Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Threads Project Guides

Fit & Sew Tops

Guide Home
Chapter
How-to

Q&A: Buttonhole Orientation

What is the correct orientation for buttonholes? Louise Cutting provides the answer.

Q: Which way should buttonholes be placed, vertically or horizontally? I’m making a shirtdress of my own design and can’t decide.

—Donna Drake, Van Nuys, California


A: Pattern designer and Threads Contributing Editor Louise Cutting replies:

What is the correct orientation for buttonholes? It depends. On a men’s-style shirt with a tab front (a placket that is edgestitched on each vertical side), the buttonholes are oriented vertically to fit within the tab’s narrow width. All other shirts, blouses, dresses, and button-front skirts should have the buttonholes placed horizontally. The button will slide toward the buttonhole end closer to the garment center and not slip out. These days, nearly all ready-to-wear garments have vertical buttonholes, maybe because it looks sportier or because it’s easier in manufacturing to position buttonholes this way as the garment moves through the sewing machine.

I recommend placing the main button and buttonhole at the bust-point level to prevent gaping there. Space the remaining buttons above and below. It is acceptable in a garment with a collar band for the topmost placket button to sit closer to the collar. Spacing buttons about 2-1/2 inches apart helps to prevent gaping. Purchased clothes often have wider spacing, as a cost-cutting measure; don’t scrimp on your sewn garment.

When you sew horizontal buttonholes, be sure to place them the correct distance from the garment’s opening edge. Position the end that is closer to the edge at a distance equal to the button’s diameter minus 1/8 inch. When the garment is closed, the buttons sit comfortably away from the edge.

Previous: Tips for the Perfect Shirt Next: Button Placement
Discuss

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Fit & Sew Tops

Fit & Sew Tops

Sew beautiful tops with tips from the experts

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Fit & Sew Tops Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

Basic Torso Adjustments
Bust Fitting
Sleeves and Shoulders
Construction Secrets: Collars, Yokes, Cuffs, Vents, Plackets
Make It Your Own