This week we have a fun treat! Shari Fuller, the designer behind the Thimbles and Acorns brand, is going to share her amazingly cool buttonhole sewing tip with us! After trying this, I'm pretty sure you'll never go back to your old method - seriously! My hope is that you will walk away with the confidence to sew professional looking buttonholes!
Limited Time Giveaway! We're giving away a $50 Pixie Faire Gift Card!
To enter the giveaway, be sure to scroll to the end of this post and leave a comment. Tell us- would you rather sew buttons and buttonholes or sew a zipper?
But first... If you're new to sewing buttonholes with an automatic buttonhole foot attachment on your sewing machine, be sure to check out my Simple Closures Video from the Sewing Academy series, it includes a full tutorial showing how to install and use a button hole foot. I also demonstrate how to open up the buttonhole successfully without accidentally cutting through the threads.
Now on to the tutorial from Shari Fuller!
Watch the Freezer Paper Buttonhole video below:
Or follow along with the full tutorial here:
For many sewers, the thought of adding buttonholes to a finished outfit is enough to send chills down their spine… it does for me. The thing is, it isn’t terribly difficult to make buttonholes, especially if your machine has a one-step buttonhole feature. The problem is more about placement. A slightly crooked or offset buttonhole can ruin the finished look of an otherwise masterfully sewn outfit… and it is nearly impossible to remove a buttonhole without damaging the fabric.
The key to beautiful buttonholes is to carefully mark all your placement lines so you can get them right the first time. Transferring markings directly onto fabric, however, isn’t always as easy as it seems… which is probably why we are tempted to take shortcuts we inevitably regret. Markings can be difficult to see on dark or printed fabrics, and it can be difficult to remove markings from lighter fabrics. This is where the freezer paper comes in, the white paper is easy to write on and easy to see, and when you are finished, you just peel it off without a trace!
To begin, gather your project, freezer paper, buttonhole foot, pen, ruler, scissors, rotary cutter (optional), and an iron.
1. Measure the width of your buttonhole foot.
2. Cut a strip of freezer paper the same width as your buttonhole foot.
3. Draw a line down the center of the strip of freezer paper.
4. On a scrap piece of fabric, make a sample buttonhole that fits the buttons you will be using in your project.
5. Measure the length of your sample buttonhole.
6. Using the measurement of your sample buttonhole, determine the buttonhole placement on your project and transfer the placement marking to the center line on your strip of freezer paper. The top of the strip should line up with the top edge of your project. Don’t forget to figure in the seam allowance when determining the placement of the first buttonhole.
Tip: For doll clothes, I like the top button to be 1/4-inch from the finished edge, so the marking for the top buttonhole should be 1/2-inch from the top of the freezer paper to allow for the 1/4-inch seam allowance.
7. Fold the freezer paper strip in half along the center line. Trim the excess length of the bottom, leaving about 3-inches to help center the template under the buttonhole foot.
8. Snip the ends of each buttonhole marking 1/8-inch in from the folded edge…
… then snip out the center of each buttonhole.
Your finished template will look like this.
9. With the plastic side down, position the freezer paper template on you project. The top edge of the template should match the top edge of the project. Use the center line of the freezer paper to help with the alignment. Press the freezer paper so that it adheres to your project.
If you are unsatisfied with the alignment, simply peel the freezer paper up, reposition it, and press it in place again.
10. Starting with the bottom buttonhole, position the template so that the needle lands at the bottom edge of the buttonhole opening. Adjust the template so that the side edges are aligned with your buttonhole foot and the center line runs down the center of the buttonhole foot. Stitch your buttonhole. Repeat this process for the rest of the buttonhole, working from the bottom up.
When you are finished, peel the freezer paper template from your project. If you are careful not to tear it, you can reuse this template several times.
Look, beautiful, straight, and even buttonholes! (…though, I wouldn’t suggest using white thread on read fabric)
While this tutorial demonstrates how to make a template for simple vertical buttonholes, the concept can also be used for horizontal and arbitrarily placed buttonholes as well. Instead of cutting a strip the same width as your buttonhole foot, cut a wider strip or template that will accommodate the buttonhole placement and draw guidelines on the freezer paper for your buttonhole foot.
Thanks, Shari! This is a fantastic resource!
Applying this method can help you approach sewing patterns with functioning buttons with confidence! Be sure to check out our Buttons and Bows Collection to see more patterns where you can apply your new buttonhole skills!
