BUTTONHOLE SCALLOP

Many fine household linens are finished with a Buttonhole Scallop instead of a hem, avoiding a double layer of fabric.

First, mark the scallop (step 1). Next, baste the marked line (step 2). In this drawing, the basting thread is shown in a different color for clarity, but in reality, use the same thread as you use for the Buttonhole Stitches. Work Buttonhole Stitches around the basting thread (step 3). The final step involves carefully cutting the fabric away, close to the stitching (step 4).

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4:

Hints:

Make the stitch at the inside point of the scallop a little longer than the others. This makes the point look sharp.
To start a thread for Buttonhole Stitching, anchor with a few Basting Stitches along the scallop. Do not knot. The Basting Stitches will be covered and held in place by the Buttonhole Stitches.
If you run out of thread (which you will), end the old thread by Basting Stitches in the same direction as your stitching. The tail will be covered by the next thread's Buttnhole Stitches.
Remember that the "purl" of the Buttonhole Stitch faces outward.

See Also: