How to Make a Button Hole on a Sewing Machine

Some aspects of sewing are very technical and hard to perfect unless you've done them dozens of times and experimented with the right and wrong way to sew on a machine. Making button holes doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming if you have the proper tools and know-how. In this article, you will find the proper technique for sewing a button hole. Once you master it, you'll soon be sewing button holes merely because you can. You will impress everyone with your skill and expertise when you are able to demonstrate a necessary and useful finishing technique.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine with button hole foot
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Tailor's chalk
• Seam ripper
• Thread
• Material for button hole

Instructions

1. Decide whether you will use a button hole foot (that makes very precise button hole measurements) or a regular foot attachment. Once you have made your decision, set your stitch length to zero (or as close to zero as possible).

2. Use the measuring tape to measure the length of the desired button hole. Mark the edges of the button hole (where you want it to start and stop) with tailor's chalk. You can also use pins if you prefer not to make a mark on the fabric.

3. Place the presser foot at the bottom or top of the area where you want the button hole and use satin or zigzag stitch to sew down the width of the button hole.

4. Diminish the stitch width by half and continue to sew down the side of the button hole. You should have one short series of stitches the width of the button hole and one longer series of stitches the length of the button hole.

5. Increase the stitch width by half and sew down the width of the button hole. Then, decrease by half and sew up the length of the button hole parallel to the side you have just sewn. Repeat the process as many times as you like for a thicker and more defined button hole. Open the area in the middle with sharp scissors or a seam ripper.

Resources

• You Tube Video on Sewing Button Holes