By Ashley Hough filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies .
When it comes to sewing a garment, buttons and button holes are usually some of the last things people think about. However, choosing the right ones can have a big outcome on how your finished project turns out.
First, let’s talk about buttons. It’s always a good idea to pick your buttons before you start adding button holes to your project. This way you will know what size and shape to make your button hole.
Buttons can be found in many different shapes and sizes, and while you may be tempted to use a button simply because of its look or color, you still want to make sure it fits with your fabric and project.
Types of Buttons
One type of button is a flat button. This type of button can be found with either two or four holes.
Two-hole flat buttons are great for light- or medium-weight fabrics and are usually attached with the holes lined up parallel to the fabric edge.
Four-hole flat buttons are better for heavy-weight fabrics, as the extra holes make for a stronger attachment.
Shank buttons have a hole or loop at the back that is used to attach it to the fabric. A larger loop helps provide extra space between the button and the garment, making it a good choice for heavy-weight fabrics and projects like winter jackets. Shank buttons can also help a garment hang or drape better because of the smaller attachment area.
Frogs, also known as Mandarin buttons, are made of string, plastic, or metal and have a loop on one side and some kind of knot on the other. These buttons are perfect if you don’t want to stitch a button hole because they don’t require one!
Types of Button Holes
Now let’s talk about button holes. Most machines these days have many different button hole settings to choose from that originate from basic shapes.
The first is the basic straight, square button hole. It is one of the more commonly used button holes, especially for beginners. It is a good button hole for medium- to heavy-weight fabrics and also areas of a garment that may be subject to strain.
Many machines have a sensor setting, an auto setting, or both that can create this button hole. The sensor setting uses a special foot that holds the button being used and stitches the correct size button hole for that button. The auto setting will stitch this button hole to whatever size you tell it.
Your machine may also have a setting that looks like the basic straight button hole but with zig-zag lines spaced further apart. This is the setting you would want to use if stitching this button hole onto a stretch or knit fabric.
The next button hole is similar to the first, but has either one or both rounded ends. This is a good button hole for light-weight fabrics and can have a more delicate look than the square button hole, making it a good choice for something like a blouse.
A keyhole is another type of button hole. This button hole has one slightly larger rounded end to accommodate larger buttons and buttons with shanks. This button hole is perfect for heavy-weight fabrics and would be a good choice for a jacket.
A final type of button hole is a bound button hole. Bound button holes can add a beautiful, professional touch to your project, but they are a little more work than a machine stitched button hole.
Happy sewing!
Related Videos:
Get in touch! Leave a comment or email editor@nationalsewingcircle.com.
As an avid sewing enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can assure you that the importance of buttons and buttonholes in garment construction cannot be overstated. Having delved deep into the intricacies of sewing, I've witnessed firsthand how the choice of buttons and the precision of buttonholes can significantly impact the final outcome of a sewing project.
Let's dissect the concepts mentioned in the article and explore the nuances of buttons and buttonholes:
Types of Buttons:
-
Flat Buttons:
- Two-Hole Flat Buttons: Ideal for light- or medium-weight fabrics. Attach with holes parallel to the fabric edge.
- Four-Hole Flat Buttons: Suitable for heavy-weight fabrics, providing a stronger attachment due to the extra holes.
-
Shank Buttons:
- Feature a hole or loop at the back for attachment.
- Larger loop creates space between the button and garment, making them suitable for heavy-weight fabrics and projects like winter jackets.
- Enhance garment drape and hanging due to the smaller attachment area.
-
Frogs (Mandarin Buttons):
- Made of string, plastic, or metal with a loop on one side and a knot on the other.
- Perfect alternative if you prefer not to stitch a buttonhole, eliminating the need for one.
Types of Buttonholes:
-
Basic Straight, Square Buttonhole:
- Commonly used, especially for beginners.
- Suitable for medium- to heavy-weight fabrics and areas prone to strain.
- Machines often have sensor or auto settings for creating the correct size buttonhole.
-
Zig-Zag Lines Buttonhole:
- Resembles the basic straight buttonhole but with zig-zag lines spaced further apart.
- Designed for stretch or knit fabrics.
-
Buttonhole with Rounded Ends:
- Similar to the basic straight buttonhole but features one or both rounded ends.
- Ideal for light-weight fabrics, offering a delicate look suitable for blouses.
-
Keyhole Buttonhole:
- Has one slightly larger rounded end to accommodate larger buttons and buttons with shanks.
- Perfect for heavy-weight fabrics, making it a suitable choice for jackets.
-
Bound Buttonhole:
- Adds a beautiful, professional touch to a project.
- Requires more effort than machine-stitched buttonholes but elevates the overall appearance.
In conclusion, understanding the diverse types of buttons and buttonholes and selecting the right combination for your fabric and project is crucial for achieving a polished and professional finish in your sewing endeavors. Happy sewing!
