Supplies And Sewing Equipment Needed
A buttonhole is an essential part of making clothes, and can be tricky to master. To have the best chance of success, it is important to choose the right supplies and equipment, especially if using a Janome Sewing Machine.
The first step is to select a buttonhole foot attachment for the sewing machine. Janome makes a variety of buttonhole feet for the various models of its sewing machines, such as the snap-on type for the older machines, or the micro-hole presser where the fabric slides between two layers of the foot. Janome also has an optional rotary buttonhole attachment, which requires its own set of instructions.
Threads are important too. Fortunately, Janome machines are thread-efficient so there’s no need to worry about thread breakage. Choose a thread in a color to match the fabric you’re using, along with a coordinating needle. If a contrasting thread is desired, use a heavier weight thread such as a bobbin thread, or a metallic thread.
The most important supply is buttons, of course. Janome offers a variety of options. Most buttons are shank style, which have a loop that fits around a small metal peg on the back of the button. Other buttons use a loop that attaches through a shank on the front of the button. There are also buttons available with a self-covering loop. Once the right button is chosen, proceed by marking the buttonhole size on the fabric, adding about a half-inch for turning the raw edges.
Steps Involved In Making A Buttonhole With A Janome Sewing Machine
Depending on the model, the Janome sewing machine may have a special buttonhole stitch setting, or it may need to be adjusted manually using the pattern control lever. If using the pattern control lever, select the appropriate stitch width and stitch length.
If using a Janome that has a buttonhole foot, attach the foot to the machine and slide the fabric between the layers of the foot where it will be automatically turned for the desired size buttonhole.
Once the settings are adjusted and the buttonhole foot is on the machine, start sewing. It is important to keep in mind that the Janome machines may need to be pre-programmed for the size of the buttonhole. Begin by placing the needle at the side of the buttonhole opening, and then start sewing from left to right.
On the way out, sew slowly to get a nice even stitch, and then sew quickly when heading back for the end of the buttonhole. Once finished, unthread the machine and remove the fabric.
Cutting The Buttonhole Open
Next, use sharp-pointed scissors to cut down the middle of the stitching, being careful only to cut the top layer of fabric. Then, widen the opening to accommodate the button. To keep the buttonhole from gathering when followed, turn a tiny bar tack at the end of each stitch line.
Securing The Buttonhole
At the end of the buttonhole, secure the stitches to prevent them from fraying or unraveling. Janome machines have options to reinforce buttonholes, either by using a buttonhole foot to embroider a secure buttonhole finish, or by using a secure stitch.
Once the buttonhole is secured, all that’s left to do is to secure the button. Shank buttons are secured by threading the shank loop through the secure buttonhole on the back and attaching it to the back of the fabric with a few stitches. If using a self-covering loop button, the button should be sewn onto the fabric and not through any secure buttonholes, as this could cause fabric to unravel.
Tips For Success When Making A Buttonhole
For a successful buttonhole, following a few tips can make a difference.
When choosing the correct buttonhole foot, choose the one that best fits the fabric and buttons that are being used. If the foot is too large, the buttonhole will be too small and the fabric may pucker or the button won’t fit through.
When marking the size of the buttonhole, it’s important to leave at least a half-inch allowance for turning the raw edge of the fabric, so that the buttonhole is not too tight or too loose.
Finally, when cutting the buttonhole open, be sure to not cut too close to the secure stitching, as this could cause the buttonhole to unravel quickly.
Use Of Buttonholes In Different Types Of Clothing
Buttonholes are an essential part of a variety of clothing items, from coats and jackets to shirts and skirts. They are also commonly used in decorative items such as cuffs, collars, and hemlines.
When dealing with dressy apparel, the edges of buttonholes can be treated with a special finish to help the buttonholes look more polished and professional. Techniques such as hand-applied embroidery and edge binding can also help to secure the edges of the buttonholes, as well as making them more attractive.
Advantages Of Janome Sewing Machines
Janome Sewing Machines are well known for their consistent quality and durability. When making buttonholes, these machines have a wide range of feet and accessories that allow the user to make consistent and attractive buttonholes in a variety of fabrics. The reinforced buttonhole stitch option is a great safeguard against buttonhole unraveling and the ergonomic design of the machines allow beginners to get the hang of making buttonholes quickly.
Advanced Buttonhole Techniques
The buttonhole is not limited to the classic four-hole design seen in many garments. Advanced techniques such as the hidden buttonhole and the rolled buttonhole allow the user to add interest and creativity to projects. The hidden buttonhole is created by sewing a fabric strip behind the buttonholes so that they appear to be part of the garment, rather than a distinct feature. The rolled buttonhole, made with a Janome rotary attachment, wraps the thread around the ends of the buttonholes, rather than the standard bar tack on each end.
Maintenance Of Janome Sewing Machine Thread
Thread is one of the most important components of making buttonholes, and Janome sewing machines are designed to reduce the amount of thread waste that may occur when making buttonholes. Janome machines include options to keep the thread from breaking, including tension settings that can be adjusted to fit the fabric and the weight of the thread being used. Regular cleaning and adjustment of the needle, bobbin, and other components of the machine can also help to keep thread from breaking or gathering.
In conclusion, creating beautiful and professional looking buttonholes with a Janome sewing machine can be achieved with some practice and the right supplies and settings. With the right supplies and technique, buttonholes can become part of a variety of projects, from regular clothing items to decorative projects.
