How to Sew a Buttonhole by Machine

@SewEssential

@BlueprintDIY

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Learn how to sew a buttonhole with a sewing machine. Perfect for beginners, this tutorial covers materials, tips, and troubleshooting to help you create professional buttonholes with ease.

Materials Needed:

Sewing machine with a buttonhole function
Buttonhole presser foot
Fabric (medium-weight cotton recommended for practice)
Interfacing (for added stability)
Matching thread
Fabric marking pen or chalk
Small scissors or seam ripper
Ruler or measuring tape
Button (to determine buttonhole size)

Tips for Sewing a Perfect Buttonhole:

Use interfacing – Adding interfacing prevents the fabric from stretching and ensures crisp buttonholes.
Test on scrap fabric – Always sew a test buttonhole on the same fabric to check the stitch settings before sewing on your final project.
Mark the buttonhole placement – Use a ruler and fabric chalk to ensure even, properly aligned buttonholes.
Use the right needle and thread – A universal needle (size 80/12) works well for most fabrics, and polyester thread adds durability.

Troubleshooting Common Buttonhole Issues

Buttonhole is too small – Adjust the stitch length or use a slightly larger setting.
Fabric bunches up – Add more interfacing or lower the stitch speed.
Uneven stitches – Check thread tension and clean the machine if needed.
Machine won’t sew a buttonhole – Ensure the buttonhole lever is lowered (if applicable) and the correct foot is attached.

1. Prepare Your Fabric and Mark the Buttonhole

Apply interfacing to the wrong side of your fabric if needed.
Place the button on the fabric and mark its width with chalk or a fabric pen.
Add a little extra length (⅛ inch or 3mm) for ease.
Draw guide lines to ensure straight stitching.

2. Set Up Your Sewing Machine

Attach the buttonhole presser foot to your machine.
Select the buttonhole stitch setting (usually labeled with a buttonhole icon).
If your machine has an automatic buttonhole feature, place the button in the presser foot slot to determine the correct size.
Lower the buttonhole lever (if your machine has one)Lower the buttonhole lever (if your machine has one).

3. Sew the Buttonhole

Align the fabric under the presser foot, matching the marked lines.
Lower the presser foot and begin sewing – the machine will automatically create the buttonhole in four steps:, you can topstitch along the other folded edge for symmetry.

Stitch forward (left side) – The machine sews one side of the buttonhole.
Zigzag across (top bar tack) – It stitches across the top to close the loop.
Stitch backward (right side) – The machine sews the second side.
Zigzag across (bottom bar tack) – It completes the buttonhole.

If using a manual four-step buttonhole, you will need to select each step manually.

4. Open the Buttonhole

Place a pin across the top of the buttonhole to prevent over-cutting.
Use small scissors or a seam ripper to carefully cut the center of the buttonhole, stopping at the bar tacks.
If needed, use a fray check or fabric glue to secure the threads.

5. Test the Buttonhole with a Button

Slide the button through the opening to ensure a good fit.
If it’s too tight, slightly increase the buttonhole length in your machine settings.
If it’s too loose, shorten the stitch length or adjust the buttonhole size manually.