automatic buttonhole foot

How To Use A Buttonhole Foot [Manual & Automatic]

Buttonhole foot machine is basically used for creating some neat, sophisticated holes where the buttons fit. Normally, there is a basic presser foot on almost all the machines. However, when you make space for buttons then you will require this very specific presser foot, commonly known as buttonhole presser foot. You do not need to go an extra mile for that. Rather, you can simply replace the presser foot with the buttonhole presser foot. Furthermore, there is a vast variety of attachments related to the buttonhole foot presser.

You can easily get it from any store. So in this article, we will talk about some of the easiest ways to use a buttonhole foot machine. Using this presser foot is not as difficult as it may seem initially. With time and a little practice, you can easily develop this skill and do it effortlessly. Plus, there is a vast range of machines offered by different brands. The features will obviously vary, so you have to deal with them accordingly. However, the basic rules are almost similar for all machines. So, let’s just discover some of the basics of operating a buttonhole foot.

How To Use A Buttonhole Foot?

Given below is the list of of of the important steps to operate a buttonhole fool machine that beginners should follow:

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 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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

How to use an Automatic Button Hole Foot

How To Manual Buttonhole

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many types of buttonholes are there?

There are a variety of buttonhole shapes and many of you may not know about them. These shapes include keyhole, rectangular, and oval shapes. An interesting fact about these buttonholes is that you can create them without the machine. All these shapes are really easy to make by hand because machines are a bit complicated for this task.

What are the two types of buttons?

Buttons are not limited to only two types. Rather there is a vast variety when it comes to the shapes, and sizes of buttons. Some of the major kinds of buttons include, flat buttons, raised buttons, jeans buttons, and many other types of buttons are also there.

What can I do with unwanted buttons?

There is a lot to do when it comes to buttons. If you have extra buttons at your home, you can utilize them for various activities. For instance, you can use the buttons on handbags, hair bands, sweaters, shirts, etc. Plus, if you like doing crafts or DIY activities, even then these buttons can come in handy.

Conclusion

So, these were some of the basics regarding the buttonhole foot and the ways to use the machines for making buttonholes. It is quite simple and an easy activity that just requires a little practice. Initially, you may find it difficult but we assure you that it is really fun and interesting. So, do not be overwhelmed because with time and practice you can learn using these machines.

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