Creating Button Hole Loops For Your Wedding Day

Button loops are a stylish and stunning addition to a wedding gown, and can be made from fabric, elastic, or thread. There are three basic methods of making button loops: handstitched button loops, elastic button loops, and fabric button loops. Fabric button loops are made by cutting bias fabric strips on a 45-degree angle, folding and stitching the strips, and then turning them right-side out using a needle, bodkin, or loop turner. Elastic button loops are made by folding elastic in half and stitching it in place, while handstitched button loops are created by sewing strands of thread to form a loop at the edge of the fabric.

Cut bias fabric strips at a 45-degree angle, in matching fabric or a contrasting colour

To make button loops for a wedding dress, you'll need to start by cutting your bias fabric strips. Cutting your fabric strips on the bias, or diagonal, will give your loops some stretch so they can easily go over buttons. Cut your strips at a 45-degree angle, in matching fabric or a contrasting colour, if you prefer. The strips should be 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm) wide and at least 4 inches (10 cm) long. If you're making several loops, it's more practical to make one long strip that you can cut up according to your needs. You can also adjust the width of your strips if you want a wider or narrower loop.

When cutting your fabric, it's important to ensure that you're cutting on the bias, which means cutting diagonally across the straight grain or selvedges of the fabric. This will give your loops the stretch they need to easily go over buttons. Cutting your strips at a 45-degree angle will create the perfect bias cut for your loops.

Once you have your bias fabric strips cut, you can move on to the next steps of folding, stitching, and turning your loops. But the first step of cutting your strips at a 45-degree angle is crucial to ensuring your loops turn out just right. So take your time and cut carefully to create the foundation for your beautiful button loops.

Cutting your fabric strips at a 45-degree angle is a simple yet important step in creating elegant and functional button loops for your wedding dress. By following this step, you'll be well on your way to achieving the tailored look you desire for your special day. So go ahead and cut those strips with precision and you'll be one step closer to bringing your dream wedding dress to life!

Fold the bias strips right sides together lengthwise, ready to sew

When making button loops for a wedding dress, the first step is to cut bias fabric strips on a 45-degree angle. This cut on the diagonal gives the loop some stretch to go over the buttons. Cut the strips 1 3/4 inches wide and at least 4 inches long. If you are making several loops, it is more practical to make one long strip of the loop to cut up according to your needs.

Now, fold the bias strips right sides together lengthwise, ready to sew. Pin the fabric and remember that this is fabric cut on the bias, so pulling too much will stretch the fabric and cause a rippled effect. Shorten the stitch length on your machine and start about 1/2 inch from the end so you avoid having the fabric pulled into your machine. The seam allowance is usually 15mm or 5/8 inch, but it is possible to adjust the seam allowance width according to the type of fabric and style of button loop required.

• Fold the bias strips: Take your bias strips and fold them in half lengthwise, right sides together. The right side of the fabric is the side that you want to be seen from the outside. By folding the strips right sides together, you will be able to sew them together and then turn them right side out so that the seam is hidden on the inside.
• Pin the fabric: Before you start sewing, it is important to pin the fabric in place. Place pins perpendicular to the edge of the fabric, about 1/2 inch apart along the entire length of the strip. This will help to keep the layers of fabric from shifting as you sew.
• Shorten the stitch length: Adjust your sewing machine to a shorter stitch length. This will create a stronger seam that can withstand the stress of being pulled through a buttonhole.
• Start sewing: Begin sewing about 1/2 inch from the end of the strip to avoid having the fabric pulled into the machine. Use a seam allowance of 15mm or 5/8 inch, or adjust as needed depending on the fabric and button loop style. Sew along the length of the strip, removing the pins as you go.
• Backstitching: When you reach the end of the strip, backstitch a few stitches to secure the seam and prevent it from unraveling.
• Trim the seam allowance: After sewing, trim the seam allowance to about 1/4 inch. This will reduce bulk and make it easier to turn the strip right side out.
• Turn the strip right side out: Using a large-eyed needle, a sewing bodkin, or a loop turner, insert it into the end of the tube and work it through to the other end. This will turn the fabric right side out, hiding the seam on the inside.

Shorten stitch length and start sewing 1/2 inch from the end to avoid fabric being caught in the machine

When making button loops for a wedding dress, it's important to pay attention to the stitch length. The stitch length refers to the distance between two consecutive punches of a needle by a sewing machine, or the distance the fabric advances between two punches of the needle. Adjusting the stitch length will determine how much fabric is pulled through with each stitch. For a shorter length, less fabric is pulled through, and for a longer stitch, more fabric is pulled through.

