UP AND DOWN BUTTONHOLE STITCH
 
This is a decorative variation of the Buttonhole Stitch that clusters the long part of the stitch in pairs, and adds a little scallop.

Make a regular Buttonhole Stitch (Step 1). Then, make a Buttonhole Stitch in the opposite direction, right next to the first stitch (Step 2). Pull the thread in the direction of the stitch (away from you). Then, pull the thread towards you to take up any slack in the thread (Step 3).
 
Step 1:


Step 2:


Step 3:
 
Hints:
  • Keep the tension on the first Buttonhole Stitch consistent. The looser the tension, the fuller the scallop will be.
  • You can use this stitch on a folded edge to add emphasis to the line. Do not use on a raw edge, because, unlike the Buttonhole Stitch, it does not completely cover the edge.