knapphull

Knapphull, a Norwegian word, translates to "buttonhole" in English. It refers to the slit or loop in a garment that a button passes through to fasten it. Buttonholes are a fundamental element of garment construction, serving both a functional and decorative purpose.

Historically, buttonholes have been created by hand. This involved carefully cutting a slit in the fabric and then reinforcing the edges with stitches. These stitches could be simple overcast stitches or more elaborate decorative embroidery, depending on the garment and the desired aesthetic. The development of sewing machines revolutionized the creation of buttonholes, allowing for faster and more uniform production.

Modern buttonholes are typically made using a sewing machine, often with a specialized buttonhole stitch function. This function creates a dense, strong stitch around the cut slit, preventing fraying and providing a secure hold for the button. They can be found on a wide variety of clothing items, including shirts, trousers, coats, and jackets. The size and placement of a buttonhole are determined by the size and type of button used, as well as the overall design of the garment. In some cases, buttonholes are purely decorative, with no functional purpose, and are often embellished with contrasting thread or intricate stitching.