How to Make a Buttonhole on Your Sewing Machine
Sew4Home has put together step-by-step instructions for sewing a buttonhole on both automatic and basic sewing machines. Janome is Sew4Home’s exclusive sponsor, and we’re using top-of-the-line machines for demonstrations.
What you’ll need to sew a buttonhole
Square, Keyhole, and Stretch are the most common buttonholes; the open-effect buttonhole shown below is a stretch buttonhole, which can be used on stretch or standard fabrics; a knit buttonhole is another option for knits; this style could also be used to add a decorative touch.
One additional, extra-fancy option: Corded Buttonholes
By running decorative cord through the guides on your machine, you can turn a buttonhole into a corded version, or you can make a buttonhole with cording embedded in the sides, which makes the buttonhole sturdier and can also be used for a subtle decorative effect.
How to sew an automatic buttonhole
The automatic buttonhole foot has a sensor that will sew a buttonhole that is appropriate for your button. Align your fabric as needed to ensure a straight buttonhole.
How to open the buttonhole
After you’ve finished all of the buttonholes, you’ll need to open the center slit using one of two methods. It’s a good idea to pin the ends of your buttonhole as a stop so you don’t accidentally cut through the stitching.
Option 1
To cut a buttonhole, use a good seam ripper; if you use a cheap one, it’ll be like cutting steak with a butter knife. Pierce the fabric with the point and cut half the slit, then work toward the center until the slit is fully open.
Option 2
Make sure your button fits with a two-piece set consisting of a chisel and a small wooden block; if it doesn’t, adjust your marks and make sure the button is seated correctly in the buttonhole foot.
How to sew a basic 4-step buttonhole
To sew a buttonhole on the most basic sewing machines, follow these steps: mark your buttonhole on your fabric with a ruler and fabric pen, making it u00bc larger than your button, and manually stop sewing at the appropriate buttonhole length.
What is a keyhole buttonhole?
A keyhole buttonhole is a type of thread-finished buttonhole with a round hole at the end of the slit and a fan-shaped array of stitches to reinforce it.
Can you sew a button on with a sewing machine?
Yes, you can sew buttons on with a sewing machine. Any sewing machine with a zig-zag stitch and a button sew-on foot can have a button back in place in minutes. Sewing machine manufacturers have had feet to sew on buttons since the first zig-zag stitch was invented.
What is a buttonhole stitch used for?
Buttonhole stitches are used to make stems in crewel embroidery, to make sewn eyelets, to attach applique to ground fabric, and as couching stitches, in addition to reinforcing buttonholes and preventing cut fabric from raveling.
What does buttonhole mean?
(Entry 1 of 3) 1: a slit or loop through which a button is threaded; 2: a boutonniere, primarily British.
Which button hole is best for coat?
Buttonholes should be stitched out according to the pattern you’re using, with horizontal buttonholes extending 1/8 inch over the center front or back toward the garment edge, which are best for close-fitting garments and styles without a placket.
What is 1st buttonhole?
A 1 – Step Buttonhole is an automatic buttonhole that comes standard on the Juno J1250, as well as both M Series machines u2013 the M1230Q and the M1250Q. It basically sews the entire buttonhole in one step. My favorite feature of the 1 – Step is the actual foot that comes with the machine.
Why is my buttonhole foot not moving?
If your buttonhole foot is stuck in one place, see if your sewing machine can sew normal narrow and short zigzag stitches on the same fabric with a regular presser foot. A buttonhole stitch is simply a special type of zigzag stitching with a narrower zigzag width and a very short stitch length.