Double-stitched buttonholes

Sometimes regular buttonholes just don't cut it. I'm making a coat from a thick twill that is fairly loosely woven, so the zig-zag edges of the buttonholes must be at least 3mm wide to secure all the threads of the cloth properly. Plus, I want to use thick and glossy nylon thread because I use…

Pfaff’s unsurpassed buttonholes

My Pfaff Creative makes unsurpassed buttonholes. It's a computerised machine, so of course she's got programs for several types of lovely buttonholes. But this is not unique and not particularly remarkable. The most remarkable bit is a simple mechanical aid that makes all the difference. The first thing you notice is of course the sliding…

Buttons and buttonholes with a transverse shuttle machine

Impossible! It doesn't do zig-zag. True. But possible. 😁 I made a pair of long-sleeved tops out of fine viscose jersey, so I used my Singer 48K to get that flexible stitch with 60% stretch. Now I need to make buttonholes in the cuffs. I'm fussy about the feel of my clothes, so I did…

Thread loops and needle lace

Thread loops are those skinny loops made with thread (yep, it is what it sounds like) for your little buttons. ​ Thread loops can be made in different ways but I think the needle lace technique gives the neatest results. After all, this is how you make lace! (Pick up any book on needle lace…

A perfect buttonhole with manual control

There are many contraptions out there that help you make lovely buttonholes automatically. Many machines also have beautiful buttonholes programmed into them. And yet sometimes a manual buttonhole is called for, either because your machine hasn't got one programmed, or you don't like it for some reason, or you can't use the special foot on…