buttonholes

A buttonhole is a small cut or slit in fabric designed to receive a button for fastening a garment or accessory. The hole is reinforced to resist wear, and the surrounding fabric is often strengthened with stitching or binding to prevent tearing during use.

Most buttonholes are created with a series of closely spaced stitches along the slit edges. Machine-made buttonholes use a sewing-machine function that forms zigzag stitches and ends with bartacks. Bound buttonholes wrap a fabric strip around the slit to provide strong edge support, useful on delicate fabrics. Hand-sewn buttonholes use buttonhole or blanket stitches for reinforcement.

Common types include bound, machine-made, and hand-sewn buttonholes. Keyhole or rounded buttonholes accommodate larger buttons on coats. Decorative or embroidered buttonholes add visual detail in specialty garments. Heavier fabrics may use extra reinforcement such as interfacing or multiple bartacks.

Sizing and placement are tailored to the button size and garment design. The hole should comfortably accommodate the button with clearance for movement, and be aligned with other buttons for even closure. The number and spacing depend on garment style and required fit.

Maintenance involves keeping edges neat; fraying can be repaired by re-stitching the area or replacing the buttonhole. If a buttonhole becomes stretched or torn, it may need to be resewn or replaced, and buttons should be checked for proper fit.

Historically, buttonholes have been used across many cultures and periods, evolving from simple slits to sophisticated closures in tailored clothing. The modern machine-made buttonhole emerged with the rise of ready-made garments and mass production, standardizing size and placement across styles.