Last Updated on March 2, 2023
Are you familiar with the process of making buttonholes? What Type of Cutting Tool is Used to Cut Buttonholes? It can involve cutting through several layers of fabric, making it a tricky process. Using the proper cutting tool is critical to ensure precise and accurate cuts. We’ll look at the specific type of cutting tool used to make buttonholes in this article.
5 Cutting Tool is Used to Cut Buttonholes
So, what tool is used to cut buttonholes? A common cutting tool used for cutting buttonholes is called a buttonhole cutter. It is designed to cut precise and cleanly rounded holes that can be used for attaching buttons.
The blade of the buttonhole cutter is usually a sharp, pointed blade that can easily penetrate fabric, although some are equipped with softer blades to minimize damage to delicate materials. It typically comes with several interchangeable heads or cutters so that you can make multiple sizes of buttonholes depending on your needs.
You can also use the following:
1. Scissors
Scissors are one of the most common tools used to make buttonholes. They can be found cheaply and are available in various sizes. However, they may need a smoother finish to your buttonholes as the blades can usually only cut in one direction. As such, it is essential to ensure that your scissors are sharp to get the cleanest possible finish when making your cuts.
Plus, since they don’t have any adjustable parts like other tools, there won’t be room for maneuvering, so curves or intricate details can’t be achieved successfully with scissors. But if you have excellent coordination and are willing to take extra time and effort, this could be achievable with careful practice.
If you want to hand-cut a buttonhole, sharp scissors make an excellent choice. Specialty tailoring scissors may work best with delicate fabrics like silk and satin. When cutting buttonholes by hand, take your time and measure twice before cutting once, as you cannot reverse any accidental cuts!
2. Buttonhole Cutter
The most common commercial-grade machine for sewing and alterations is “industrial-grade” – typically consisting of motorized buttonhole machines or those operated manually. For those engaged in mass production or customization of garments needing precision and accuracy when creating buttonholes, there are specialized machine tools aptly called “buttonhole cutters.”
It features blade sets that vary in size according to the pattern to be created onto textiles, including a clearance space behind each blade set that secures the fabric being cut securely. With its wide range of built-in functions and unique design features, there is no doubt that industrial-grade machines provide quick and easy solutions when starting any sewing project involving the creation of crisp and neat buttonholes!
It is also known as Buttonhole Chisel Knife. A chisel knife has two parts: a handle and a rotating cutting head made from high-carbon steel alloy blades. When pushed into the fabric, these knives cut out shapes and textures like those found in embossed leather goods and scarves.
They’re perfect for precision cutting when making customized garments where absolute accuracy is needed for creating perfect buttonholes effortlessly every time you use them!
3. Hobby Knife
For straighter edges and more precise cuts, hobby knives are perfect for tackling more complex shapes like those sometimes required for more ornate designs on clothing or accessories. As with all sharp tools, use extra caution when working with a hobby knife, and make sure that you keep it filed regularly to maintain a clean edge throughout its lifespan.
4. Buttonhole Awl Bundle
A buttonhole awl tool has several interchangeable tips, which allows it to punch holes through the fabric, paper, or other materials without leaving visible marks outside your work area (as opposed to traditional needles).
This essential tool was traditionally used by tailors and dressmakers back in the day. Still, they come in many sizes, so they are suitable for all kinds of craftwork – from embroidery stitches to knitting patterns!
Lastly, when using this tool, it’s important not to apply too much pressure not to puncture your material. It will cause tearing around the punched hole and weaken any zipper teeth that may also be present near your buttonhole!
5. Rotary Cutters
When working on projects where more than one buttonhole needs to be cut – whether it’s for repetitive tasks such as shirt plackets or giving new life to worn-out jackets – rotary cutters will help save serious amounts of time and energy from unnecessary fatigue in comparison with laboriously cutting out just one or two buttons each time with scissors.
Rotary cutters offer additional advantages – their ability to consistently produce even results regardless of how thick or thin your fabric might be; they work on almost all types of fabrics (including jersey knit), allow for easier regulation between sizes, create cleaner lines over dulled blades; rapidly take care even in large amounts; plus they guard against slips during use if fitted with safety guards!
How Do You Cut a Buttonhole by Hand?
Cutting a buttonhole by hand is difficult and requires some practice to perfect your technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Use tailor’s chalk or another suitable marking implement to define the exact location of the buttonhole on the fabric.
- Cut two parallel lines into the fabric, ensuring they are even and properly positioned.
- Cut a small cross at one end of each line, ensuring they meet in the middle of the desired width of your buttonhole.
- Clip into the remaining sides of each line until they reach their respective crosses, creating an ‘X’ shape with four flaps at each end.
- Fold back the ‘X’ shaped flaps in turn and stitch around them using a small zigzag stitch or ladder stitch for extra strength and stability, then trim off any excess threads when finished.
- When all four flaps have been sewn in place, carefully cut along every single one of your stitched lines ― this will open your buttonhole!
How Do You Cut a Buttonhole With Scissors?
Cutting a buttonhole with scissors is relatively easy, but you must take the time to do it properly. Here are the basic steps:
- Mark the placement of the buttonhole.
- Place a pin at each end of the buttonhole and tie some string between them to create a guide for cutting straight lines.
- Cut vertically down one side of the marked area using sharp scissors, then cut back up on the other side.
- Once you’ve made two cuts, snip out any material in between them to create an opening suitable for your button or snap fastener.
- Use tweezers to remove cotton threads underneath and neaten the edges with a needle and thread if necessary.
How Do You Cut a Hole in a Buttonhole?
The best way to cut a hole in a buttonhole is to use an exacto knife. Pick up a pencil or pen and measure where you want to cut. It needs to fit your button size, so remember that. Then, using one hand, firmly hold the material and place it on a cutting board.
Conversely, make precise cuts using the exacto knife following your carefully drawn lines. Don’t rush; take time so the fabric doesn’t slip while cutting! Once you’re finished, you should have a neat and exact buttonhole.
Conclusion
Cutting neat and precise buttonholes can be much easier than most people imagine if you have the right instrument. Hand cutting is perfectly appropriate when only one or two, while larger jobs should utilize an industrial-grade sewing machine such as a buttonhole cutter specially designed for such tasks. Nothing beats a rotary cutter for multiple actions across multiple fabrics, enabling high-volume work within short intervals!
“I like to turn a piece of string into something that I can wear.” I am dedicated to sharing knowledge on the necessary sewing equipment in The Sewing Stuffs.
