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I’ve been sewing for *cough* 25 years *cough* and I’ve enjoyed making all sorts of apparel to replace my need to purchase wayward-fitting clothes. The one thing I’ve yet to make has been garments that need legit, functional buttons. Yes, I can hand sew buttons onto shirts, pants, etc but just being perfectly honest, I don’t want to. Full disclosure, when it comes to sewing I’m pretty lazy–or innovative, ha! Most of my projects take me about an hour to make and hand sewing buttons on a shirt dress? That would take me way over the hour allotment. Until now.
I learned how to use the BERNINA Button Sew-on Foot #18 and it changed my life.
Yes, I know that’s really extreme but I’m so serious.
Quick Story Time…
In 2020, I was testing a Henley pattern that I was SO excited about. The pattern came with 4 different lengths and I had made all of them during testing. They fit like a dream and I love Henley dresses so I was really excited about them. I attached my plackets. Mapped out my buttonholes. Created said buttonholes. And then it came time for me to sew on all the buttons.
Friends, all 4 of these pieces are still currently sitting in my WIP (work in progress) pile. *sigh* In my defense, at that point in time I didn’t have the magic machine known as the BERNINA B590. Now that I’ve basically mastered the button foot, I can finish these.
I Learned How To Use The Button Foot #18 And Everyone Needs To Know How To Use It Too
When my dealer first told me about the button foot and it’s capabilities, I smiled and laughed nervously while buying it. I had just bought the Closet Core Kalle Shirt now that they expanded the sizing and I had big goals for making my first shirt dress. That was in June and I didn’t use it until September. I’m almost embarrassed because of how easy it is to use. So let’s get into it, shall we?
How To Add Buttons To Anything With The #18 Button Foot
Step 1: Measure out and mark where your buttons and buttonholes need to be. I use this handy metal button measurer and a fabric pen.
Step 2: Attach your button foot. Make sure to select #18 on your machine and select the button stitch.
***Pause for a note: Pretty much all buttons have the same measurements between their buttonholes of 1mm. Most but not all so if your button is a little bigger, make sure to make your stitch length a little wider.
Step 3: Put your piece and button in the machine.
Step 4: Line the needle up under the buttonhole furthest to your left. To do this, lower the needle using your hand to make sure it lines up.
Step 5: SEW BABY SEW! I used the little button with the 2 dots that turns green and let it do it automatically but you can all use your foot pedal. Just like with the buttonhole stitch, it will automatically stop when it’s finished.
And you’re done.
Yes, friends, it’s just that easy. Each button literally takes about 10 seconds to sew on. I finally got my act together to use the #18 Button Foot to sew the Patterns for Pirates All Buttoned Buttoned Up Sweater Dress and it came out beautifully!
Alright! Now it’s your turn to sew! What’s the first thing you’re putting all the buttons on?
