On the Flip Side
Closures in Reverse
Button Band
A button band lets you button a garment on both sides and you can remove buttons that can't be washed before laundering the garment.
Mark buttonhole placements on both garment fronts. Make the buttonholes.
Measure the length from the upper buttonhole to the lower buttonhole plus 1 1/2". For example, if the buttonholes are 10" apart the total would be 11 1/2".
Measure the button width, add 1/2" to that measurement, and then multiply it by two. For example, 5/8"-wide button plus 1/2" = 1 1/8" x 2 = 2 1/4". Cut a piece of fabric using the length and width measurements.
With right sides together, fold the fabric lengthwise. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, stitch across one short end and the long edge. Turn the band right side out. Turn in the seam allowance on the unstitched end. Press the band with the seam at the edge; edgestitch around the perimeter.
Center the band under the buttonholes and mark the button locations on the band. Mark and sew the buttons to the band and button the band to the inside of the left front (A).
|
|
Fabric Loops
If you don't want to add a button band, make a tube for button loops or use purchased cording.
Cut a fabric strip on the bias. Right sides together, fold the strip in half lengthwise; stitch the long edge. Turn the tube right side out; press.
Cut the tube into strips long enough for the button to fit through plus seam allowances. Evenly space the loops on the garment. The loop ends are encased when the layers are stitched together (B).
|
