Closure Mechanisms

Buttons and Buttonholes

Buttons and buttonholes are common methods of closing garments.

Buttons

Buttons should coordinate with the garment style and the fabric. The number of buttons used and their spacing should relate to the size of the button. Larger buttons are spaced further apart than smaller buttons. The correct position of the buttons depends on the sex of the wearer. Buttons are placed on the right side for men and the left side for women.

Buttons come in two basic styles:

The shank button has a metal or plastic loop which raises the button above the level of the garment.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
 
Shank Button
The eyed button has 2 or 4 holes which permits stitching through the button. A thread shank must be added to raise the button.  

Image Source: Pixabay

Eyed Button



Note: The area behind the buttons must be strengthened with interfacing.




Buttonholes

Buttonhole size is based on the diameter of the button plus the button thickness. Buttonhole placement must be exact in relation to button placement.

Buttonhole areas require interfacing for added strength. Buttonholes are most often machine stitched. This built-in feature on the sewing machine involves a close zigzag stitch in a rectangular shape with bar tacks at each end.

 
Image Source: Pixabay

Standards for Evaluating Buttoned Closures

  1. The buttons and thread coordinate with the garment design, colour and fabric.
  2. The buttons are spaced correctly and evenly.
  3. The buttons are sewn on securely with no hanging thread ends.
  4. The stitches on the back side are neat and inconspicuous.
  5. The eyed buttons have a thread shank.
  6. The buttonholes are lined up correctly with the buttons.
  7. The buttonholes are securely stitched with no fraying or loose threads.
  8. The thread used on the button holes matches the fabric.
  9. The buttonhole fits the button with no gaping or tightness

      Button Videos