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GREIST Buttonholer?

educo | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

Hi, I’m looking around ebay for a Greist buttonholer and I have found a few. I know there were varieties out there for different machines and I was wondering which one would be suited for my Brother mademoiselle machine. It is a low shank machine that does only a straight stitch and it’s pretty old (I think from the 60s). I love this baby. I have asked various sellers this question and they don’t seem to have a clue, so I thought I come here and get some recommendations. If you do know, please give me a physical description of what the attachment looks like (they are all in different colors) so then I can purchase the right one.

I appreciate all your help!

Replies

  1. Crazy K | | #1

    I may be way off base here but in order for the buttonholer to work, don't you need zig-zag capabilties?  I had a Pfaff from the 50's and I used the Greist buttonholer and it worked great but the machine did a zig-zag stitch.  I know the buttonhole gizmo did lots of moving so maybe that's what created the stitch.......I'm really not sure......it's been so long ago.

    1. educo | | #2

      There are several variations of this attachment. I have read that there is one that is for a straight stitch machine and it works by moving around.

      1. damascusannie | | #3

        If you have a low-shank machine you should be able to use any low-shank Greist or Singer buttonholer on it. I personally recommend the Singer--I've had better success with them. I collect and use antique sewing machines, so feel free to ask me anything you can think of. Can you post a picture of your machine? I'd feel more confident about my recommendation if I knew for sure exactly what sort of machine you have.

        1. educo | | #4

          Here is a pic of my machine. I have not seen Singer versions for a low shank, they seem to be for a slant needle. My machine has a rotary bobbin. I'm not an expert on machines that's why I like to have a physical description of the attachment. Thanks for all your help!

          1. damascusannie | | #5

            Singer definitely made low-shank buttonholers, that's what I have for my machine. You will be looking for either a black or green rectangular box or a green oval case.

  2. Bionerd | | #6

    The best buttonholer ever was the one my mom had for her 1956 White (which was a straight stitch machine).  I still have it (why-I don't know).  Doesn't it depend on the shape of the shank where the presser foot screws on?  Some of the attachments are made for shanks that are flat on one side or round-that might help determine if an attachment can be used. Good luck.

    1. educo | | #7

      I don't know, but the shank on my machine is flat on the left side and round on the right.

      1. Bionerd | | #8

        I looked at both the buttonholers I have-a Singer and the White-it's not imediately obvious if they would fit a shank like the one you have.  Have you checked Brother's web site or written to them?  You may be able to get some input. 

      2. User avater
        Thimblefingers | | #9

        Your bobbin goes in from the left hand side so I'm asssuming that your needle threads from left to right (thus the shape of the shank).  It is also has a low shank so the buttonholer you purchase must fit a low shank, straight-stitch, side-loading bobbin machine.  All three of those things are important to get the proper one. 

        I learned to sew on a straight stitch machine and my mom had a Singer buttonholer.  It moved the fabric back and forth rather than the needle to form the buttonholes.

        1. educo | | #10

          You are absolutely correct. I just purchased a Singer Buttonholer that came in the green oval case as mentioned above. I will post back when I receive it as it's on its way. Thank you for the wonderful advice.

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