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