How to Sew a Bound Buttonhole

This week I share a tailoring technique used on a wide range of handmade garments - the bound buttonhole. I'll show you step by step how you can sew this wonderfully professional finish and elevate your handmade garments. A bound buttonhole uses fabric lips to create the buttonhole rather than zigzag stitches and isn't as difficult as you might think. There are a number of different methods for sewing a bound buttonhole and the one I demonstrate in the video is best suited to thicker and heavier weight fabrics used for coats and jackets, however, you can also use bound buttonholes on lighter weight fabrics and the principles are the same, but you might just want to tweak the technique slightly. As always everything is linked below and you'll find all the products I mention and use on our lovely website.
► Sew Essential website www.sewessential.co.uk/
► Husqvarna Brilliance 75Q sewing machine www.sewessential.co.uk/husqva...
► Husqvarna narrow zipper foot - check for compatibility with your machine www.sewessential.co.uk/husqva...
► Prym cutting mat www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...
► Prym measuring gauge www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...
► Chaco pens www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...
► Embroidery scissors www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...
► Instagram / sewessentialuk
► Facebook / sewessential
► Twitter / sewessential
► Pinterest www.pinterest.co.uk/sewessent...

[@bas.4984]

Brilliant tutorial. Very useful and beautifully shot (not easy).I’d really love a tutorial on bound button holes for light weight fabrics like viscose or silk; that would be very helpful.

[@vicky52557985]

Thanks Lucy i used to sew alot of my clothing and that was in my early or mid 20's there is a lot i forgot i will turn 70 in 10 days and i have just started sewing for my self again .

[@barbarawarner4645]

I had a pal in HS who bound all her buttonholes bc her machine didn’t have an attachment. Her garments (especially the linen) were so elegant). Thanks for the tutorial!

[@cherylp.3347]

Very interesting. I wasn’t familiar with that buttonhole and haven’t seen it done. A bit finicky but makes a nice finish to the buttonhole. Thank you.

[@craftymystic4868]

Thanks Lucy, I’ve always sewed the entire box when doing any sort of welt task, and it seems to work a little nicer when you leave the ends unseen. Appreciate that little bit of perspective.

[@annjelley5363]

Brilliant Lucy! Thanks so much for this tutorial- I was hoping to find out how to make a bound buttonhole before starting a jacket. You’ve inspired me and given me the confidence to try it! ❤️

[@kayjenkins9624]

Excellent tutorial, thank you. Having always sewn the complete box before when creating a welt, this method looks neater so will definitely use it in future.

[@eileenfb1948]

This is excellent. I was taught how to do this many years ago and felt I needed a refresher. You do it exactly the way I was taught, except we didn't draw a box - just a straight line to sew either side. It always looks very neat and is not as difficult as it looks.

[@marathorne6821]

Thanks, Lucy, all very clearly demonstrated and explained.

[@hesterbadenhorst1714]

Thank you so much.

[@annjelley5363]

Thank you Lucy! ❤

[@elsafischer3247]

Thank you I tried once and I was a little scared but the finish was so professional. Your tutorial is extremely good

[@judithglavas9030]

Great video

[@solarwinds-]

Wow, this is just like a teensy weensy double welt pocket! Hmmmmmm. Interesting!

[@helenweatherby1694]

Thank you for demystifying this terrifying process!

[@danameek5843]

Lucy this is such a beautiful, professional finish. Please pardon the unknowingness of this question but, how improper would it be to machine stitch around this bound button hole? I ask because I have dexterity issues that force me to rely pretty heavily on machines for sewing. I know it would not be this clean couture finish that you have achieved here; I guess what I’m asking is, would it be a crime against sewing/be an egregious offense to machine stitch instead of slip stitching by hand? Thank you for this tutorial; I always come away from them understanding what you’ve demonstrated and inspired to try it!

[@janetduitsman2087]

Thank you!!! Can you also show another for fine or lightweight fabric?

[@gillianchatterton6376]

Hi, Lucy. What pattern blouse are you wearing in the intro, please? Thank you so much for the tutorial. X

[@elsafischer3247]

Is facings the same as lining?

[@judysmith6239]

Where is the link ?

[@delta8885]

What is a “thick stitch”? I’ve never heard that term before. Thanks so much.

[@somebodyelse138]

It's not a 'thick' stitch - it's 'fix' stitch. Yes, I mis-heard it a few times, too.

[@delta8885]

@@somebodyelse138 well, sadly I don't know what a fix stitch is, either!

[@somebodyelse138]

@@delta8885 Lock stitch? 3 or 4 stitches in the same place, to save having to back stitch or tie off threads.

[@thedarthflagger]

💋

[@helenageddes7046]

Wonderful tutorial. Explained every step clearly. I've subscribed and look forward to viewing more.

[@judysmith6239]

Where is the link?