Making buttonholes is an essential set of skills for any seamstress that intends to make garments.What I use for buttonhole making is the best sewing machine for beginners. It works well so I don’t think this job needs a special machine or anything. With the right information and techniques, you will end up with neat and beautiful button holes in no time.The SuppliesWash-away stabilizer. The one I usually use is the Avalon Ultra Strong. This one is especially handy in embroidery.A pair of embroidery scissors. If you don’t have this, buttonhole chisel will do. How to make buttonholes on a sewing machineI always use a stabilizer as it will ensure my projects come out nicely and neatly. I have tested on any types of the fabric of different thickness without one and the result is horrible.How To SewAs always, test everything on a scrap. The test fabric should be on the same piece of fabric with your project. If you are tight on yardage, try to find something with similar material and thickness.Cut out a piece of the stabilizer, of course, it should be able to cover the whole buttonhole so that you have something to hold on to.Sew as usual and if you want to be extra careful, draw the markings of the buttonholes on the stabilizer. The trick I usually use for lightweight fabric is to cut out a piece large enough to sandwich the front and the back side of the buttonholes. The order is stabilizer – fabric – stabilizer.If you are wondering how to make the stabilizer stays in place while sewing, my advice is to cut a piece large enough. Just make sure it goes all the length of the holes. What determines the stabilizer will move or not is the way you place the buttonhole foot.A buttonhole foot will make the job much easier. Plus, they go with almost any machine. In case you haven’t had a sewing machine yet, I have some suggestions right here about the best sewing machine for beginners for your best guidance. Use a buttonhole presser footAfter you have done sewing, tie the thread ends and peel off the stabilizer.In this way, you leave some of the stabilizers under the stitches, but it’s ok. When you cut open the holes, it will ensure the cuts are accurate.After you have done with the buttonholes, give the project the first wash to remove any residual of the stabilizer or marks. This is why I advise using the wash away type. If you don’t want to bother washing the whole thing, rinsing the buttonholes under the water for a few minutes will yield the same results.The stitches for buttonholes are sometimes inbuilt with your machine. The most basic stitch for this job is the zigzag one. If you can adjust the width of the stitch, choose the smallest one.If you use the best sewing machine for beginners such as Brother or Singer sewing machines you will have more choices when it comes to buttonhole making.
