UTILITY STITCHES
kInsert a pin at the end of the buttonhole stitching to prevent the stitching from being cut, and then use a seam ripper to cut towards the pin and open the buttonhole.
2
1
aSeam ripper
bPin
For keyhole buttonholes, use a commercial eyelet punch to make a hole in the rounded end of the buttonhole, and then use the seam ripper to cut open the buttonhole.
1
aEyelet punch
•When using the eyelet punch, place thick paper or some other protective sheet under the fabric before punching the hole in the fabric.
CAUTION
●When opening the buttonhole with the seam ripper, do not place your hands in the cutting path, otherwise injuries may result if the seam ripper slips. Do not use the seam ripper in any other way than how it is intended.
Memo
●Before sewing buttonholes, check the stitch length and width by sewing a trial buttonhole on a scrap piece of fabric.
■Sewing buttonholes on stretch fabrics
When sewing buttonholes on stretch fabrics, use a gimp thread.
aHook the gimp thread onto the part of buttonhole foot “A” shown in the illustration so that it fits into the grooves, and then loosely tie it.
bAttach buttonhole foot “A”.
cSelect a stitch 
or 
.
dAdjust the stitch width to the thickness of the gimp thread.
eLower the presser foot lever and the buttonhole lever, and then start sewing.
fWhen sewing is finished, gently pull the gimp thread to remove any slack.
gUse a handsewing needle to pull the gimp thread to the wrong side of the fabric, and then tie it.
hWith a seam ripper, cut the middle part of the gimp thread remaining at the top end of the buttonhole.
Trim off any excess of the gimp thread.
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