Hand-sewn buttonholes

[TRINI]

The one reason that I like hand-sewn buttonholes vs. machine is that with the hand-sewn, the buttonholes can be more proportionate in size to the sleeve buttons.

In my limited experience, all the machine-sewn ones tend to be the same size regardless of position.

 

[jefferyd]

Originally Posted by TRINI

The one reason that I like hand-sewn buttonholes vs. machine is that with the hand-sewn, the buttonholes can be more proportionate in size to the sleeve buttons.

In my limited experience, all the machine-sewn ones tend to be the same size regardless of position.

There's no reason for that, other than laziness.

 

[TRINI]

Originally Posted by jefferyd

There's no reason for that, other than laziness.

Oh.

DAMN THE LAZY PEOPLE MY TAILOR OUTSOURCES BUTTONHOLES TO!!!

 

[jefferyd]

I have seen more ugly hand-made buttonholes than nice ones, but from a technical standpoint, machine-made ones are done with a chain-type stitch so if a stitch should ever fail or if it skipped during sewing, the whole buttonhole comes apart pretty easily. Someone brought me a coat to fix once (one buttonhole had come apart) and I couldn't match the thread so I had to redo them all.

 

[Wes Bourne]

Originally Posted by jefferyd

I have seen more ugly hand-made buttonholes than nice ones

Word.

Originally Posted by jefferyd

Someone brought me a coat to fix once (one buttonhole had come apart) and I couldn't match the thread so I had to redo them all.

Hmmmmm, interesting...

 

[Master-Classter]

can someone explain what gimp is? some sort of thicker thread?

and just how long would it take and how difficult would this be to do for the average person (convert non-functional to working cuffs)

 

[jefferyd]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

can someone explain what gimp is? some sort of thicker thread?

Yes, a heavier, firmer thread that you work the silk twist over. It gives some body to the buttonhole- not everybody uses it, though.

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

and just how long would it take and how difficult would this be to do for the average person (convert non-functional to working cuffs)

Russell's here in Montreal recently trained someone to do them- it took six months of practice before he was allowed to do them on an actual coat. In terms of time to do it, depends on your speed but probably about 20 minutes per buttonhole.

 

[RSS]

Other than how many -- be it the coat closure or the sleeve -- I don't think I've ever talked buttonholes with my tailor. I just assume they'll do a decent enough job ... and to date they have.