Last Updated on May 7, 2023
Bound buttonholes are commonly found on coats but can also be used on lighter garments. In this step-by-step guide and tutorial, we will show you how to sew a bound buttonhole using a regular sewing machine instead of buttonhole sewing machine, using boiled wool as an example material.
What is a bound buttonhole in sewing?
A bound buttonhole in sewing is a type of buttonhole where the raw edges are covered by fabric or trim rather than stitches, providing a clean and polished appearance. This is different from a keyhole buttonhole, which has a round hole at the end of the slit, reinforced with a fan-shaped arrangement of stitches.
Can You Sew a Bound Buttonhole Using a Sewing Machine?
Yes! Bound buttonholes are an elegant alternative to machine-made buttonholes and can be sewn using a regular sewing machine.
How to sew a bound buttonhole with a sewing machine?
Here is the step-by-step guide to sewing a bound buttonhole with a sewing machine:
Step 1: Determine the buttonhole size
- Measure the diameter of the button you want to use.
- Add the depth of the button to this number to ensure it fits through the buttonhole.
Step 2: Mark the buttonhole on the fabric
- Work on the flat pattern piece from the right side before sewing the garment.
- Draw a sewing line 1.5 cm from the raw edge.
- Mark the center front of the garment.
- Draw the buttonhole’s opening, ensuring it extends 3 mm past the center front.
- Check the width of the buttonhole against your button and adjust it if needed.
- Draw the finished height of your buttonhole.
Step 3: Tack the fabric
- Tack all the chalk lines to see them from both sides of the fabric.
- Use a bright thread for better visibility.
Step 4: Create and attach the fabric patch
- Cut the fabric patch to be as wide as the buttonhole plus 2.5 mm and at least five times as tall as the total width of the buttonhole plus seam allowance.
- Fold the rectangle in half width ways to find the center and finger press the crease.
- Center the patch over the buttonhole and pin it in place.
- Tack the patch in place.
Step 5: Sew the buttonhole
- Stitch around the outside of the buttonhole, following the tacking lines precisely.
- Pivot at the corners and leave long tails of thread.
- Pull the bobbin threads through to the wrong side of the fabric and tie them off tightly.
- Remove the tacking.
Step 6: Cut open the buttonhole
- Cut diagonally into the corners from the center and along the centerline.
- Remove any remaining tacking.
Step 7: Create the welts
- Push the patch through the opening from the right side to the wrong side.
- Press the buttonhole firmly.
- Manipulate the fabric of the patch to create the welts and press them in place.
- Tack the welts in place.
Step 8: Machine the welts in place
- Stitch the small triangles at the short edges of the buttonhole to the fabric of the welt.
- Stitch along the long edges of the buttonhole through all layers of the seam allowance.
- Trim down the excess seam allowance.
Step 9: Attach the facing or lining
- Pin the facing or lining to the front pattern piece, right sides together.
- Stitch along the sewing line and trim down the seam allowance.
- Press the seam flat and fold the facing to the inside.
- Cut through the fabric of the facing to create an opening.
- Tuck the raw edges under and slip stitch the edge of the facing down to the fabric of the welt.
- Press the buttonhole firmly.
Step 10: Finishing touches
- Remove any remaining tacking.
- Enjoy your completed bound buttonhole!
Video: Teach Yourself to Sew Bound Buttonholes
| Master the Art of Bound Buttonholes with Judith Neukam from Threads Sewing! Elevate your sewing skills with this easy-to-follow tutorial on creating professional-looking bound buttonholes. Get ready to impress with your newfound expertise! |
Bonus Tips and Final Word
Hope the tutorial is helpful to you. Remember, When working on multiple buttonholes, tackling them simultaneously rather than one at a time is more efficient. Also, if you’re dealing with bulky fabric, using a contrasting fabric for the welts can help reduce bulk and create a visually appealing result.
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