SINGER W310 - Manual (Page 30)

Various fabrics require various methods of sew­
ing buttonholes. Three different methods are
given below, with suggested uses. If you are in
doubt as to which method is best for your fabric,
test the methods in question and choose the best
according to the finished appearance.
PREPARATION
For the best results, a good quality mercerized
cotton thread should be used. Polyester threads
often result in puckered or heavy unattractive
buttonholes. The finer your fabric is, the finer
your cotton thread should be.
An interfacing should be used under the button­
holes to give body, to strengthen, and to help
them withstand wear.
To establish the correct length of the buttonhole,
add the length of the button (A), plus the
thickness of the button (B), plus 1/32 inch for
the bartacks. The length may be marked on the
garment with a basting stitch, tailor's chalk, or an
invisible cellophane tape, as shown. Horizontal
buttonholes should extend 1/8 inch beyond the
centerline of the garment. Vertical buttonholes
are placed so that the cutting space of the
buttonhole is directly on the center line.
Always make a practice buttonhole on a scrap
of the garment fabric before making any button­
holes on your garment. On your test sample,
duplicate the thicknesses found in the garment
and be sure to include the interfacing. The test
sample should help determine the length needed
for the button to pass through the hole easily,
as well as the stitch length needed for the
particular fabric. As with the satin stitch, the
stitches should be close together, but not so close
that they pile up. Be sure to use the buttonhole
foot.
BUTTONHOLES: