How to sew buttonholes on a machine

Most modern machines sew a buttonhole in one step using a special foot that measures your button. Interface the area, mark the position, test, sew, then cut it open carefully.

Pinny's tip
Always sew a test buttonhole on a scrap with the same layers and interfacing.

What you'll need

• Buttonhole foot: usually supplied.
• Interfacing: buttonholes need a stable base.
• Seam ripper and a pin: to open the hole safely.

Step by step

1. Mark buttonhole positions with chalk or a fabric pen, following the pattern.
2. Put the button in the back of the buttonhole foot and attach the foot.
3. Pull down the buttonhole lever if your machine has one.
4. Select the buttonhole stitch and sew a test on a scrap.
5. Sew the real buttonholes, starting at the mark.
6. Put a pin across the end of the buttonhole and cut it open with a seam ripper towards the pin.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to lower the lever. The machine keeps sewing without stopping.
• No interfacing. The buttonhole stretches and wrinkles.
• Cutting through the bar tack. Use a pin as a stop.

Watch it done

• How To Sew With a One Step Buttonhole Foot by Professor Pincushion on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• How To Use An Automatic Buttonhole Foot by Sewing Parts Online on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• How to Sew Buttonholes for Beginners | GA014 by Glory Allan on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Tilly and the Buttons: How to Sew One-Step Buttonholes
2. The Sewing Directory: How to use a Buttonhole Foot
3. YouTube: How To Sew With a One Step Buttonhole Foot (Professor Pincushion)
4. YouTube: How To Use An Automatic Buttonhole Foot (Sewing Parts Online)
5. YouTube: How to Sew Buttonholes for Beginners | GA014 (Glory Allan)