Buttons

Hi There:

I don't post often but I do read this group always and thoroughly enjoy all the on-going discussions, so I figured I should participate once in awhile instead of just lurking.

Sooooo, I was wondering when you are sewing on buttons that have four holes instead of two, do you sew them so it looks like a little "x" or like a parallel row? Just a thought since I have about 120 of them to sew on in the next couple weeks (I have just finished cutting out 28 blouses for myself and my sister) and since it's a pretty mindless task while performing it, I was just curious as to how any of you do it. Myself, I like the "x" way, but I have seen it both ways on rtw. I try to find buttons with 2 holes as often as I can but it's not always possible.

Bobbie

Reply to
Bobbie
Loading thread data ...

Yes. ;-D

I do it both ways, depending on the garment, my mood and the phase of the moon. Coats are almost always parallel. Shirts, blouses, jackets may be either.

I also like shanks, then you don't have to make a decision at all.

Reply to
BEI Design

I usually do x's, but sometimes squares, rarely equal signs. Do you know the trick of sewing with four strands of thread in the needle? Four stitches and you're done -- just finish the thread shank and tie off.

Kay

Reply to
Kay Lancaster

I'm thinking this is the moment to learn how to use the 'sewing on a button' foot and procedure for your sm. Adding, of course, a dot of Tailor's "Fray Block" before you cut the threads. 120 buttons is just a little past my enthusiasm span of 5. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

Polly, I don't mind sewing the buttons on at all, since once I'm at that stage I know I've finished another blouse except for the hemming (also always done by hand too). See, I'm retired, live on a little island, and thoroughly enjoy creating something for my sister and I to wear knowing no one else will have the same article.

My hubby has to mark each blouse with my chalk marker since I have lumps and bumps that I want to be darn sure are completely covered and I honestly have to say he's real good about it.

Bobbie

Reply to
Bobbie

Beverly:

Thanks for the tidbit about the difference on coats.

I use a fair amount of shank ones too--I'm looking at 2 garmet racks here in my sewing room full of blouses, then I have 3 more in my spare rooms and my closets are all full with them too. Honestly, between the two of us I have made over 400 in the last few years.

A 12 step program may be in my future. See, since my sister and I are "not skinny girls" and there are only two stores in Canada that cater to larger sizes, and they're both owned by the same parent company I felt like I needed to step up and do something. I like being able to find lovely fabrics and ensure she never has to worry about "what to wear" when there's so many other things in life to have to worry about right?

Bobbie

Reply to
Bobbie

Thanks for replying Kay.

I have used that trick many, many, many times and haven't had a button come off yet. Now, I haven't seen the "square" example yet, but I'm darn well gonna try that one.

Thanks again.

Bobbie

Reply to
Bobbie

Polly:

Thanks for replying Polly.

I do know how to use my machine to sew the buttons on, but it's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. The hemming is what takes the greatest amount of time but even that goes relatively quickly it seems. And, yes, I do know how to use my blind hemming attachment.

Reply to
Bobbie

It doesn't matter at all as long as all the buttons on a shirt are the same -- or different in obvious and interesting ways.

I like to put an equal sign on the front and an X on the back; I feel that having the threads grab a tad more cloth makes them less likely to tear out.

And the equal sign is slightly easier to put a toothpick under.

(Except that I use dull sewing-machine needles: the thin end for fine cloth, the thick end for heavy.)

Reply to
Joy Beeson

I have one pin cushion dedicated to used machine needles, I use for that same purpose. In addition they are strong enough to ease the turned corners of collars, pockets, etc.

Reply to
BEI Design

Good tip to know. Thanks.

Reply to
Bobbie

And one day I wanted to nail a rolled-wool pincushion to the wall and was frustrated because brads were too short and nails were too thick, then I thought of the discarded machine needles stuck into the bottom of the papier-ma^che' cone of basting thread hanging from the curtain rod.

Somehow old needles and bent pins don't accumulate.

Reply to
Joy Beeson

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.