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knittermimi

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I need some suggestions for adding buttonholes to a sweater AFTER it is completed. One shop owner said that machined buttonholes work well. I tried that and my machine won't do it (just as I had thought). My alternative is to hand stitch using the blanket stitch and then cutting through. Any suggestions please?
 
jobailey said:
I absolutely would not do it. I'd add snaps and buttons as suggested by nanaof3.
me too. the thought of using a sewing machine.... well, I just don't think thats a very good idea.

Or use a different closusure - store bought frogs or make them.
 
When this happens to me, I pick up and knit 5 stitches from the top and the bottom of where the buttonhole should be and 1 stitch on each side. 12 stitches on the needle. Then, I cut the center of the 5 stitches between the needles and gently unravel. I now have 5 live stitches on the top and bottom of my buttonhole and one at each corner. Now, Bind off all stitches starting from the corner farthest from the front of the buttonhole. Weave ends in securely. It may look a little bulky at first, but the yarn will relax and it will be difficult to tell it was done after completion.
 
jobailey said:
I absolutely would not do it. I'd add snaps and buttons as suggested by nanaof3.
This is what I would do too. My favorite sweater has large snaps with buttons sewn on top and I love it because there are no buttonholes to get stretched out from use.
 
betty boivin said:
I make i. Cord loops and use wooden barrel buttons or install a zipper by hand.
I'd do this, loops and buttons.

I haven't installed a zipper in knitting yet.
 
bhhenderson said:
When this happens to me, I pick up and knit 5 stitches from the top and the bottom of where the buttonhole should be and 1 stitch on each side. 12 stitches on the needle. Then, I cut the center of the 5 stitches between the needles and gently unravel. I now have 5 live stitches on the top and bottom of my buttonhole and one at each corner. Now, Bind off all stitches starting from the corner farthest from the front of the buttonhole. Weave ends in securely. It may look a little bulky at first, but the yarn will relax and it will be difficult to tell it was done after completion.
This sounds like a great solution. MN
 
nanaof3 said:
I have known people who have used large snaps for the closer and added the buttons on top for the look. Works well.

You may also try this https://youtu.be/yKN1lv6MPzg:Hope it works..found it on utube under adding loop button hole after completed. Just sopy paste the https code on to search bar.
I have also added snaps on after the sweater was finished. They have some really cute snaps available.... They actually look like buttons... Not those metal, circle things commonly found on some clothing.

Depending on the style, loops and toggle buttons work as well. I am presently contemplating loops for my husband's toggle buttons on his cardigan in lieu of holes.
 
A standard sewing machine will make a nice buttonhole on a knitted garment. But, you will need to put tissue paper on the top and bottom of the garment so the feed dog teeth can function properly. Without the tissue paper the teeth just tangle up in the fabric.

mirl56 said:
me too. the thought of using a sewing machine.... well, I just don't think thats a very good idea.

Or use a different closusure - store bought frogs or make them.
 
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