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Contest Details: You enter through the entry form that is embedded on this page and appears just below this paragraph, if you don't see it, be sure to visit the page from your desktop or an alternate browser such as Google Chrome. It may not appear on all mobile devices. The complete rules and entry details appear on the entry form. This is not a comment contest - in other words, leaving a comment on the bottom of this page is not an official entry method. The only required entry method is to leave a comment under this post and then confirm that you did it in the contest widget. One person will receive the PF Gift Card. You can enter once, or gain multiple entries by completing the other entry methods and increase your chances of winning. Please review all Terms and Conditions on the giveaway page before entering. While we wish we could run this contest everywhere, for legal reasons it is only open to eligible residents of the U.S. and Canada, not including Rhode Island. This contest is exclusively endorsed by Liberty Jane Clothing and Pixie Faire.
We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us -would you rather sew buttons and buttonholes or sew a zipper? Commenting below and confirming your entry in the widget above gives you one entry method, the other methods are listed in the widget above, be sure to enter in as many ways as you can to receive the maximum amount of entries to win one PF Gift Card!
Thanks, everyone!
The Pixie Faire Team
100 Comments
Margaret
May 27, 2020
Thanks for great tutorial.Has now opened up a whole new world for me..
Etta Hart
May 27, 2020
I’d rather sew a zipper because I have no confidence that I wouldn’t ruin my project by sewing a horrendous buttonhole!
lisa
May 27, 2020
I’d much rather sew button holes and buttons than zippers. I hate sewing zippers and my sewing machine, a Bernina 1230, makes great buttonholes.
Marie B
May 27, 2020
I find both buttonholes or zipperS are easy especially with today’s sewing machines
liz
May 27, 2020
I prefer zippers
Vicki
May 27, 2020
Snaps! (But buttonholes over zippers.)
Claudia
May 27, 2020
I get nervous doing buttons on anything 😬. But, I have done them. I do prefer zippers.
Charisse
May 27, 2020
On doll clothes I love the look of tiny buttons with button holes so it’s worth the work. I have also used the machine embroidery button hole pattern on Pixie Faire.
Clarice
May 27, 2020
I much prefer sewing zippers. I do notice that you have your buttonholes running vertically. While there is nothing wrong about that, and it does look nice, I was always taught (in Home Ec & 4H) that they should run horizontally as this prevents buttons popping open & embarrassing wardrobe failure.
Glenda
May 27, 2020
I usually prefer buttons and now that I saw how to use the wax paper to get the placement perfect that really makes it easier 😀. I need to practise my zipper work
Cathy
May 27, 2020
Snaps for me with a button on top to look like it is buttoned.
Teresa-Jo
May 27, 2020
Snaps with a button to camouflage the back stitches is my go-to. Zippers are the easiest for kids to manipulate. But we can’t beat the look of a nice line of buttonholes.
SARAH K
May 27, 2020
I love making buttonholes. Shari’s method will speed up the process. I love learning from others. I can use all help I can get!!!!
Tanya
May 27, 2020
Looking forward to the classes using the serger. Zippers are easy using the serger and it makes finished seams all at one time!!
Tanya
May 27, 2020
This is a wonderful tutorial and look forward to using it. There is another application I use with my embroidery machine. Pattern available on PixieFaire. It is truly wonderful. Comes with the template and the spacing both from the edge and vertically. Amazing! Buttonholes are exactly alike, uses stabilizer giving the buttonhole support. I wish this pattern was available in human size!!! I will try this technique presented. Always need several ways to do things!! Thank you so much!!!!
Norma
May 27, 2020
I have had difficulty with both methods. Gave up on the button holes, my zipper method is doable, however not beautiful. I am anxious to try the paper. Looks easy. Thank you for the tutorial.
Kimberly Chidsey
May 27, 2020
Having just started both in the past couple of months, it seems that the buttonholes are going much easier. Still have work to do to master zippers.
Bridgette
May 27, 2020
Buttons! Thank you so much!
Cindy
May 27, 2020
Probably zippers!
Bridgette
May 27, 2020
I don’t mind doing button holes. Thank you for the chance to win this!
Katherine E Ackerman
May 27, 2020
I would rather sew in a zipper than make a buttonhole. My buttonhole on my sewing machine does not work correctly.
Patricia T.
May 27, 2020
I’ve always had an issue with button holes never being straight. Now with the freezer paper method, I’ll try it again!!
Carole
May 27, 2020
On doll clothes, I’d rather sew buttons and buttonholes.
Heidi
May 27, 2020
Zippers for little hands. Button for older children
Cristy
May 27, 2020
Zippers, because I do not know how to sew buttonholes but I would love to learn how!