When creating button loops, it's crucial to shorten the stitch length and start sewing 1/2 inch (or 12mm) from the end of the fabric strip. This technique will prevent the fabric from being caught and tangled in the sewing machine. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through this process:

First, cut your bias fabric strips. Cut them on a 45-degree angle, either in matching fabric or a contrasting colour if you prefer. The strips should be 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm) wide and at least 4 inches (10 cm) long. If you're making multiple loops, consider cutting one long strip that can be cut into the desired number of loops.

Next, fold the bias strips right sides together, lengthwise, and prepare to sew. Pin the fabric, being careful not to pull or stretch it too much, as this can cause ripples or unwanted wrinkles.

Now, it's time to stitch the loops. Shorten the stitch length on your sewing machine. Starting 1/2 inch (or 12mm) from the end of the strip will prevent the fabric from being caught in the machine. The seam allowance is typically 15mm or 5/8 inch, but you can adjust it according to your fabric type and button loop style.

As you begin sewing, keep an eye on the folded side of the loop as you gently feed it through the machine. Ensure there are no unwanted wrinkles or ripples forming. Leave a long thread at the end of the seam to allow for the pull-through process. For thin fabrics that may fray, consider doing two rows of stitching close to each other for added strength.

You can then trim the seam before pulling the fabric through, or leave it untrimmed if you prefer a chunkier button loop. The seam edge will be encased within the loop once you turn it right side out.

By shortening the stitch length and starting sewing a short distance from the end of the fabric strip, you'll be able to create smooth and even button loops without the fabric becoming tangled or caught in the sewing machine.

Trim the seam before pulling through to the right side, or leave fabric on the side for a chunkier loop

When it comes to making button loops, you have a choice to make regarding the thickness of the loop. If you want a chunkier loop, you can leave the fabric on the side before turning it right side out. This will give you a thicker, more substantial loop.

On the other hand, if you are going for a more delicate look, you should trim the seam before pulling the fabric through to the right side. This will give you a neater, more refined loop.

The process of making button loops can be a bit fiddly, but it is worth the effort, especially for a wedding dress or a special top. It is important to cut your fabric strips on a bias to give the loops some stretch. You can then fold these strips right-sides together, ready to sew. It is crucial not to pull the fabric too much when sewing, as this can cause unwanted ripples in the final product.

Once you have sewn your loops, you will need to turn them right side out. There are a few different methods you can use to do this, including using a large-eyed needle, a sewing bodkin, or a loop turner. All of these tools work on the same principle of pulling the fabric through from the top of the loop to the end.

After you have your loops, you will need to mark the placement of the button loops on your garment. This process can be quite labour-intensive, especially if you are creating a long line of button loops, as is often seen on wedding dresses. It is important to carefully measure and plan the placement of each loop before sewing them in place.

Making your own button loops gives you the opportunity to customise your garment and ensure that the loops match your fabric perfectly.

Turn the fabric right side out using a large-eyed needle, sewing bodkin, or a loop turner

Now that you have your fabric loops cut, folded, and stitched, it's time to turn them right side out. You can use a large-eyed needle, a sewing bodkin, or a loop turner for this step. All three tools work on the same principle: they pull the fabric through from the top of the loop and out at the end.

Let's start with the large-eyed needle method. Thread the needle double with a strong thread and knot the end. Sew through one side of the fabric, then insert the needle through the tube until you come out at the other end. Gently pull on the thread to turn the tube right side out. Once the top is started, the rest should be easy.

If you prefer to use a sewing bodkin, start by sewing the fabric tube with the wrong sides together, leaving both ends open. Insert the bodkin into one end of the tube and carefully guide it through the inside, ensuring the pointed end reaches the opposite end. Once the bodkin emerges from the other end, attach your fabric tube securely through the bodkin's loop. Gently pull the bodkin, turning the fabric tube right side out.

Finally, the loop turner method. Poke the wire of the loop turner through your tube, then catch a bit of the fabric at the end. Pull the handle end of the loop turner, closing the catch and pulling the fabric to the inside of the tube and then right side out. It's important to keep the hook part of the loop turner closed so you keep a grip on the fabric as you turn it through.

No matter which method you choose, turning your fabric loops right side out is a crucial step in creating beautiful button loops for your wedding project.

Frequently asked questions