SINGER 771 Touch & Sew II - Manual (Page 43)

A buttonhole length should be just long enough
to allow the button to slip through the opening
without stretching it. You can estimate the
proper buttonhole length by measuring the
width plus the thickness of the button. To make
sure the measurement is correct, cut a slit in
a scrap of fabric the diameter of the button
you intend to use. Increase length of opening
until button slips through easily. This test is
partioularly advisable for buttons of unusual
shape or thickness.
BUTTONHOLE LENGTH
BUTTONHOLE INTERFACING
It is almost always wise to use an interfacing
in the buttonhole area. An interfacing holds
the fabric firmly so that a neat buttonhole may
be stitched and keeps the finished buttonhole
in shape. Interfacing is essential when the fab­
ric is loosely woven or is a crepe or knit that
stretches easily.
When planning your garment, remember that
both round-end and bar-tack buttonholes are
stitched through three thicknesses of fabric
(garment, interfacing and facing) after the fac­
ing has been attached.
TEST SAMPLE
Always make a test buttonhole in a sample of
your fabric to determine suitability of button­
hole style, buttonholing method, and machine
settings. Be sure to duplicate the number of
fabric layers in the garment and include inter­
facing if appropriate. Remember, too, that
loosely woven and medium-weight fabrics re­
quire buttonholes with wider side stitching
than firmly woven or lightweight fabrics. Fin­
ally, check to see that the opening for the but­
ton can be cut without damaging buttonhole
stitching.
CUTTING BUTTON OPENING
Place a pin across the cutting space at each
end of the buttonhole to protect end stitching.
Use a pair of small, sharp scissors to cut the
button opening. Insert blade in center of but­
tonhole cutting space and cut from this point
in either direction.
Testing Suttonhote Length
41