Ginger
May 27, 2020
I prefer buttons and buttonholes but don’t mind doing a zipper. Looking forward to trying this method!
Sue Fisher
May 27, 2020
I prefer sewing with buttons. They,re so many pretty buttons to fancy up a costume.
Cindy R
May 27, 2020
I have done more zippers than buttonholes, but I find both daunting! I usually opt for snaps as I don’t like the stiffness of Velcro. This method looks simpler though, so I sure will be trying it. Thanks!
Nancy
May 27, 2020
Velcro works best for younger doll owners. Snaps are easy to sew on. I have trouble with zippers. I am afraid to try a buttonhole on a finished project!
Marie
May 27, 2020
I’d rather use snaps! But buttonholes look nice.
Peggy
May 27, 2020
Neither! I usually use velcro on doll clothes because of little fingers, but may now try button holes on clothes for my dolls. May also try it out on adult clothing to see if I can better my button hole’s appearance. Thanks for sharing this information.
debbie swanson
May 27, 2020
i have never sewen a button hole, so it’s zippers for me. I am willing to give this a few trys, who knows buttons may become my favorite, love learning new things here, thanks cinnamon
Grannie Frannie
May 27, 2020
Zippers for me! Haven’t tackled buttonholes for several machines back … find them intimidating. Not fun trying to decipher new manuals and feet for different machines either. Looking forward to viewing/learning the “Pixie” method!
Michelle
May 27, 2020
Snaps! Lol! I have never put a zipper in a doll dress because it scares me. I have done buttons a couple of times but mostly I use snaps and sew the buttons on the right side of the fabric.
Leann
May 27, 2020
It depends on which granddaughters doll I’m sewing for & the project!! Generally, I choose Velcro for the younger granddaughter & snaps for the older granddaughter.
Linda Kuhrt
May 27, 2020
Buttons!
Jo Ann G
May 27, 2020
Buttons! Buttons! Buttons!
Jackie
May 27, 2020
I like what ever looks good with the style of the garment. Doesn’t bother me doing either one.
Deborah Fields
May 27, 2020
Button holes make a statement about the item so I like to sew buttonholes now that I have the information you have provided with this tutorial!
TC
May 27, 2020
I am scared to death of buttonholes! It’s zipper for me! LOL!
Paula
May 27, 2020
Depends on the outfit. But zippers are easier!
Sherry H
May 27, 2020
I do better sewing in zippers, but I will definitely try the freezer paper method for buttonholes. Getting them evenly spaced has always been an issue for me.
Leslie Loren
May 27, 2020
On doll size garments I prefer zippers for adults and older children with finer dexterity abilities. For younger children Velcro is my preference. I also like buttons over snaps. I am comfortable with human size button holes, but doll size button holes make me very anxious. I hope that will change after What I’d tutorial!
sheila
May 27, 2020
I would rather sew zippers….much easier/
Mary Angerer
May 27, 2020
It depends on the project! Zippers are fine going up the back of a dress or on a skirt, but many garments have the buttons as one of the attractions of the garment. Can you imagine an heirloom baby dress with a zipper in it?
Debbie
May 27, 2020
I prefer to install a zipper but don’t mind doing buttonholes either so I guess it depends on the project and what works with the style
Diane R
May 27, 2020
I would rather put in a zipper in a skirt or jacket than sew buttons and holes.
Ann
May 27, 2020
Application-wise, it would be hard to replace buttons with a zipper. I know Eva Coleman, Keepers Dolly Duds, uses buttons rather than zippers or velcro down the back of her doll dresses; it’s classic and looks beautiful. But with, for example, a shirt, jacket or a front buttoning skirt, jumper or dress, most places on clothes that call for buttonholes you can’t replace with a zipper, the only option would be to use snaps with buttons sewn on top. So, I can’t say either/or – just, I do what is called for. . . . . The problem that I have with buttonholes on doll clothes is the seams are only 1/4" – which makes the buttonhole tool sit at an angle and makes it unstable. I brought this up to someone in a FB doll group, who seems to get great buttonhole results and she told me that she increases the seam allowance so that she has at least 1/2 of even fabric under the buttonhole plate. That seems to have solved my problem! Love the Freezer Paper idea – Thanks!!
Leslie
May 27, 2020
I would rather use buttons because I make historical clothing and doll clothing — those tiny buttons are sooo cute!
Pam
May 27, 2020
Actually, I prefer using Snap Setter snaps. Easier to install and easier to use!
Joanne
May 27, 2020
If rather sew any kind of a zipper!
