Buttons & Buttonholes

Updated on December 11, 2014
F.B. asks from Kew Gardens, NY
4 answers

Mamas & Papas-

Do any of you crafty ladies know/ have a rule of thumb re: how big a button hole you need to make as compared with the button when sewing/ crocheting/ knitting? Using up the rainbow yarn to crochet a cardigan this time. I've made button holes and now need to source buttons. I'll be getting them online because getting to a craft/ fabric shop is a bit of a challenge. The button holes are 3/4 " tall.

Thanks,
F. B.

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Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.N.

answers from Chicago on

My sister sewed her own clothes and crocheted. She told me that a button should not be any bigger than the button hole unless it is stretchy material or you will use an odd shaped button. For something made of yarn which usually has some give to it, I would stick with 3/4", maybe 1" max. My mom crochets and when she isn;t sure, she finds a piece of clothing with similar holes and tries that out then measures the button. Oh and if the button happens to not be flat, go smaller.

1 mom found this helpful

F.W.

answers from Danville on

Crochet is going to 'give'.

I would recommend reinforcing the button hole with some thread stitching around the opening. Then, take the item TO a store, and try the buttons IN the hole.

I wish I had an easier answer, but I do not.

Failing that, perhaps order some buttons in a variety of sizes? And colors?

Even if you order some buttons, and the hole is too big, you can still 'tighten' it up with cotton thread!

I hope those lucky enough to receive your handmade and thoughtful gift appreciate the work/love you put into it!

Merry merry!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I agree that the buttonhole shouldn't be too much bigger than the button or you'll have a gaping hole with a tiny button on the side of it.

Can't you simply make it one or two stitches bigger? I guess that depends on how large your pattern is.

1 mom found this helpful
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