Find the Right Stitch
Making a buttonhole on a sewing machine is a skill that many find intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple if you have the right tools and know what steps to take. Depending on the age of your machine, it may come with a built-in buttonhole feature that makes making buttonholes quite straightforward. If your machine doesn’t support such a feature, though, you’ll need to manually set the stitches yourself.
When it comes to setting a buttonhole stitch, most machines will have pre-programmed buttonhole stitches that you can select. If your machine doesn’t have a pre-programmed stitch for buttonholes, you’ll need to manually set it up. For this, you’ll need to select the correct stitch length and width. Generally, a stitch length of four to five millimeters and a stitch width of eight to ten millimeters should be sufficient.
How to Set the Stitch Length and Stitch Width
Once you’ve selected the correct type of stitch, you’ll need to adjust the stitch length and stitch width in order to create a nice, even buttonhole. With most machines, adjusting the stitch length and width is quite straightforward. All you need to do is turn the dials on the front of the machine to the desired setting. The left dial will adjust the stitch width, while the right dial will adjust the stitch length.
Once you’ve adjusted the stitch length and width to the desired settings, you’ll need to thread your machine. Threading is an essential part of making a buttonhole, as it ensures the thread is wound through the needle and will stay in place without breaking once the stitch is completed. Threading can be a bit tricky, so refer to your machine’s user manual for detailed instructions.
Secure Your Buttonhole
With the thread now threaded, you’re ready to start making your buttonhole. As you start sewing, keep an eye on the tension of the thread and loosen it a bit if necessary. This will help ensure the stitches are even and secure. As you work, also make sure the stitches are lined up evenly with the edge of the fabric. If they’re not, stop and adjust the stitch length or width as necessary.
Once your buttonhole is completed, you’ll want to secure the edges to prevent the stitches from unraveling. To do this, you can use a zigzag stitch along the sides of the buttonhole using a small stitch length. This will help ensure the stitches remain secure and will prevent the edges of the buttonhole from fraying.
Using a Buttonhole Cutter
Most sewing machines also come with a buttonhole cutter. This is a special tool that helps you cut out a neat and even buttonhole in the fabric after you’ve sewn it. The tool works by using a rotating blade to cut through the fabric and the stitches that secure the buttonhole, creating a neat and even hole for the button to pass through.
If you don’t have a buttonhole cutter, another option is to carefully snip the buttonhole open with scissors. This can be a bit tricky, as it’s easy to accidentally snip the threads, so be sure to use a sharp pair of scissors. Alternatively, you can use a seam ripper to carefully remove just the stitches, though this can be a bit time consuming.
Attaching the Button
Now that you’ve created the buttonhole, it’s time to attach the button. Take a look at the back of the button to see what type of fastener it has. Depending on the type of button, you may need to use a sewing machine attachment to properly attach it. Most sewing machines will come with one of these attachments, though you may need to refer to your machine’s user manual for instructions on how to use it.
Once you’ve attached the button, you’re ready to try on the garment and make sure the buttonhole fits around the button properly. If the buttonhole is too tight or too loose you’ll need to adjust the stitch length and width, or use a zigzag stitch to make the area larger or smaller, as necessary.
Tips for Making Buttonholes
Making a buttonhole on a sewing machine is a skill that takes time to perfect. Here are some tips that can help you get the best results:
– Make sure your machine is threaded properly before you start stitching.
– Check that the tension of the thread is set correctly so the stitches come out even and secure.
– Remember to lengthen the stitch width and length as you reach the end of the buttonhole, as this will help make the edges firmer and more secure.
– Take your time, especially if you’re a beginner. Making a buttonhole on a sewing machine is relatively easy, but it still pays to go slowly and keep an eye on the stitches.
Finishing the Buttonhole
Once you’ve completed the buttonhole, you’ll want to secure the edges of the fabric to keep the stitches from unraveling. You can do this by using a zigzag stitch with a small stitch length, or by hand sewing a few small stitches along the side of the buttonhole.
Finally, take a look at the buttonhole from the outside of the garment. If there are any irregular stitches or gaps that need to be filled, you can use a buttonhole foot or a patching needle and thread to cover them up. This will help make the buttonhole look neat and even, and also help keep the edges of the fabric secure.
