Easy Buttonhole Stitch Tutorial Handicrafts For Kids

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single button, must be in want of a button hole, or in other words welcome to my easy buttonhole stitch handicrafts for kids where you will learn the mystery and majesty of buttonhole sewing!

Easy Buttonhole Stitch Tutorial Handicrafts For Kids

Fabric is woven with horizontal and vertical threads. The threads are woven tightly together but when you cut the fabric, it will start to unravel in most cases. Same with ribbon.

Have you ever cut ribbon before and are annoyed to watch it start fraying?

Many many years ago, I was a ballet dancer and this problem happened with every new pair of pointe shoes I wore until I learned that burning the edges kept it from fraying. Clear nail polish painted at the end of the ribbon can also keeps it from fraying, just a random FYI for you!

Fabric has the same problem as ribbons!

This is why clothes need hems. If the fabric doesn’t fray, you wouldn’t need a hem.

I have learned that hand weaving the threads creates a tighter weave making fraying less of a problem than it is today. Another random FIY for you! You’re welcome. 😉

Felt is an exception to the fraying problem which is why I suggest using felt for handicrafts for younger kids.

What Is A Buttonhole Stitch?

What is the buttonhole Stitch? It is a magical stitch that keeps those horizontal and vertical threads on your fabric from fraying! 

But what is this magical stitch called, drum roll please… The Blanket stitch!

Buttonhole Stitch Uses

You can use the blanket stitch/buttonhole stitch for making loops and sewing two pieces of fabric together. I have a doll DIY that is a perfect example of this. Here it is if you are interested.

For embroidery purposes it can be used to sew the outline of a house, as a border, or many other options.

For this handicraft I recommend for ages 10 and up. If your younger children want to learn to sew on buttons they can with felt. No need for the buttonhole stitch with felt. I recommend children ages 7 and up.

Keep reading for the buttonhole/ blanket stitch tutorial.

How To Make A Button Hole Stitch By Hand

Step 1 Easy Buttonhole Stitch Tutorial Handicrafts For Kids

Measure the size of your button and cut a hole that will fit the button hole. I recommend using scrap fabric for practicing.

Step 2 Easy Buttonhole Stitch Tutorial Handicrafts For Kids

Thread and knot. Learn how here.

Come up through the bottom. Follow the photos as your guide.

Stick your needle close to where you just came up and pull all the way. Then stick your needle through the stitch you just made. (3rd picture)

Make the hole the size of your button.
Come up and poke the needle close to 1st stitch.
Slid needle through the 1st stitch.
What that looks like.
Move to the left and poke your needle through.
Wrap the thread from right to left.
Pull through. First stitch done!
Keep sewing keeping stitches close together.
Around the corner to the other side.
Move the needle down to the underside.
Wrap thread three times around needle.
Test your buttonhole out!

Move your needle to the left, stick the needle in with the tip going through the hole.

Wrap the thread around your needle from right to left. Pull needle through.

That’s the blanket stitch used as a buttonhole stitch!

Step 3 Easy Buttonhole Stitch Tutorial Handicrafts For Kids

Repeat. Keep your stitches close together as you sew all the way around until you reach where you started.

Move your needle to the underside of your work to knot. Wrap thread around the needle 3 times, pull through some of the stitches. Repeat once more to secure the knot and then you are done!

You Made A Button Hole Stitch By Hand!

Now you know how to sew a buttonhole stitch and why it is necessary to sew one in the first place! 

So how did it go with your children? What else would you like to learn about? Let me know in the comments! I would love to hear from you. 🙂

Turn This Into A Charlotte Mason Inspired Handicraft

Most of my blog posts are DIY’s and tutorials that you can use as free handicraft lessons for your Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool.

This blog post made a free and easy handicraft lesson for your children at home which you did not need to plan for! How did that feel? Was it a huge weight off your shoulder? Did the worries of the day become lighter for you?

Have your handicraft lessons be this easy every week! Sign up for my free email here.

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