How to Knit Buttonholes

When your knitting pattern calls for buttonholes, it's best to get the buttons first to see how large you need to make the hole. Sometimes knitted buttonholes can be a bit ragged, but you can always tidy them up with blanket stitches later.

Things You'll Need

• Knitting needles
• Yarn
• Pattern
• Buttons

Instructions

1. Choose the buttons you want for your project. Make sure the size and thickness of the button will work with your selected yarn.

2. Cast off the number of stitches particular to the pattern for the correct size buttonhole.

3. Knit to the end of the row.

4. Knit to where the stitches cast off on your next row.

5. Turn the piece by switching hands with your needles.

6. Cast on the same amount of stitches you had cast off.

7. Turn the piece again and work to the end.

Tips & Warnings

• To make vertical buttonholes, divide stitches where buttonhole will be and work an equal number of rows on stitches. Join them back together with a row of knitting across.

• For baby or children's clothing, the eyelet method makes a small, round hole. This is a simple way to make small buttonholes.

Resources

• Find knitting groups in your area at Knitting Meetup.
• Arts and craft supplies and patterns can be found at Michaels.
• Crafts and sewing supplies are offered at Joann.