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by airyfairy ( edited 14 Jul 2022 ) 14 Jul 2022

Hello Cuties



Need some advice. I have a very old cardigan which I love. It has never had fastenings. Some while ago I attached large plastic press studs - not really a success.


I was wondering if I could sew buttonholes, either with sewing machine or embroidery machine. I am scared that the cardigan might unravel when I cut the button hole open. Has anybody got some advice for me?

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by Sewmum1 16 Jul 2022

Another option not yet suggested would be to add some button loops. These can be crocheted from similar yarn or make some using fabric binding or ribbon. You can sew them in place as a decorative feature on the outside or underneath if you prefer them hidden. Then you can sew buttons to suit. Let me know if that makes sense. It would probably be the least damaging to the cardigan without distorting or damaging the threads

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by pennifold 15 Jul 2022

Hi Sarah, I'm with the girls below. I'd reinforce the cardigan band first with some sort of grosgrain ribbon to ensure the area where you put the buttonhole is secure.
The other suggestion of toggles would also be great. Whatever you choose to do, please let us know how it all went. Love Chris

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by rachap 15 Jul 2022

If you are still looking for suggestions, I would get a length of grossgrain ribbon the color and length of your sweater and about an inch wide. Pin or baste the ribbon on the inside of the sweater front. Using your sewing machine, stitch down both long sides of the ribbon and across the short edge on top and bottom. Then I would use something like Solvy water soluble stabilizer like we use in machine embroidery on top and use the sewing machine buttonholer. The stitches would then go through the sweater and ribbon and that should keep it from raveling. I have seen this method on high end sweaters. Good luck which ever way you try!

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by graceandham 14 Jul 2022

How about some of those large, covered hooks - wouldn't take many. I'd stitch them on with strong white buttonhole twist. Should blend in if it shows at all.

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by hoplessnz 14 Jul 2022

Hi there why not trying frogs like thy use on Chinese dresses . They are usually sewn onto the garment and have a toggle to fasten through a loop
HIlda

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by airyfairy 14 Jul 2022

Thank you for your comments. I only wish we could buy the snaps which I think you hammer on. Unfortunately we can only get the old fashioned press studs that you have to sew on.
I think the buttonholes will be a bit too risky. Flowers for all.

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by rescuer Moderator 14 Jul 2022

Maybe add fabric glue to the buttonholes before you cut. I just cheat and use toggles.

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by dragonflyer 14 Jul 2022

Okay, tricky...If you decide on buttonholes, I would make sure you stitch them with a heavy interfacing on the back side to keep them from stretching...It won't completely keep the stretch from giving, but it will make them a lot more stable...I would also use a wide satin stitch buttonhole...

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by crafter2243 Moderator 14 Jul 2022

Could Velcro be an option?

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by mrskiki 14 Jul 2022

How ab out sewing n some frog closures instead? Hugs. Nan

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by Kampfzwerg 14 Jul 2022

Hi Dear, in this case I would use snap fasteners (snap studs, Druckknopf).
The material looks like cotton or cotton blend. It is really a bad option to put in sewed buttonwholes because the stitches have no hold in the material when you cut them.
Hu

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by momac 14 Jul 2022

Hi Sarah, your buttonhole on either machine should keep it from stop the cardigan from unravelling just be careful when cutting out the buttonhole that you do not cut the thread. Hugs from Maureen

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