The dreaded button hole! Whats your favourite tool to open button holes? I just did a test run to get the size right for the button but each time I tear the stitches....

I also use a seam ripper and place the pin across the end. That way it prevents you frome going too far. If you are tearing the stitches in the middle, perhaps the two sides of the button hole are too close together.

I use a seam ripper too!!!! Have looked at those button hole cutters and thought way to much time to go find all the things and my seam ripper is always close at hand so I think I will just stick with it, never thought of sticking a pin in the end though I just go easy to the end great tip everyone!!!!

I use a quick-unpick, and go from each end to the middle. The pin across the end just inside the end stitches is a good safety net too :)
(I think you call them stitch rippers in the states).

I use buttonhole scissors. The ones I have now were a gift from MarjiAlexa:) They began our friendship. I had my grandmother's but they met with an unfortunate end:(

For those of you who don't know what they are, here's a link.

Well everyone has given me fine answers, I had not thought of using the razor blade, but come to think of it my dear old Mom used to do that. I found a solution went to the local variety store and they had some snaps! So no more button holes for today....Yahooooooooooo!

I tried leaving a comment here but for some reason I would get a error page....

So I'm answering my question just so every knows...

Thank you to all!

I have a serger knife that I used a few times. Have been known to use a one sided razor blade but alas I hate button holes so I refuse to do them any more. LOL
I see many have given you answers so mine won't help much. Hope you find one that will work for you. *4U and a Hug

I have a button hole cutter but before I got it I would put a pin at each end to stop the seam ripper or my tiny scissors from going through the ends.

1 comment

by snowbird42 29 Sep 2011

same here button hole cutter which consists of a small wooden block and a chisel type knife or a pin at each end

I have a button hole cutter as described below very sharp little chisel and a little block of wood. You should be able to get one at most fabric stores.

Maybe this will help:
I have made a very many buttonholes.
I use my seam ripper like a pin I thread it in,along the buttonhole half way, and out again,then rip.Then from the other edge in, along,out then rip.
This way there is no chance of ripping through the stitches.
Happy buttonhole making.
From Bev

Years ago I bought a cutter from the Clotilde catalog that was specifically for buttonholes. It has a little block of wood and the cutter which looks almost like a little chisel but is very sharp. You put your bottonhole over the block, press it wilh the cutter and get a beautiful clean cut.

I use a seam ripper. When I first got one many years ago it was actually described as a buttonhole cutter and I have always though of it as one!

I start with a seam ripper and finish with small scissors.

I used to use a seam ripper but it's dangerous so I use the little 4inch scissors. They are tiny but very sharp. You can Google where to find them. Made by Gingher.

1 images:[1]

I use a seam ripper, start at one end, push straight down and just push a little way into the cloth. Go to the other end and start over and push to the first cut. Using a pin across the end is a good idea as well, but I have had good luck by using my technique. Never try to eyeball it and get to the other side without a safety net! Linda

I use either a seam ripper or my very sharp, curved embroidery scissors cos then I have control over how far I cut

I also use a seam ripper, but I place a straight pin across the end tacking stitches so I don't cut through them.

I just use my seam ripper and be careful to stay between the two rows of satin stitch and not cut thru the end tacking stitches...*4U

I bought a button hole cutter. It is a tool with a wooden handle that has a metal end that is sharp. If lightweight fabric you just push it against the wood pad (it comes as a set) or if heavier fabric tap the handle with a hammer (I have to do that for fleece).

Seam ripper. *