By hand: Using all-purpose polyester or cotton thread and small running stitches, sew a frame around the vertical center line. Choose a high quality brand, such as Gutermann as mettler, as lower quality alternatives have a tendency to break easily during sewing.

If you’re interested in natural fibers, it can be tempting to choose cotton instead of polyester thread for a sewing project, but cotton is not as strong as polyester, and lighter weights won’t stand up to the stress of wear over time. If your project isn’t going to be under stress, it’s a perfect natural option. Photo credit: Kat Waters When should I use it? Extra-fine thread is a 100% polyester specialty thread that is strong, yet very thin and smooth. When should I use it? Make a single, straight cut on the vertical line connecting the two short horizontal lines. Try to keep your cut clean and straight. You can use a buttonhole chisel, a craft knife, a razor, or a small and sharp pair of scissors to make this cut. Some machines may require a reduced needle tension to prevent thread breakage, while others may require an increased tension due to the thinner thread. Test first, and make a note of the settings your machine needs for next time! For a special touch, try getting two spools of rainbow multicolored thread to add to your loopers for a colorful surprise inside a garment!This is the original form of tufting. It uses a heavy thread in combination with an extra-long upholstery needle. The strength of the thread is key to withstand the pulling during construction as well as the pressure when complete. The stitching will be visible from both sides of the cushion, so that will determine the type of thread you select. Twine, button thread or waxed thread are the best options. Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. Nylon options will have a shiny, silky finish. If you choose one like this, a thread net may be useful to keep it from unspooling prematurely. Punch a small hole using a leather hole punch at one end of your buttonhole markings. Then, using small, sharp scissors cut straight through until your reach the second marking.

This article was written by Kat Waters and edited by Sara Maker. It was initially published on 6 January 2022. It has since been updated. Place the button where you would like it to sit on the fabric / on your project. Mark the center of the button by poking a marking tool through the holes of the button. This will be the starting point for your buttonhole. Draw a vertical line through the center of these two horizontal markings. You now have all the markings you need to cut your fabric open. Cutting the fabric openA double-button bolster is a classic decorator pillow, but many people avoid the look because they can’t figure out how to get the tufted effect to work on something so long. The process for tufting a bolster isn’t vastly different than either of the techniques shown above. The key is to use an extra long needle and work that needle through the pillow slowly and carefully. Dritz® has us covered with the extra long needles! If you have no shortage of thread, do a double thread. Once it's long enough and both sides are equal, cut the thread and tie a basic square knot. A 12-inch thread should be long enough to secure the button tightly.

Serger thread comes on larger cones, and is more cost-effective than general purpose sewing thread. It’s also designed to be a bit fluffy for greater coverage on a serged edge. Photo credit: Kat Waters When should I use it? Choosing a good quality thread can make all the difference to your project. Select a thread from a reputable brand like Coats & Clark, Mettler, or Gutermann, especially if you’re looking for strength. The monofilament variety has a tendency to unspool prematurely, so use a thread net to prevent this. Don’t use it for construction seams in a regular sewing machine – it’s weaker than general purpose thread. Use a needle appropriate for your fabric – this will likely be a universal or microtex 60-70. Larger needles will leave a hole too big for the thread.

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|These are a few of your options regarding which thread / how many strands per button loop. There isn’t a right and wrong answer for which one to use – depends on what you’re making and what you have available!

General purpose threads are usually polyester, but polyester takes many forms. This thread is manufactured differently to have a smooth, shiny finish to be used for decorative applications. Photo credit: Kat Waters When should I use it?

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There are a wide variety of metallic threads, but the one thing they have in common is their purpose: Adding a bit of sparkle to your sewing projects! Photo credit: Sara Maker When should I use it? Dritz® has a full Home Décor category of tools and notions, each one designed and tested to make the DIY process as easy as possible. Their variety of straight and curved needles is excellent. The waxed thread is a must-have whenever you need super strength; it’s waxed surface allows the thread to pass more freely through foam and other fillers. And, their cover button kits are our first choice for ease-of-use and variety of sizing. Plus, because it’s Dritz®, you know the products will be easy to fine in-store or online. Another optional tool you might want to have handy is a little implement called a needle threader, these will come in some sewing kits and they make the process of threading a needle much easier. If you’re just working with single thread, just pass the thread through the needle and tie a couple of simple overhand knots to make sure things are secure. General purpose thread is most commonly 100% polyester, which makes it strong, durable, and flexible. It’s the thread you’ll use most frequently in your sewing projects, and the one you’ll want to buy in every color. Photo credit: Kat Waters When should I use it?