Button Loops - The Easy Way

Learn how to make button loops in 3 ways. Stylish and stunning on a wedding gown or at the back of a simple top, button loops have their place in the world of modern sewing. This tutorial will show you how to make button loops with fabric, elastic or thread.

Button Loops Tutorial

There are three basic methods of completing these buttonhole styles –

Fabric button loops
Handstitched button loops
Elastic button loops

Button loops vary in size enormously. Here button loop closures have been made larger to thread the ribbon through. This is a common technique used in wedding gowns.

How to Make Button Loops, Step by Step Instructions

1. Fabric Button Loops

Start by making your own fabric loops. This is a bit of a fiddly process, but worth the effort for a tailored-looking fabric loop effect. Best of all, it will match perfectly to your the dress or top.

Step 1 - Cut Bias Strips

Cut bias fabric strips on a 45^oangle in matching fabric or contrast if you prefer. Cutting on the bias (diagonal) gives the loop some stretch to go over the buttons.

Cut the strips 1 ¾ inches (4.5cm) wide and at least 4 inches (10cm). If you are making several loops it is more practical to make one long strip of the loop to cut up according to your needs.

Step 2 - Fold the Fabric Button Loops

Fold the bias strips right sides together lengthwise, ready to sew.

Pin the fabric and remember this is fabric cut on the bias, so pulling too much will stretch the fabric and cause a rippled effect.

Step 3 - Stitch the Loops

Shorten the stitch length on your machine and start about ½ inch (12mm) from the end so you avoid having the fabric gobbled by your machine.

The seam allowance is 15mm or ⅝ inch, but it is possible to adjust the seam allowance width according to the type of fabric and style of button loop required.

Start sewing at the required seam width and watch the folded side of the loop as you gently feed it through the machine. This will help you see that there are no unwanted wrinkles or ripples.
Leave a long thread at the end of the seam to allow for the pull-through process.
For really thin fabrics that may fray, do 2 rows of stitching very close to each other.

Step 4 - Trim

Trim the seam before pulling through, or leave the fabric on the side if you want a chunky button loop. The edge from the seam will be encased in the loop when you pull it through.

Step 5 - Turning Button Loops

Turn the fabric to the right side out by using the large-eyed needle, a sewing bodkin, or a loop turner. They all work on the same principle as they pull the fabric through from the top of the loop and out at the end of the loop.

Further Reading: How to Sew Spaghetti Straps (this will show you several ways to turn a narrow tube of fabric)

Turning Button Loops Using a Needle - Using the needle threaded double with a strong thread, knot the end and sew through one side of the fabric. Insert the needle through the tube until you come out at the other end. Gently pull on the thread so the tube turns the right way out. Once you get the top started, the rest is quite easy.

Turning Button Loops Using a Turner - The loop turner works slightly differently as the gadget is pushed through the loop and hooked onto the fabric at the top. The loop turner is then pulled down back to the beginning of the tube as the fabric follows the hook and pulls the loop from the inside out. It is important to keep the hook part of the loop turner closed so you keep a grip on the fabric as you turn it through.

Turning Button Loops with String - Before you sew the seam, stitch a piece of wool or string at one end. The string must be longer than the fabric so it pokes out at one end. When the long seam has been sewn, trim the excess fabric and gently pull the string to turn the tube the right way out.

Step 6 - Press

Now you have your loop turned to the right side. Make sure the seam is at the edge pf the loop and press to flatten. Now you are ready to set the loops in place.

Step 7 - Marking Button Loop Positions

Mark the area that is to have looped buttonholes. Measure the size of the loop in conjunction with the button it should loop over, and then measure the space to set the loops along the opening edge. Buttonhole loops can be seen on cuffs too.

These fancy button loops are often used as a one-button closure on the top of a blouse or a skirt when a simple closure is required.

On the other end of the scale, and far more labor-intensive, is the long line of buttonhole loops often seen gracing the back of a wedding dress. That will need serious planning and marking!

Step 8 - Button Loop Placement

Place the ready-made loops with the looped edge facing inwards on the opening on the right side of the fabric.

Pin with pins facing out horizontally to the fabric and the dress, or tack a little stitch in to hold the loop secure. Baste.

Step 9 - Stitch the Seam

Put the prepared facing on top of the loops right side down. Then stitch at the correct stitch width to sew the garment, loops, and facing all in one seam.

Remove any pins or temporary stitching. Then press open and fold under the facing. The loops will now be exposed at the edge of the facing, ready to loop over their corresponding buttons.

Helpful Hints for Fabric Button Loops

If there are many loops don’t cut the thin tube you have prepared. Keep it in one length and sew in a snake-like formation with some of the tube showing over the edge to be the loop and some resting in between. The pieces that stick out will be the required loops.
The length of loops could also be prepared beforehand on a strip of fabric that is stitched in between the facing and the garment in the same way as individual stitches, but preparing the loops beforehand on a fabric strip or piece of ribbon is easier than making an error on the real garment.

2. Hand Stitched Button Loops

Hand-stitched button loop closures are more delicate than the fabric variety and can be used in the same way as a decorative feature, or as a little utility closure on a simple opening.

Button loops that are hand-stitched will make a fine eye for the hook and eye closure in place of the steel eye attachment.

Step 1 - Foundation Loops

The foundation of the loop is made with between four to eight strands of thread sewn in the space where the loop will be used.

Sew the strands so they make a loop at the edge of the fabric, leaving enough space for the loop to slip over the button or little pearl bead you may have chosen for added delicate design.

The threads can be pulled through the ready stitched facing as you push and pull a needle and thread at the right point on the garment to make the loop.

Step 2 - Blanket Stitches

Using the same thread, sew a series of blanket stitches along the strands of the loop. This gives the loop strength and a neat finish so it can slide over the button and hold fast while the garment is being worn.

Put the needle through the foundation stitches, and before you pull the needle tight, put it back through the loop. Pull, and you will see a series of stitches with a corded edge.

Hand-sewn loops can be made of different types of sewing thread, including tapestry thread, embroidery floss or any other thicker quality thread. Try out a few variations to find the one that suits the garment and the opening, and the button you have chosen.

3. Elastic Button Loops

Hair elastics and thin hat elastic make great loops as they are covered and stretchy, but they are not quite as elegant as a fabric loop made from the material used for the garment.

Fold the elastic in half and machine baste it facing inwards from the edge. You may do this using a straight stitch or narrow zig-zag. Ensure it is well caught in and won't pull out under stress.
Stitch the facing seam. Backstitch over the elastic for extra strength.
Open the seam and press, being careful not to press the iron on the elastic.

Button Loops - In Conclusion

There is no need to feel a bit ‘loopy’ at the thought of mastering sewing loops. Button loops are an easy and professional look that is much easier than buttonholes.

Alternatives to Buttons

There are several alternatives to sewing buttons and button loops:

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Button Loops - The Easy Way

Button Loops Tutorial