Expert: Vinette de Phillipe - 5/10/2008

Question
I am trying to make a buttonhole, but I am doing something wrong. I am new to sewing, and I have never done a buttonhole before. Every time I try the top thread keeps knotting up and gets stuck. I have a Viking E20. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jenni,
The first thing I would do is check to see if the machine is threaded right.  If so then next find out if the machine makes the button hole from the edge into the garment or the other way.

You did not say if you have an attachment for making buttonholes or not. So I will give instructions for not having an attachment.

1. measure the button. place a pin at the start of where you want the button hole to be and one where the button hole is to end.

2. set the machine to Wide zig-zag and close stitching.

3. make about 4 or 5 stitches in the same place, at the start of the button hole.

4. change the width of the zig-zag to narrow. Line one side of the stitch with the wide zig-zag. Sew to the end of the button hole.

5. change back to wide zig-zag and stitch 4 or 5 stitches on top of each other.

6. repeat step 4.

7. repeat step 5, only use about 2 or 3 stitches on top of the ones already there to secure.

hope this helps.

vi