How To Use A Buttonhole Foot [Manual & Automatic]

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Size of the Button

The size of the button will determine how you want to make a buttonhole. If you do not consider this factor then it will become hard for you to fit in the button. This is a very simple and easiest step.  All you need to do is to place the button in the buttonhole presser to check its size. So that you can make the hole accordingly. The measurements for raised, and flat buttons differ as they occupy 

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Size of the Button

different spaces. So, you need to keep this factor in mind too while taking the measurements. This step will help you in taking precise measurements.

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One-Step and Four-Step Buttonholes

Here is an interesting thing about buttonhole machines that many of us did not know before. These machines come with so many features that one cannot imagine.  One-step buttonhole machines are the ones that automatically make a buttonhole according to the exact size of the button. On the contrary, four-step buttonhole machines have the option where you can 

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One-Step and Four-Step Buttonholes

make adjustments according to your own requirements. It consists of various parts that allow you to make the wanted adjustments.

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Zigzag Style Stitching

Another major feature of these machines is that there is an option that allows you to stitch in a zigzag manner. The zigzag design also depends majorly upon the length at which you want to stitch.  If the length of the stitch is short then you will get a more accurate and desired outcome as compared to the long length. So, you will stitch both the sides in the same manner i.e the left and the right sides of the 

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Zigzag Style Stitching

buttonhole. After following all these steps, you just simply have to cut the center of the buttonhole to make space for the button to fit in.

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Attaching the Button

This is the final step towards the whole process. After you are done with making the buttonhole, now is the time for attaching the button on the other side of the fabric.  You can do this step with the help of a machine as well as by hand. We prefer that you do it by hand because it is easier and simpler. If you do it by hand then all you need is a needle and a thread. Some buttons come with two holes while 

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Attaching the Button

others with four. So, all you need is to pass the thread through the holes and get it stitched. With the machine as well, you can do the same but with more delicacy.

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Fabric and the Thread for Creating Buttonholes

The fabric you use determines what thread you require for stitching the button and creating the buttonhole. For instance, if the fabric is light, you will require less effort and a thin thread would suit the best.  On the contrary, if the fabric is really thick then you need to use a thick thread. So, this was all about the buttonhole foot and some easy tips to create the hole for the buttons at home, all by yourself.

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Automatic vs Manual Buttonholes Foot

Below you can find two videos from which you can learn the basic differences between automatic and manual sewing machine buttonhole foot as well as how to use them in your daily life DIY projects.