Friday, May 4, 2012

Sewing 101:Buttonholes

I'm not going to lie, button holes are not my favorite, but they are a necessity.  Every machine is different and so I can't really show you how to do them with your machine.  There are even fancy feet that will help, but I've never owned any. Here are a few tips for any machine.  


Tip1: Button holes that are either too big, or too small are problematic.  To measure the correct size of the button hole, you will need to measure the button's length once and add 2 times the width.   

Tip 2: Use a water soluble fabric marker to mark your button hole. 
Tip 3 : If you are using thin fabric, you some tear-away stabilizer.



Tip 4:  After you have sewn the button hole-use water to remove your marks.

Tip 5: Use a little Fray check on top of the button hole (if you didn't remove your marks, they will be sealed forever, so make sure you wash them off before applying the Fray Check)
Tip 6: After the Fray check is dried, use your seam ripper to carefully open the hole.

Tip 7: I used dark thread for you guys, but use thread that closely matches your fabric to hide mistakes.

I don't have a full project this week.  Do you remember the pleated ruffle skirt I made a few week's ago?  I made it w/ an elastic waist, but I was thinking a drawstring waist would be better.  So I made 2 button holes in the waist band  before I folded it over and sewed in down. Then I made a drawstring from a 2 inch wide piece of fabric.  I think it's cuter and now it can grow w/ her.  I liked it so much I made 2 more for my nieces.  Now all the little girl cousins can match.  (Bow tutorial is coming tomorrow).

Do you have any button hole tips?  Are there any more topics, that you would like me to cover?



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5 comments:

  1. I don't mean to flaunt, but my sewing machine came with one of those fancy buttonhole feet. I suppose I really should use it, hein? But I must first know the basics... So off to see your other lessons!

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  2. Thanks so much for sharing! I've never even tried to make a button hole, but now I think it's more do-able! I pinned this so I won't lose it! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Before I had my current machine with its fancy schmancy buttonhole foot, I hated buttonholes. Now they are a breeze.

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  4. I have to say I avoid button holed like the plague. I'm just terrified of them- they seem so complicated. Thank you so much for sharing your tutorial - if you have the time, I'd love for you to share on Sweet Sharing Monday! http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/sweet-sharing-monday-4/

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  5. Great tutorial! Thanks so much for linking up to Fabulous Friday at Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust.

    Warmly, Michelle

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