How to Make a Buttonhole

Buttonholes aren't difficult to make, especially if you have the correct tools. You just need to practice your technique before you try it out on a sewing project!

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sewing Machine Buttonhole Attachments
• Sewing Patterns
• Garments
• Dressmaker Shears
• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Machine Needles
• Threads
• small, sharp scissors

1. Mark the placement of your buttonholes on the garment fabric. See "How to Cut Out and Mark Pattern Pieces on Fabric" for details. Your sewing pattern should indicate buttonhole length and position.

2. Make sure that the buttonhole is the correct length for your button. The length of your buttonhole should equal the diameter of the button plus the button height.

3. Use the automatic buttonhole feature on your machine, if available. Adjusting a dial or level makes the two sides of the buttonhole and the two ends, or bar tacks. See your owner's manual to find out if your machine has a buttonhole feature and how to use it.

4. Use the zigzag setting on your machine to make a buttonhole manually. Set the stitch width and length settings at their next-to-lowest settings. Play with the settings until you get the proper stitch length and widths.

5. Sew down the left side of the buttonhole marking. Lift the presser foot and pivot the fabric 180 degrees.

6. Lower the presser foot and double the stitch width. Hold the fabric firmly so it will not move and let the machine take a few side-to-side stitches. Return the stitch width to its prior setting.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6.

8. Cut the buttonhole open with a small pair of very sharp scissors. Take care not to cut into any of your stitching.

Tips & Warnings

• Make practice buttonholes on scrap fabric before you sew on the actual garment.

• Obtain a buttonhole attachment for your sewing machine. You can adjust a buttonhole attachment to make buttonholes of different lengths, and it guides the fabric without your needing to turn it.