Lisa
May 27, 2020
Snaps. Even Velcro is a little bulky with doll clothes,. I stitch buttons over the snaps for decoration, but snaps are the easiest for me. That said, I like the look of buttons better than zippers.
Carol Weiler
May 27, 2020
Strongholds have always been a problem for me. Now, in my senior years, I can finally make a decent and straight row of buttonholes. I can’t believe my good fortune to find Shari’s method works for me too after all this time. Thank you so very much for sharing!
Kate
May 27, 2020
I would say zippers since I’ve put a lot more of them in. I love this idea for spacing button holes and look forward to trying it out! I even have freezer paper that has just been waiting for me to use for something!
Sherri K
May 27, 2020
I would rather sew a zipper than button holes as I have not fully mastered the skill of making button holes. I do love the look of button holes and on a lot of my projects would prefer button holes over a zipper. Looking forward to trying out this technique!
Mary
May 27, 2020
I would prefer to sew a zipper in. I didn’t always feel like this till I took Cinnamon’s class on zippers! It made it easier for me.
AJ
May 27, 2020
I will rather see zippers, I made the Annie ruffle dress but use velcro and then rhinestone on top of the velcro, because I was afraid to try buttons
Nancy S
May 27, 2020
Love this tip! It’ll come in very handy as I work with my beginning 4-H sewing kids, as well as on the doll clothes I make!
Jane
May 27, 2020
Knowing whether your buttonhole begins at the top or bottom is also important. Make a note when seing your test buttonhole.
Luanne Madden
May 27, 2020
I like your idea for buttonholes. I usually make buttonholes and just sew the buttons on top without cutting them. I use Velcro for the opening since I think it’s easier for young children to use.
AJ
May 27, 2020
I will rather see zippers, I made the Annie ruffle dress but use velcro and then rhinestone on top of the velcro, because I was afraid to try buttons
Tamara G
May 27, 2020
SNAPS! 😂 I simply need to set aside some time and learn how to use the buttonhole attachment on my sewing machine. The buttonhole feature on my old Singer was a step by step dial and I did buttonholes frequently. My newer Singer and Babyloc have the buttonhole attachment. I recently retired, so it’s on my list of things to do!
Joy
May 27, 2020
I usually use snaps on doll clothes with a button for decoration only. Mainly because I can’t button or unbutton tiny things easily. I think I would only use a zipper if making something for a large doll.
Marian
May 27, 2020
In 54 years of sewing at a machine, I have done untold numbers of each of these applications. I became a zipper whiz as a teenager and loved making gowns with hand picked zippers. This tutorial will be extremely helpful with small button placement as on doll clothing. Thank you!
Cheryl R
May 27, 2020
I use both but tend to use buttons a bit more.
Marian
May 27, 2020
In my 54 years of machine sewing. I have done so many of each that I truly couldn’t say which I prefer. As a teenager, I had “perfected” zippers. I also did my share of buttons and buttonholes. My favorite zipper method is hand-picked in a beautiful gown.
Jane
May 27, 2020
buttonholes!
Darlene
May 27, 2020
Would have said zipper, but after viewing the neat tutorial on button holes, I may change my mind. Thank you.
Violetta Davis
May 27, 2020
I think I prefer buttons. Am anxious to watch the video.
Gail
May 27, 2020
I would rather sew zippers.
Joan
May 27, 2020
I have done both applications. It depends on the design of the clothing. This buttonhole tutorial is very helpful.
Dottie
May 27, 2020
I’ve never tried a buttonhole on doll clothes. I usually sew on a snap and use a button for decoration. I would probably try a zipper before a button hole. But maybe with this tutorial I could try one! Theanks!
Mary C.
May 27, 2020
I prefer to sew in zippers, because I have more experience with zippers, although I admit, the thought of any type of zipper or buttonholes cause some anxiety! Thank you for all the great videos on this subject.
Gail Beam
May 27, 2020
I think it depends on the garment, whether I use a zipper or buttonholes. I do love all kinds of buttons, but zippers can be fancy too, and since one can show the zipper as an added decoration,now it also adds pizzazz to a garment. For little fingers though, I think snaps or velcro work best.,
Emily H.
May 27, 2020
I’ve mostly sewn for smaller dolls so I’ve always used sew-on snaps and added “buttons” on the outside of the garment. As for zippers or buttons on clothing for the larger dolls, I’m going to have to say that it depends on what seems more appropriate for the specific garment. A flannel shirt would definitely look rather strange with a zipper down the front, and a pencil skirt might look a little odd with buttons up the back.
Christie
May 27, 2020
Well, I like buttons best, but to be honest I usually find a way to make them decorative rather than have actual button holes. I’m not sure I ever have properly made a buttonhole at all.
