How to: Sew Buttonholes
I'm using the four-step buttonhole method in today's post. Knowing how to sew a buttonhole/buttonholes is an essential skill for all stitchers. Buttonholes are used on a wide variety of projects, i.e. Duvets, Bags, Skirts, Pillows, ... the list goes on. Lots of stitchers are afraid of buttonholes and afraid that they will ruin their garment by sewing a messy buttonhole onto it. The pictures in this blog post are my first ever attempt at making a buttonhole, not perfect by everyone's standards but I'm very happy with the result. You will DEFINITELY get better with practice. After all practice makes perfect!
What you'll need
Prepare your Machine
What you'll need
- Buttonhole foot
- Button
- Seam Ripper
- Pins
- Tape Measure
- Machine Manual
Prepare your Machine
Before I start the tutorial I'd suggest that you consult your sewing machine manual for instructions specific to your machine.
1) Thread your desired thread colour and bobbin into your machine
2) Attach your buttonhole foot to your machine.
3) Adjust your stitch length between 0.3mm-1.0mm.
4) Adjust stitch width to 5mm (I think this is specific to my machine)
1) Thread your desired thread colour and bobbin into your machine
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| Tools you need to sew a buttonhole |
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| Attach your buttonhole foot |
3) Adjust your stitch length between 0.3mm-1.0mm.
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| Adjust machine stitch length |
4) Adjust stitch width to 5mm (I think this is specific to my machine)
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| Adjust machine stitch width |
Prepare your Fabric
Measure the diameter of your button and add 0.3mm to this (to account for the ends/bar tacks).
Tip: If you have a very thick button add more to this measurement.
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| Measure your button |
Mark this on your fabric in the shape of a capital I, with the diameter (+0.3mm) of the button as the height. Use a fabric marker i.e. chalk, dressmaker's pencil etc.
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| Mark your buttonhole |
Sewing your Buttonhole
Position your fabric so it is on the buttonhole mark furthest away from you.
Pull the buttonhole foot towards you, as far as it will go.
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| Ready to start... |
1) Set your stitch selector dial to the first step of the buttonhole.
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| First step of buttonhole |
Sew slowly until you reach the buttonhole mark nearest to you and then lift the needle to its highest position
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| Sew first side |
2) Set your stitch selector dial to the second (also fourth) step of the buttonhole.
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| Second step of buttonhole |
Sew 5/6 bar tack stitches then lift the needle to its highest position
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| Bar tack stitches |
3) Set your stitch selector dial to the third step of the buttonhole.
Sew slowly until you reach the buttonhole mark furthest from you and then lift the needle to its highest position
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| Sew second side |
4) Set your stitch selector dial to the fourth step of the buttonhole.
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| Fourth (also second) step of buttonhole |
Sew 5/6 bar tack stitches then lift the needle to its highest position
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| Bar tack stitches |
Finishing your Buttonhole
Raise your buttonhole foot and remove your fabric from the machine.
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| Remove your work from the machine |
Pull the upper thread through to the back and tie the upper and lower threads in a knot.
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| Pull upper threads to the back |
Insert spins into both ends of the buttonhole so that the metal is blocking the barrack stitches.
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| Add pins to cover the bar tacks |
Insert your seam ripper into the centre of your buttonhole and SLOWLY rip your way to one end of the buttonhole. Be very careful not to cut into your stitching.
Repeat the same process working from the centre to the other end of the buttonhole.
Tips
Always perform a test buttonhole before sewing onto a garment.
Reduce upper thread tension slightly for better results
Use backing for fine or stretch fabrics
Apply a coat of clear nail varnish to the stitches on the buttonhole to strengthen them.
I'd love to see your first attempts at sewing a buttonhole so please share pictures with me on Facebook or Twitter. Or use the Hashtag #SewDarnNeat! I hope you no longer feel afraid of sewing buttonholes!
Goodbye for now!
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