Essential Tools and Materials
Buttonholes are an integral part of most common garments from coats and blazers to shirts and dresses. Making them may seem daunting, but the task can be made more straightforward with the right tools and materials on hand. To make buttonholes on a Brother sewing machine, you’ll need a buttonhole foot, a medium-sized needle, and a set of unflanged buttons. You’ll also need polyester or polyester-cotton thread and scissors or a seam ripper.
Mark Button Holes
The first step in making buttonholes with a Brother sewing machine is to mark the buttonholes on the fabric. To do this, place the button on the fabric and draw a line around it with a marking pen to mark the size of the buttonhole. It’s important to use a marking pen that is easily removable and won’t damage the fabric. To determine the size of the buttonhole, measure the circumference of the button and multiply that number by two.
Install Buttonhole Foot
The next step is to install the buttonhole foot onto the Brother sewing machine. It is imperative that the buttonhole foot is correctly installed to ensure uniform buttonholes. To do this, unscrew the presser foot and slide the buttonhole foot onto the presser bar. Tighten the screw again to secure it in place.
Select Buttonhole Stitch
Before you can begin sewing the buttonhole, you have to select the correct stitch. On the Brother sewing machine, there are several preset buttonhole stitches that range in length and width. Select the stitch appropriate for the button size you will be making. Use a sample fabric to practice making a buttonhole of the desired size prior to sewing on your garment fabric.
Mark The Midpoint Of Buttonhole
Before sewing the buttonhole, it’s important to mark the midpoint with a pin or marking pen. This will ensure the buttonhole is symmetrical and the same size on both sides. Place the pin or marking pen directly in the center of the buttonhole mark, and then use the needle slowly and carefully, stitching from the midpoint outwards in either direction. Once the stitching is finished, use a seam ripper or small scissors to cut the opening for the button.
Secure Buttonhole Opening
The final step is to secure the edges of the buttonhole with a zigzag stitch. This will help prevent the fabric from fraying and coming undone. To do this, select the zigzag stitch and carefully sew around the edges of the buttonhole to reinforce the fabric and prevent fraying. Be sure to remove the pin or marking pen before stitching.
Repeat For Each Buttonhole
Once you’ve successfully made one buttonhole, you can follow this same process for the remaining buttonholes. It may take some practice to master the buttonhole stitch, but once you’ve got it down you’ll be able to make professional-looking buttonholes with ease.
Thread Tension
When using the Brother sewing machine to make buttonholes, it’s important to make sure that the thread tension is adjusted correctly. If the tension is set too loose, the buttonhole will look sloppy and uneven. If it’s set too tight, it can cause your fabric to bunch up or even break. To achieve perfect tension, adjust the thread tension knob until you get the desired results.
Sharp Needles
Finally, it’s important to make sure you’re using sharp needles when making buttonholes with a Brother sewing machine. Dull needles can cause snags, pulls and skipped stitches, making it difficult to make even buttonholes. It’s best to test a sample buttonhole on your fabric to make sure the needle is sharp and the tension is correct.
Practice Makes Perfect
Making buttonholes with a Brother sewing machine requires time and patience. It can be a challenging task, but with practice and the right tools, you’ll be able to make perfect buttonholes with ease. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different stitches, but always practice on sample fabrics first.
Choose The Right Fabric
Different fabrics require different buttonhole stitches and techniques. When selecting fabric for making buttonholes, try to pick a fabric that won’t fray or pull away when stitching. Soft fabrics such as cotton and cotton blends are ideal for buttonholes, as they are quicker to work with and easier to sew. For stiffer fabrics, you may need to use a heavier duty needle and a longer stitch.
Know Your Machine
Making buttonholes with a Brother sewing machine can be a difficult task if you’re not familiar with the features and functions of the machine. It’s important to read the machine’s user manual and get to know the different stitches and settings available. Experimenting with different stitch types and settings can help you to find the best one for your fabric and button size.
Be Creative
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative when it comes to making buttonholes with a Brother sewing machine. Try out different designs and stitch types to see what looks best on your fabric and accents the design the most. Get creative and experiment with different buttons and fabrics to add a unique touch to your clothing.
