How to Sew Perfect Buttonholes
We've rounded up the best tips from the experts to help you on your way to professional buttonholes
Master sewing perfect buttonholes, using a buttonhole sewing foot on your sewing machine. We show you the best hacks to make it easy to achieve a professional finish.
How do I sew a buttonhole with a sewing machine?
Our friends at Simple Sew have got a fantastic beginner's guide to sewing buttonholes, including advice for corded button holes and extra-long ones too!
Should I use vertical or horizontal buttonholes?
Proper button placement is key to a professional looking garment. This easy how-to from Itch to Stitch not only explains whether you should use a vertical or horizontal buttonhole, but also the size and placement.
What type of buttonhole shape should I use?
When should you use a regular, rectangular, rounded, keyhole or tapered buttonhole? Ex Sewing Bee Lauren Guthrie talks you through the pros and cons. She even has a video showing you everything you need to know about sewing buttonholes!
How do I get perfectly spaced buttons?
This is usually just a case of careful measuring but there are a couple of handy tips and techniques to help you. Serious dressmakers might want to invest in a clever tool like the Simflex buttonhole gauge, which automatically measures the spacing for you. Sewholic shows you how to use a Simflex when sewing a shirt. We also love this clever buttonhole hack from I Am Sew Crazy which just uses a piece of elastic!
How do I sew professional buttonholes?
There are some excellent tips on the Sew Essential blog. We particularly like the simple explanation of the difference between one-step and two-step buttonholes and the expert advice for getting a neat and tidy finish.
How do I finish off a buttonhole?
The Avid Seamstress has some great advice got preventing fraying, which is especially useful if you're working with slippery fabric. The proof is in the pudding - the blouse looks absolutely stunning - we're definitely adding the pattern to our must-sew list.
How do I make sure my buttons are lined up with my buttonholes?
It's so easy to fall at the final hurdle when sewing a buttoned garment! Take the time to make sure your buttons are perfectly positioned with this quick and simple guide from Tilly and the Buttons.
How do I stop the dreaded "waist gape"?
We've all been there! You try on a beautiful button-front dress which fits perfectly but every time you move, the space between the buttons at your waist opens up. Well, it's Emmie to the rescue! Her simple guide is a real game-changer.
Make sure you go and check out all of these brilliant bloggers and show them some love!
Now you've mastered all of these skills, why not put them to use with this fantastic FREE shirt-dress pattern?
Looking to stock up on buttons? Check out the range over at Simple Sew.