Pyramids

Whitework Embroidery

Posted by Search Press

About

Pyramids are simply triangles composed of Hedebo buttonhole stitches. You can vary the size of the stitches or combine pyramids with buttonhole scallops to create more complex designs. Pyramids are commonly used on the edge of the fabric, but can also be incorporated as part of the open work. Use a tapestry or blunt-ended needle for this technique.

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You Will Need (2 things)

  • Needle
  • Thread

Steps (15 steps, 45 minutes)

  1. 1

    Start using a base of Hedebo buttonhole stitch - https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/hedebo-embroidery

    Bring the needle out at the starting point, then insert the needle after the next stitch to the right.

  2. 2

    Work Hedebo buttonhole stitch onto the base. Note: In the example photos, the thread is left loose to show it clearly, but tighten the thread when you stitch.

  3. 3

    Work the desired quantity of Hedebo buttonhole stitches. Four stitches are shown in this example.

  4. 4

    After working one row, go back to the first stitch and insert the needle from back to front.

  5. 5

    Pull the thread so that it sits horizontally. Do not tighten it too much—it should not pull the ends of the row in.

  6. 6

    Take the needle under the horizontal thread and the stitch next to the first one.

  7. 7

    Work Hedebo buttonhole stitch to create the second row.

  8. 8

    The second row should have one less stitch than the previous row. Three stitches are shown in this example.

  9. 9

    Go back to the first stitch of the row and insert the needle from back to front.

  10. 10

    Continue working one less Hedebo buttonhole stitch to complete each subsequent row. This will create the triangular shape.

  11. 11

    To complete the last row, draw the thread upward and make the tip sharp.

  12. 12

    Insert the needle through the rightmost stitch of the previous row, from back to front.

  13. 13

    Insert the needle through the rightmost stitch one row lower, from back to front. Continue in this manner to stitch down row by row.

  14. 14

    At the end, insert the needle at the base of the pyramid.

  15. 15

    When you actually sew, remember to make the stitches tight, as shown here.