Buttonhole hack or How to sew a buttonhole without a buttonhole function on your machine

Actually I do have a buttonhole function, but I hate it. So I taught myself this method & find it it much easier. Always try anything new on scrap fabric first!

1. First, measure and mark buttonholes as usual with chalk or disappearing ink. I like to use a chalk pencil.

2. Set machine to a small zig zag. Thus is what I set it to. I have a Brother machine.

3. Stitch from one mark to the next, the length of the buttonhole. Backstitch the length, and sew the length again. You should have sewn over the same length 3 times.

4. Pivot and sew 4 stitches, back stitch 4, sew forward 4 stitches again.

5. Pivot and sew the length of the buttonhole again, repeating what you did on step 3 for the other side of buttonhole.



6. Repeat step 4 for other end of buttonhole.

7. Remove from machine and cut inside buttonhole with seam ripper.

8. Insert button!

Butterfly quilt

This is a simple panel, used high loft batting, a quick blanket binding, & tied it. I painted big sister on it & gave it to the five year old sibling of the baby at a shower. She loved it.
Her name was painted where the pink blob is.

Baby boy travel theme quilt

Made of themed flannel with high loft batting
the back is a sea theme of orcas and sea lions

The trucks are appliquéd of my own design.

Finished Lemon Tree quilt top

Techniques: piecing & applique

Lemon tree quilt

Modifying a pattern from Quilting magazine

Added yellow print strips around the appliqued piece

Pieces in place, before sewing

close up of a lemon