Ways to sew on buttons

[j]

If a demonstration is performed, the background music must be "Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite" by the Beatles.

Over men and horses, hoops and garters, lastly thru a hogshead of real fire. In this way, Mr. K will challenge the world.

 

[BjornH]

This is so sad. I'm getting all excited over this thread and saving every page. I really should get a life.... B

 

[Renault78law]

LOL, ditto on all counts

 

[topcatny]

This is so sad. I'm getting all excited over this thread and saving every page. I really should get a life.... B

I am mentally picturing how to sew these buttons on with every subsequent post.

 

[Alexander Kabbaz]

Trying to take still photos. Trying .... trying .... I want a Digital Video Camera...

 

[HitMan009]

Question for Mr. Kabbaz:

How many buttons can you sew with 800yds of thread?

 

[Alexander Kabbaz]

Question for HitMan009: Will you share what you have been smoking?

 

[oscarthewild]

Question for HitMan009: Will you share what you have been smoking? Â

Only here can one find exchanges like this.

 

[HitMan009]

Question for HitMan009: Will you share what you have been smoking? Â

Hey, this is a question worthy of answering.... I picked up a spool of button thread and it is 800yds long. What have I been smokin? Those were back in the jolly good old days in college. The only smoke I have inhaled was from the burning exchanges in the black suit thread.

 

[Alexander Kabbaz]

Didn't realize you were serious. A spool of cotton glacÃ

#24 is 220 yards long. It lasts us about 75 shirts at an average of 14 buttons per shirt. You must either have a VERY large spool or it is not cotton glacÃ

.

Apologies for the implication.

 

[uriahheep]

An average of 14 buttons per shirt? This is assuming a lot, but assuming an average of 6 or 7 buttons per shirt front, 1 collar button, 1 button on each cuff and 1 button on each sleeve placket this adds up to 11 or 12 buttons per shirt. Or do your clients more commonly request 2 buttons on each cuff and 2 collar buttons, adding up to 14-15 buttons for a shirt?

 

[LA Guy]

I've seen the 800 yard cotton glacee thread at specialty fabirc stores. Big, and sort of inpractical, I think. On a related note, I am thinking about purchasing an old school Singer. Alex, any recommendations? Also, what price range is reasonable for a reasonable machine?

 

[uriahheep]

LAG, be sure to buy an industrial machine. The motors in industrial machines are usually much much better than those in home sewing machines and would be better suited for the work I'm guessing you would do with denim.

Look at Pfaff.

 

[Alexander Kabbaz]

I would advise a Singer 95 (very old, but simple and strong as hell) or a Singer 491 (1970's-1980's). You might find a 95 for under $100. The 491 will go between $250-$350 if in decent condition. Given the choice I would go for a good 491.

Anything newer (591) is too fast and the stitch is not as good.

Yes, we figure at 14 buttons per shirt. Two per collar. Five for sleeves/cuffs(which averages out single and double button cuffs). Seven for front.

EDIT:
Pfaff is also an excellent machine. They aren't as prevalent at the used machine dealers, however. No Juki (except sergers), No Union Special unless you want double-needle chainstitch, No Consew, No Reece, NO NO NO Brother, No home machines.

 

[HitMan009]

Just for reference, I picked up this thread at http://www.sewtrue.com/Thread.html Went to the store in Manhattan though It's model number:TDU-24 Don't know if the price is good, but I thought so.... BTW, Where would one pick up an old sewing machine?