buttonhole

A buttonhole is an opening in fabric designed to receive a button for fastening. It is typically reinforced to resist wear and to prevent fraying around the cut edge. Buttonholes can be functional, allowing a garment to fasten, or decorative, where a button is used for aesthetics but not for securing.

Common configurations include vertical plain buttonholes on many garments, horizontal buttonholes on tailored pieces, and bound buttonholes formed with a surrounding fabric frame. Some styles, such as keyhole or punch-buttonholes, accommodate larger buttons or add a decorative shape. Bound buttonholes are finished with a fabric strip and dense stitching around the edge.

Construction: Machine-made buttonholes are created by stitching a tight pattern of buttonhole stitches around a small cut, then severing the fabric inside the stitch line. Ends are reinforced with back stitches or bar tacks to resist stress. Hand-sewn buttonholes use the buttonhole stitch to edge and reinforce the cut. The fabric is sometimes stabilized with interfacing or seam allowances to prevent stretching.

History: Buttonholes date to medieval Europe, when buttons were first used for fastening. Early versions were simply punched slits or bound loops. The development of machine-made buttonholes in the 19th century standardized the method and increased durability across ready-to-wear clothing.

Variations and care: Decorative buttonholes may feature embroidery or contrasting thread. Care involves avoiding excessive stress on the hole and repairing frayed edges; when needed, resewing or replacing the hole is possible. The button should be sized to fit with appropriate clearance to ensure easy fastening.