If you’re in the process of knitting your first project that requires buttons, or simply looking for some new tips or tricks to up your knitting, this post is for you. I recently knitted one of my first projects with button holes and this is what I learnt…
Count your Rows
Make sure you count your rows to make sure when you create your button holes you align the opposite side to match. For example, keeping the spacing 5 rows apart and stitching your button to match the hole placement. It is also important to remain consistent with how many stitches in from your knitted edge you sew your buttonhole.
Use Stitch Markers
Mark out where your button holes are and where you want to stitch your buttons. This will give you a visual to know where to place them without the commitment of sewing in the button and realising it is in the wrong place!
Do it Before Blocking Your Work
A controversial tip but if you do your buttons like this, counting the rows and stitches, it will help with your blocking process to ensure you’re aligning everything in place and loosening the stitches where you need to. It helps avoid over-stretching the button holes.
How do I sew buttons to my knitting if the yarn won’t fit in the button?
There are two ways you can do this, one is easier than the other. The easiest way is to use a matching (or contrasting if you’re feeling daring) sewing thread or something like Bead Spider’s Spiderlon Thread which is sturdy and hardwearing – perfect for also sewing beads to your knitted projects. The harder way is to unravel the ply of your yarn to have an exact match. The latter is more time-consuming but if it saves you purchasing thread, I would fully recommend it.
If you’re looking for more knitting tips, check out my YouTube Channel, Knitting with Maxine which gives knitting advice, discusses patterns, yarns and more.
If you’re wanting to know how to knit a button hole, check out the video below:
