Are you looking for alternatives to buttonholes? Even after many, many years of sewing I still hate sewing buttons. Well, actually it is not the buttons but the dreaded buttonholes. How many times have I made a beautiful dress or top only to ruin it at the last minute with a messy buttonhole? Too many!
Here are a few easy alternatives to buttonholes great for beginners and experienced sewers alike.
1. Velcro (generic name is hook and eye tape)
I like to cut down the middle of 1/2” (12mm) Velcro to make it thinner. This makes it look a little prettier. (Read how to sew velcro.)
- Pros – easy for younger children to do up themselves, fairly cheap
- Cons – sometimes you get skipped or messy stitches when sewing it on. Use a strong polyester thread in a matching color to your Velcro.
2. Kam snaps
I only started using these recently but I LOVE them! Make sure you get the correct size for the thickness of fabric you are using. Read this KAM Snaps Tutorial.
- Pros – cheap, easy, lots of beautiful and fun colors.
- Cons – can’t think of any!
3. Sew on press studs
These have been around forever! Make sure you are using a matching thread to your fabric and try to sew them through the lining layer only so there are no stitches showing on the outside.
- Pros – really cheap, easy to attach
- Cons – harder for younger children to do up themselves.
4. Snap tape
This is a tape made from twill with the snaps already attached. Pull your tape apart and sew one piece on each side. Make sure your bobbin thread matches the color of the dress.
- Pros – super easy to sew on
- Cons – can be expensive, you will see the stitching on the outside.
Now you’ve learned some easy alternatives to buttonholes, why not try it on these Premium Sewing Patterns
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- Jasmine Dress Pattern
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- Maisie Cape Pattern
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- Becky Dress Pattern
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- Scottie Dress Pattern
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- Anke Dress and Top
Do you have anything else that you use? Please share in the comments below.
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