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looking for good buttonhole machine

JoSews8 | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

I am looking for a good buttonhole machine, or an inexpensive sewing machine that makes great buttonholes. I have a nice button collection and want to use them, but can’t make buttonholes — current machine is not a zig-zag but sews well for everything else, so I don’t need the expense of a complex and expensive new sewing machine. Don’t have time to make hand-bound buttonholes. Question l — Any recommendations for a machine? Question 2 — What do the comparative sewing machine lists mean when they say that the buttonhole feature is “1-step” or “4-step”? thanks for info.

Replies

  1. Brine | | #1

    The four step buttonhole on my Elna Super requires you to manually change the settings four times for each buttonhole at the beginning of the first side, at the bar-tack, for the second side and for the bar tack at the other end. My Elna Diva has a one step buttonhole, and once it has been memorized (or if you use the buttonhole attachment) it will sew the entire buttonhole without further input.

  2. winemank | | #2

    I just purchased a White SM2000 that makes 4-step buttonholes.  It was a very inexpensive machine.  I've only made three buttonholes so far, but they all look neat and clean.  A note: the upper thread and bobbin tensions and stitch length adjustments needed to be set "just so" on this machine so it doesn't sew sloppy.  The owner's manual tells you how to check/change the tensions, and a practice buttonhole on scrap fabric can show you if the stitch length is off.  Good luck!

  3. Teaf5 | | #3

    My 1970 Kenmore has a wonderful buttonholer attachment that includes a replacement presser plate with a cog on it, plus a plastic gizmo with a rotating cog on it for different-size buttonholes.  I attach everything, drop the feed dogs, position the fabric, and sit back while it makes perfect buttonholes in seconds.  The machine is so worn out that I can't use it for much else, but I always use it for buttonholes.

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