Buttonholes are quite easy and quick to sew. All you need to do is have a little patience and a little attention when marking and measuring before the operation. Read on to learn how to do them.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Machine Method
Step 1. Position the sewing machine on the length of the "satin" stitches or close to zero in length
Step 2. Put the buttonhole foot on the machine if you have one
While you can make a buttonhole with a "normal" presser foot, the Buttonhole Foot helps you measure and make buttonholes of equal length in a very simple way.
Step 3. Measure where you need the buttonhole
Step 4. Mark the spot with pins or dressmaker's chalk
Step 5. Place the Presser Foot on the edge of one of the buttonhole marks
Step 6. Sew a bar across the entire width of the buttonhole in a zigzag or satin stitch
Look at n. 1 in the drawing.
Step 7. Adjust the stitch width to half the width and sew along the side of the buttonhole to the other side
Look at n. 2 in the drawing.
Step 8. Zigzag or satin stitch a bar over the full width of the buttonhole to the opposite side
Look at n. 3 in the drawing.
Step 9. Adjust the stitch width to half the width again and go back to the starting point, keeping your second line of stitches parallel to the first
Look at n. 4 in the drawing.
Step 10. Repeat for a stronger and thicker line of stitches (and consequently the edge of the buttonhole)
Step 11. Use a hook or sharp scissors to open the part between the stitched edges
Be careful not to cut the threads.
Method 2 of 2: Hand Method
Step 1. Measure and mark your buttonhole carefully
Step 2. Cut the opening, being careful to leave a few loose threads, if any
Step 3. Thread the needle and tie a knot
Step 4. Bring the needle up from behind the fabric
Step 5. Make the thread a full loop through the buttonhole and back through the fabric
Step 6. Pass the thread through the loop that has formed and pull so that it is tight
Step 7. Repeat at close intervals
Step 8. Continue around the perimeter of the buttonhole cut until all raw edges are well covered and smooth
You can roll up the raw edge slightly as you sew if you like.
Advice
- Using thick thread helps when sewing buttonholes by hand.
- If you're just starting out, practice buttonholes on a piece of fabric before doing it on your project, especially if it's a practically finished one.
- Different sewing machines use different methods for sewing buttonholes. Some require the use of the "reverse" knot, while others sew the entire buttonhole without your intervention. Check the instruction manual for the particularities and instructions of your machine.