Lynne Thompson
May 27, 2020
I would prefer making buttons and button holes my favourite method of closing the doll clothes if my machine didn’t baulk at the thick area. Using zippers is simple but such a waste when the szpper needs to be cut to size. Love todays button hole idea using freezer paper.
Sue
May 27, 2020
I still balk at both. Zippers and buttonholes both challenging. I would probably sew a zipper, but put a button to cover up a snap underneath.
Margarita Gajicki
May 27, 2020
I prefer buttonholes. It also gives you the option to use a variety of decorative buttons.
Yvonne VAN BRIMMER
May 27, 2020
Velcro is easiest but I like sewing on snaps underneath buttons. I will try this freezer paper tip. The look of buttons is so nice. Zippers only work in certain areas. Wish I could save the tutorial somewhere safe! 😊
Sally Rodgers
May 27, 2020
It all depends on the finished look that I want to achieve.
Margaretta
May 27, 2020
As I collect antique dolls, buttonholes are preferred. I use zippers & Velcro on my granddaughters’ doll clothes.
judith Kingan
May 27, 2020
I don’t have much problems with either a buttonhole or a zipper. I learned to do both when I was in 4-H . Our machine only did straight stitches. The button hole attachment moved the fabric, not the needle. After a few practice messes I got the hang of it. I still like mom’s old buttonholer better than some of the new ones.
Carol Ellis
May 27, 2020
having sewn for many years, I have always done either buttons and buttonholes or zippers, depending on the dictates of the garment in question. There are some application problems with both buttonholes and zippers like alignment, buttonhole length, ot zipper bulkiness. For dolls, I would tend to do buttons over snaps rather than buttonholes if the garment needed buttons. Until I read some of the comments, I would have said velcro with decorative buttons on top for garments calling for buttons. I’m sewing for my granddaughter’s Welliewisher doll. At 4 1/2, she needs the simplicity of velcro or maybe snaps on doll garments.
Mardelle J.
May 27, 2020
Preference: Velcro, then snaps, then zippers, then buttons and buttonholes.
pat p
May 27, 2020
I think it depends on what I am sewing and if I have the right buttons, sometimes they can add a lot to an outfit and not just act as a closure.
KarenL
May 27, 2020
I like buttonholes, however if a lot are required, I get nervous about keeping them lined up and spaced evenly. Zippers are easier from that aspect for me
Barb
May 27, 2020
I love loop and hook tape but I have done zippers but buttonholes are scary, but your idea seems to be very useful and I will give it a try. Thank you.
DOT
May 27, 2020
They’re both about equal in my book. Depends on the project.
pat p
May 27, 2020
My machine struggles with buttonholes for the dolls because I want the buttonhole closer to the edge. I wonder if it would help to put a coffee filter underneath…I will have to give it a try. I have used this tip by Thimbles and Acorns before – the result – nicely lined up buttonholes.
Doreen
May 27, 2020
Neither, but I would attempt the buttonhole with these tips.
Lyn K
May 27, 2020
Zippers no problem, button holes more intimidating, but I just finished the school boy blazer and have been stalling on the button, but will re read the tutorial and give it a try
Marilyn
May 27, 2020
Buttons definitely.
Marilyn
Luna
May 27, 2020
Honestly I prefer buttons! I absolutely love the way they look!
Shaun Smith
May 27, 2020
I love the look of buttons but my granddaughters have trouble with them and I don’t mind sewing in zippers but sometimes the clothing item doesn’t look right with zippers. So lately I’ve been sewing on buttons and putting clear snaps underneath.
Lori Neilson
May 27, 2020
I don’t like either method, but I guess if I had to chose I’d say buttons and buttonholes. Zippers have always frustrated me. But I guess I need to be more open to learning both.
Beaj
May 27, 2020
Zippers are easier for me …and I now use the decorative snaps instead of buttons, Thanks’ for the giveaway.
Donna Sherry
May 27, 2020
For doll cloths I usually use non tangle Velcro but between zippers and buttonholes I do zippers if suitable then buttonholes last. For clothing I do both about the same depending what I am making and need.
Donna Sherry
May 27, 2020
For doll cloths I usually use non tangle Velcro but between zippers and buttonholes I do zippers if suitable then buttonholes last. For clothing I do both about the same depending what I am making and need.
Wanda
May 27, 2020
I prefer velcro but I’ll take zippers over buttonholes any day
Margaret
May 27, 2020
Thanks for great tutorial.Has now opened up a whole new world for me..