Alternatives to Buttons and Buttonholes

jmcgilli · Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Minnesota

Great to see this option for sharing information with other sewers.

Lately my buttonholer has been challenged to complete a buttonhole.

As I am now considering options to replace the buttonhole, such as tabs, et., what options have you seen that are viable for a simple jacket?

Thanks.

Lois

Jeanette - These are two methods I've used.
(1) I made a corded fabric tube (using the Fast-turn tool) to form a loop and button closure. Test to determine the appropriate length needed for your project. I began with a finished piece approximately 20" long. Fold the finished tube in half and knot in the middle to create the proper size loop for your button. Beyond the knot I allowed the two tails to hang free, putting small knots at the end of each tail. I hand stitched through the knot, attaching to the jacket at the waistline. I made my fabric tube from a coodinating rayon batik which I also used as piping on the jacket and as the lining. I used only one on my jacket for a closure.

(2) Next method, I used 4 or 5 fabric tabs on a jacket and loved the look. Method is as follows: Make a hollow fabric tube (no cord inserted). I used a 1 1/4" bias strip to arrive at a finished 1/2" fabric tube. Press flat and edge stitch along the length on each side, to reinforce and enhance the look. Fold tab in half, and topstitch the fold into a point. Attach the two legs to the garment, hiding raw edges underneath your topstitching. Before topstitching, adjust to your button size, cutting off excess length. Surprisingly, I've had good success using Dritz bias tape for this method many times. If the Dritz bias tape color works well with my project, I used the tape to create the loops for the buttonholes. If not, I used coordinating fabric to create the strips. Please let me know if I haven't explained the techniques clearly.

Lois