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Sewing buttonholes in thick wool fabric
Karen Nutbrown Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 12/20/02 Posts: 64	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/7/11 10:45 AM I have been sewing a wool coat and am just about to do the buttonholes. I have interfaced the area and have made a few samples. Everythng is good until I cut the opening. I am using my auto button hole on my machine and the sewing goes well. I have frey checked the stitching before cutting but for some reason I always catch the thread on one side. Is they a better way to cut? I have used a seam ripper as well as a tiny pair of cutters. It is very discouraging. Help please!
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to Karen Nutbrown Like this post Date: 2/7/11 12:34 PM I don't know how many buttonholes you have to make, but this might be a situation where the classic hand-worked buttonhole is your best friend--and faster, too. Here is one set of instructions. Here's another. For beginners, it's a good idea to use some kind of marking (a line of stitches, washable marking pen, Scotch tape) to mark the lines for the width of the stitches--neater looking result, you know. And of course, a couple of practice buttonholes before hitting the real thing.
dresscode   Advanced FL USA Member since 7/28/04 Posts: 2464	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/7/11 1:30 PM Those are great instructions! I often forget that handworked can look much nicer than even the top machine buttonholes. Better control on thicker fabrics too! I hate ruining an almost finished garment with buttonholes gone bad!!!
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6998	Login to reply to this post In reply to Karen Nutbrown 1 member likes this. Date: 2/8/11 8:15 AM Quote: Is they a better way to cut? I have used a seam ripper as well as a tiny pair of cutters. I use a buttonhole cutter. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
M.S. Intermediate Member since 3/6/09 Posts: 1140	Login to reply to this post In reply to Miss Fairchild Like this post Date: 2/8/11 10:14 AM I've been tempted to buy the buttonhole cutter. Glad to hear you think it works well. You never know if something's a gimmick. I've heard a razor blade or xacto knive can work. Haven't tried it, yet. ------ Pfaff 138-6 Brother PQ1500S Necchi 4795 US Blindstitch 718-9 Kenmore 16644 Janome CoverPro 1000 Singer 201-2
MissCelie   MD USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 2126 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/8/11 11:30 AM I used a vintage buttonhole attachment for my melton wool coat. It was just too think for the ones my machine makes. I also use the Clover buttonhole chisel. My holes were too think to take to with a seam ripper. I've also had good success with the duckbill embroidery scissors. ------ Cidell www.missceliespants.com
SierraSarrah CA USA Member since 1/31/11 Posts: 139	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/8/11 12:31 PM Why not put protective pins in along the sides as well as the ends?
dresscode   Advanced FL USA Member since 7/28/04 Posts: 2464	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 3/10/13 5:57 PM Bumping this up...just finished a felted wool (stable knit) coat. Have done numerous samples. Auto buttonhole foot not working. manual foot is working with the old method of stitching a narrow rectangle, narrow zig zag with wider tacks at end. ( this is such an under utilized method IMHO) Curious, do the old vintage attachments work on a newer model Bernina? My 1530 is the workhorse and I have a 630 also. I have a compensation plate but can't for the life of me figure out how to fit on the auto foot. Wish Bernina would do a video on these plates....so few seem to know anything about them. The enclosed directions are very lacking.
sew2006 Advanced ON CANADA Member since 6/24/06 Posts: 1704	Login to reply to this post In reply to dresscode << Like this post Date: 3/10/13 6:21 PM The compansation plate would have to attach to your existing buttonhole foot. Than everything is sandwiched between the plate and the buttonhole. By having heavy fabric between the plate/buttonhole it moves more even than what the feed dogs manage. I use my embroidery machine for buttonholes in heavy fabric and also purchased an old style buttonholer for low shank machines. I agree with the other poster about the buttonhole tool. It works very vell and the round tool is for eyelets and the tip of keyhole buttonholes. ------ Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc, Bernina FunLock 009DCC coverlock, Brother PQ1500S, Janome CP900.
dresscode   Advanced FL USA Member since 7/28/04 Posts: 2464	Login to reply to this post In reply to sew2006 << Like this post Date: 3/10/13 10:11 PM Yes, I know it goes on the foot....but I can't seem to fit it to the foot. I am going to take it to my dealer (I moved away from the dealer who sold it to me. ). I watched a demo about five years ago and remember the rep said it was a "little fiddle". Just odd that Bernina has no info out there. The instructions just say basically , put it together, put on machine and slip fabric inside. I thought by now it would be on YouTube.

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