Buttons and Buttonholes for Knits
Try These Tips When Knitting a Buttonhole for the First Time
Buttons appear to be the simplest of closures; however, it is important to take careful consideration of button size when planning out a knitting project.
Consider the size of the buttons to the size of the garment as well as the function of the button (decorative or utilitarian.)
Button Choice
Shank buttons are usually best for knitted garments because the button shank has more vertical clearance. Shank buttons allow for the thickness of knit fabrics.
Flat buttons can be converted to shank by wrapping thread or yarn around the stitches that attach the button to the fabric. Wrap the stitches between the button and the fabric, then secure the thread or yarn with a knot at the back side of the fabric.
Preparation
When picking out buttons for a project, be sure to make a swatch along with the chosen style of the garment. This is important to do whether making one-row, two-row, ribbing, eyelet, vertical, etc. Test to assure that the buttons fit the buttonholes. Knitted buttonholes stretch, so take note of the elasticity of the yarn; it’s important that the closure works properly and stays closed.
Two-Row Buttonhole
Two-Row buttonholes are the easiest type to make, and therefore are perfect for beginning knitters. A two-row buttonhole is one that is two rows “tall,” and it works perfectly when used on stockinette stitch.
Row 1: Cast off the number of stitches equal to the desired width of the buttonhole.
Row 2: Cast on the same number of stitches to create the top edge of the buttonhole.
Stitch all the way around the buttonhole using the buttonhole stitch to stabilize it and to keep the edges neat.
More Buttonhole Tips
- Use the buttonhole stitch for finishing buttonholes. The buttonhole stitch gives buttonholes a neatly finished edge and prevents unwanted stretching. It also allows the buttonhole to be adjusted.
To execute the buttonhole stitch: Insert the needle point facing the buttonhole opening. Make one straight stitch. Be careful to keep the working thread under the needle point. Repeat all the way around the edge of the buttonhole.
- Make sure that the buttonholes are evenly spaced across the work to prevent gapping and bunching.
- Instead of relying solely on measurements, be sure to physically line the buttons up carefully with where the buttonholes will fall on the opposite side of the garment. Variations in tension can cause buttonholes to be slightly off-center from where measurements may place them.
