elizabeth_mn: (Default)
elizabeth_mn ([personal profile] elizabeth_mn) wrote2012-08-06 02:24 pm
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Buttonholes

I marked out the 9 buttonholes on the doublet and I've sewn five so far.



This is not the first time I've hand-sewn buttonholes, but it's the first time I really care much what they look like.  I am trying to do it properly. 

For each buttonhole, first I outlined with small-spaced running stitch in all-purpose cotton thread, then slit it open, with the leading edge rounded slightly.  Then I whip-stitched around the whole buttonhole with cotton thread.  I sewed the buttonhole stitches with #8 pearl silk thread.  It's not ideal, but I couldn't find a good color match in the silk buttonhole twist.  It works as long as I use short lengths to keep it smooth.

I checked the photos in Patterns of Fashion for buttonhole shapes.  It seems that often both ends were hidden by trim or more embroidery.  Most that were wholly visible had a rounded leading edge and a bar-tack made in buttonhole stitch, which surprised me; I assumed a bar-tack would always be done with little short straight stitches.  But I did the end in buttonhole stitch and rounded the other end, and it looks okay.


Is it sad that this is my nicest one so far?




4 to go, then I'll attach the buttons and it will be done.  The buttons are self-fabric sewn over a wooden form.  





I could have used that lovely pearl silk to make thread buttons, but I just wasn't in the mood to go there.  When I can hand-sew buttonholes in my sleep, then maybe I will make thread buttons.


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