How to Sew a Bound Buttonhole by Hand

Sewing buttonholes by hand can create a smoothly finished buttonhole. It does take more time to do by hand, but if you are intimidated by doing it on a machine, you may find this method quicker.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Cut a small piece of fabric that acts as the facing for your buttonhole, and pin it in place with four straight pins to the back of your fabric. Make sure the fabric and the facing are flat as you prepare to sew a bound buttonhole by hand.

2. Choose the thread you wish to use when sewing a bound buttonhole by hand. The thread can be the usual weight thread for sewing or, as some sites or sewing books recommend, the thread can be a #40 or #50 "mercerized" cotton. This detail is entirely up to you.

3. Begin to sew a bound buttonhole by hand by starting at one of the corners of the buttonhole. Continue sewing around the length of the buttonhole, making small even stitches. Follow the penciled lines you created when you drew the location of your buttonholes.

4. Cut any loose thread after making a secure knot.