of the needle — this is the gesture that correctly forms each blanket stitch loop and ensures the bar holds its shape.
Number of stitches per bar: Work a consistent number of stitches for each bar — three stitches give a fine bar, five stitches a more voluminous one. Consistent numbers ensure the visual harmony of the edging.
Compactness of the bar: The stitches must sit against each other with no gap — a bar with spaced stitches would lose its solidity and structured appearance.
Progressive tension: Pull the thread progressively rather than all at once — the bars will form naturally without becoming too stiff or too loose.
Anchoring each bar: The anchor stitch of each bar must be positioned exactly at its base — an offset anchor would distort the edge and break the rhythm of the edging.
Result
On the front: an edging made up of even buttonhole scallop bars forming a raised decorative finish.
On the back: discreet anchor stitches aligned along the hem.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Buttonhole scallop edging, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The buttonhole scallop edging is used to decorate and reinforce hemmed edges, particularly appreciated in traditional embroidery for creating structured finishes with relief and rhythm.
The size of the bars and their spacing allow the appearance of the edging to be adapted according to the desired effect and the weight of the fabric.
It belongs to the tradition of fine lingerie and household linen finishings, where it brings character and elegance to the most delicate pieces.
The buttonhole scallop edging: a succession of bars formed from blanket stitches accumulated on a loose loop.
Its construction rests on the accumulation of loops held by regular anchor stitches, without ever piercing the fabric at the core of each bar.
This architecture produces a solid, precise edging, adaptable according to the number of stitches per bar and the distance between each one.
It is an elegant technique in hand embroidery for enriching selvedges with texture.
Why learn the Buttonhole scallop edging?
• understand the construction of a bar by accumulating blanket stitches on a loop
• develop regularity of gesture and tension control in raised work
• learn to maintain a consistent number of stitches to ensure a harmonious edging
• enrich finishes with structured, voluminous decorative borders
Learn the Buttonhole scallop edging with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the buttonhole scallop edging is taught step by step with clear, structured guidance.
Our approach to teaching is part of a complete hand embroidery stitch encyclopaedia, designed to support every embroiderer on their journey.
It allows you to progress at your own pace whilst building precision, consistency, and confidence in hand embroidery.