How to Sew a Buttonhole by Hand
Sewing a buttonhole by hand is a useful skill, especially if you don’t have a sewing machine or need to add a buttonhole to a delicate fabric. While it takes time and precision, a well-stitched buttonhole adds durability and a polished look to your garments.
Materials Needed
Fabric (garment or test piece)
Thread (matching or contrasting, depending on preference)
Needle (sharp and thin for precision)
Scissors
Tailor’s chalk or fabric pencil
Ruler
Small sharp scissors or a seam ripper
Step 1: Mark the Buttonhole
Lay your fabric flat and determine where the buttonhole will go.
Place the button on the fabric and mark its width with tailor’s chalk or a fabric pencil.
Extend the marking slightly beyond the button’s width to allow easy fastening.
Step 2: Reinforce the Fabric
If your fabric is lightweight or prone to fraying, apply fusible interfacing to the buttonhole area.
This prevents stretching and gives a stronger foundation for stitches.
Step 3: Cut the Buttonhole Opening
Use sharp scissors or a seam ripper to cut along the marked line.
Be careful to cut straight and avoid overextending the opening.
If needed, fold the fabric to make a tiny slit rather than a single straight cut.
Step 4: Sew a Blanket Stitch Around the Edge
The blanket stitch is the most common hand-sewn buttonhole stitch because it prevents fraying and reinforces the opening.
Thread the Needle: Cut a length of thread (about 18 inches), thread the needle, and tie a small knot at the end.
Start from One End: Insert the needle from the wrong side of the fabric to hide the knot.
Make the First Stitch: Bring the needle through the cut edge and pull it up, leaving a small loop.
Pass the Needle Through the Loop: Before pulling the stitch tight, pass the needle through the loop to create a secure edge.
Repeat Along the Edge: Continue stitching around the buttonhole opening, keeping the stitches evenly spaced.
Reinforce the Corners: At the corners, make extra stitches to prevent wear and tear.
Step 5: Secure the Stitching
When you reach the starting point, insert the needle through the last stitch and pull tight.
Knot the thread at the back of the fabric and trim any excess.
Step 6: Test the Buttonhole
Pass the button through the opening to check the size.
If needed, add more stitches or adjust the tension for a better fit.
Tips for best mini sewing machine a Buttonhole by Hand
Use strong thread for durability.
Keep stitches close together to prevent fraying.
Practice on scrap fabric before sewing on your final garment.
Apply fray check for added strength, especially on delicate fabrics.
Conclusion
Hand-sewing a buttonhole may take patience, but it ensures a strong and professional-looking result. With practice, you can create neat and durable buttonholes on any fabric, making your garments both functional and stylish.
