Questions Regarding how Buttonholes are Made

[Thilgela]

Hi all,

I have been lurking SF for quite a long time and thanks to all the information posted here, I learned a lot. This is my very first thread as I can't seem to find an answer just by searching the forum, so let me know if anything is inappropriate.

I recently got my first MTM suit from a reputable company (around SF, MFA, etc.). I came to notice that, although the lapel buttonhole looks like to be hand-sewn (from the stitching in the back and in addition, the Milanese style), the buttonhole seems to be closed that need to be cut open. There is no basting threads as well.

My questions are:

1. Is the lapel buttonhole machine-sewn or hand-sewn?

2. If hand-sewn, why is it not cut open?

3. If machine-sewn, how did the Milanese buttonhole get sewn into the buttonhole? I assume the Milanese threads have to be sewn on when the buttonhole is open?

4. Is the buttonhole purposefully closed after the buttonhole is sewn/made?

I love the suit and have nothing against it. It's just the findings seem to contradict with what I have learned here. Thought it might be an interesting topic to discuss. Let me know your thoughts! Pics included below.

Front



Back:

 

[Kerry Martin]

I don't think so it is hand-sewn. As you said if machine-sewn, how did the Milanese buttonhole get sewn into the buttonhole? so, the answer is, there are various latest sewing machines have been invented which are sewn clothes in an accurate style which a man can't do from his own hands.

 

[Thilgela]

Thanks for the reply! Very interesting. So currently there are machines that can even do Milanese buttonholes?

 

[Despos]

Doesn't look to be machine made. We make lapel buttonholes both ways, cut thru and not cut open. They look neater when not cut open. Would leave the decision to the client.

Specify with the maker you want it opened, they should be able to remake it.

 

[Thilgela]

Doesn't look to be machine made. We make lapel buttonholes both ways, cut thru and not cut open. They look neater when not cut open. Would leave the decision to the client.

Specify with the maker you want it opened, they should be able to remake it.

Thanks very much for the reply! The buttonhole is indeed partially open, like 1/3 of the entire buttonhole is open from the left point and I can see through it.

I don’t necessarily need it to be opened. It’s just interesting finding. So you think this is cut thru first, then hand-sewn then partially closed up at finishing?

Thanks again!

 

[Thilgela]

Any other thoughts? Thanks!