Perles are those small bumps that are formed after you make the Buttohole stitch.
I have marked them on the diagram above.
Each line on the chart represents a fabric thread.
Buttonhole Stitch DiagramThe Perle is formed at step 4 as shown in the Buttonhole stitch diagram.
The perle is formed where the working thread leaves the loop or crosses the loop when it leaves the loop.
The loop is being closed by pulling straight down on the working thread.
I have marked a perle on the photo above. The word 'perle' is under the perle of the buttonhole stitch, and the loop is closed as this buttonhole stitch is completed. The next buttonhole stitch is formed when the working thread is pulled straight down. ©2009, Linda Fontenot, www.AmericanFolkArts.com