How do I sew buttonholes by hand?

Short answer

To sew a buttonhole by hand, mark the length, cut a slit, then work buttonhole stitch around the edges using a sharp needle and strong thread. Start with a small practice piece on scrap fabric first.

Hand-sewn buttonholes are a lovely skill for adding a personal touch to a waistcoat, jacket or fabric favour. You will need a sharp needle, thread that matches your fabric, small sharp scissors and a fabric marker.

First, mark the buttonhole length on the fabric, usually about the diameter of your button plus a couple of millimetres. Cut a straight slit along that line with your scissors, being careful not to cut beyond the marks.

Thread your needle and knot the end. Bring the needle up from the back, just outside the slit. Then push the needle through the fabric from the back to the front, about 2 millimetres from the edge, and loop the thread under the needle point before pulling tight. This creates a knotted edge. Repeat this buttonhole stitch all the way around the slit, keeping the stitches even and close together.

At the end, make a small bar tack across the two edges to stop the slit from tearing. Finish by weaving the thread into the back of the fabric and trimming.

Use a hoop or stabiliser if the fabric is stretchy. Practice on a scrap piece first, as the stitch takes a few tries to look neat.