How to Sew a Buttonhole

Sewing a Buttonhole

When I first learned how to sew a buttonhole, it felt like one of those big sewing milestones. Buttonholes look technical, precise, and honestly a little intimidating at first. But once you understand how your sewing machine does most of the work for you, they quickly become one of those skills that feels empowering rather than scary.

A buttonhole is what allows your garment to open and close neatly around a button, and it is used on everything from shirts and dresses to skirts, cuffs, and waistbands. Sewing a clean, well-placed buttonhole can completely change how polished your handmade piece looks.

The good news is that modern sewing machines make buttonholes very beginner friendly. With the right setup, careful measuring, and a few simple steps, you can sew consistent, professional-looking buttonholes even as a beginner.

Here’s what you’ll learn when sewing a buttonhole:

• How to measure and mark your buttonhole so it fits your button perfectly
• How to set up your sewing machine for buttonholes
• The difference between common buttonhole methods
• How to sew neat, even stitches every time
• How to safely open a buttonhole without damaging your fabric

Once you get comfortable with the process, buttonholes become just another step in your sewing flow. Measure carefully, let the machine guide you, and take your time opening the stitches. With a little practice, you will be adding button closures to your sewing projects with confidence.