How do you do a buttonhole stitch on a sewing machine?

Answer 1

If the machine is not a fancy-pants one that has an automatic buttonholer, then you set the machine stich length to very very close together, and the stitch width to the width of the buttonhole you want. take some stiches,
then reduce the width to half. Stitch the length of the buttonhole you need. Then "end" that side by making the stitch width wide again.


You should now have something that looks a but like this:

MmmmmmmmM

(It's hard to describe when I can't draw or point - just imagine the capital M's are the end parts, and the little m's are the half-width stitches.)

Now - turn the fabric around in the machine, reduce the width to half width again, and stitch slowly back on the other side. Then carefully snip the fabric in middle, being careful not to cut the threads in the stitching (You'll need to leave the smallest bit of fabric down the middle for this).

That's your basic buttonhole.

Answer 2

If you are talking about the decorative stitch that looks like this: LLLLLLLLLLL
That's a decorative stitch that can only be done if you have a machine with that particular decortive stitch built in. If you are talking about a button hole for a button...

STEP 1: Mark the placement of your buttonholes on the garment fabric. See "How to Cut Out and Mark Pattern Pieces on Fabric" for details. Your sewing pattern should indicate buttonhole length and position. STEP 2: Make sure that the buttonhole is the correct length for your button. The length of your buttonhole should equal the diameter of the button plus the button height. STEP 3: Use the automatic buttonhole feature on your machine, if available. Adjusting a dial or level makes the two sides of the buttonhole and the two ends, or bar tacks. See your owner's manual to find out if your machine has a buttonhole feature and how to use it. STEP 4: Use the zigzag setting on your machine to make a buttonhole manually. Set the stitch width and length settings at their next-to-lowest settings. Play with the settings until you get the proper stitch length and widths. STEP 5: Sew down the left side of the buttonhole marking. Lift the presser foot and pivot the fabric 180 degrees. STEP 6: Lower the presser foot and double the stitch width. Hold the fabric firmly so it will not move and let the machine take a few side-to-side stitches. Return the stitch width to its prior setting. STEP 7: Repeat steps 5 and 6. STEP 8: Cut the buttonhole open with a small pair of very sharp scissors. Take care not to cut into any of your stitching.

Answer 3

I have an old Singer sewing machine. (When I say "old," I mean all it does is sew forward and backward -- by flipping a little lever.)

It came with a buttonhole attachment that you attach to the footpresser -- giant thing it is, but it makes buttonholes. Does your machine have such an attachment with it? Or, does the sewing machine book list such an attachment that you could purchase?

I wouldn't be able to work one of those "newfangled" machines that have "built-in" stitches, unless I read the book! (Ancient, I am, when it comes to sewing machines! Ha!)

If your machine doesn't have the attachment for buttonholes, nor any to purchase, then the other answerer gave a pretty good description of how to make a buttonhole without one. (Of course, your machine would have to be able to make a "zig-zag" stitch...I have an attachment that does that, too!)