How To Make Buttonholes With Sewing Machine

Introduction

Buttonholes are a great way to securely close fabrics and add an extra design feature to clothes and other accessories. If you’re familiar with sewing and have been wondering how to add buttonholes to your projects using a sewing machine, this guide is for you. Not only will we go over the basics of making buttonholes, but will also discuss the different types of buttonholes and the supplies you’ll need.

Types of Buttonholes

There are two types of buttonholes: bound and regular. Bound buttonholes are generally seen on tailored garments, whereas regular buttonholes are better for less formal items. Bound buttonholes use a small strip of material which is sewn over the buttonhole opening. Then, two lines of stitching are sewn down the center of the buttonhole. Regular buttonholes, on the other hand, are simply sewn around the opening of the hole. Both types of buttonholes need to be securely finished with a separate line of stitching to keep them from unraveling.

Tools and Supplies

In order to make buttonholes on your sewing machine, you’ll need several tools and supplies:

  • Buttonhole Foot: A buttonhole foot is used to guide the fabric when sewing a buttonhole.
  • Buttons: You’ll need buttons to match the size of the buttonholes.
  • Thread: Choose a thread that is the same color as the fabric so that it won’t be visible.

Steps For Making Buttonholes

Now that you have the necessary supplies, it’s time to begin making the buttonholes. Here are the steps for making buttonholes on a sewing machine:

  1. Attach the buttonhole foot
  2. Position the fabric
  3. Measure the button
  4. Mark the fabric
  5. Set the machine for a buttonhole
  6. Locate the starting point
  7. Stitch around the buttonhole
  8. Secure the stitches
  9. Cut open buttonhole
  10. Add the buttons

Tips For Making Buttonholes

Making buttonholes can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to help you make perfect buttonholes each time:

  • Read the Manual: Before you begin, read the manual on your sewing machine so you know how to properly operate the machine and make buttonholes.
  • Test: Test the buttonhole setting on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing the real buttonhole.
  • Mark: Make sure to properly measure and mark the fabric, so that the buttonholes are evenly placed.

Making Buttonholes By Hand

If you don’t have access to a sewing machine, you can still make buttonholes by hand. Of course, it can be a bit more time consuming and may require more effort. Here are the general steps for making buttonholes by hand:

  1. Mark the position of the buttonholes on the garment
  2. Insert a bodkin or a large needle into the fabric, making sure it goes all the way through
  3. Secure one end of the thread to the back of the fabric with a few stitches
  4. Start sewing around the edges of the hole, making small running stitches around the top and bottom
  5. Continue until you reach the beginning of the stitches, then make a knot at the end
  6. Cut open the buttonhole
  7. Add the buttons
  8. Conclusion

    Making buttonholes with a sewing machine or with hand stitches is not a particularly complicated process, but it does require practice and patience. With the tips and instructions provided above, you should have no problem making secure, attractive buttonholes in all your sewing projects.

Geoffrey Kirby is an experienced author and sewist who has been creating sewn projects for over 20 years. He has a passion for teaching beginners and inspiring more advanced sewists both online and through his writings. Outside of writing about sewing, Geoffrey loves to explore new techniques and styles of sewing that incorporate upcycling fabric remnants into sweet items with personality.

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