Silky threads like this can unwind from their spool prematurely, so a thread net is often useful if your machine holds spools in a horizontal position. It also tends to split more easily than general purpose threads – if your thread splits while sewing, choose a larger needle size.

Multifilament tends to be slightly more visible than monofilament options, but it’s also easier to work with as it has more ‘grip’. In medieval Europe, garments were laced together or fastened with brooches or clasps and points, until buttonholes were invented in the 13th century. Then buttons became so prominent that in some places sumptuary laws were passed putting limits on their use. Extra-strong thread is essentially a heavier-weight, heavier-duty version of general purpose sewing thread. It’s perfect for seams that will be subject to heavy stress or undergo a lot of abrasion. Photo credit: Sara Maker Photo credit: Kat Waters 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.

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Mark the position for each of your buttons. For our sample, we selected just one center point in our tiny cube. Remember to mark the point(s) on both the top and bottom of the cushion. All-purpose polyester or cotton thread – I’d recommend you match the color either to your fabric or the buttonhole thread you’ll be using, so that the overcasting stitches blend in seamlessly. Another option is to leave the seam of your pillow cover open during the tufting step so you can reach through and kind of “massage” the needle through the center of the pillow form, working it along its path. button, usually disklike piece of solid material having holes or a shank through which it is sewed to one side of an article of clothing and used to fasten or close the garment by passing through a loop or hole in the other side. Purely decorative, nonutilitarian buttons are also frequently used on clothing. 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?

Grab the other free end of the thread and pull both together and straight up. You are aligning the two ends. I would highly recommend getting used to using a thimble when you’re hand sewing, especially on long repetitive hand sewing tasks like sewing buttonholes on a few layers of fabric. I have oddly shaped ring fingers and I have yet to find the perfect thimble for them, so this is a do as I say not as I do situation. You will run the threads you’re using through beeswax and press them with a hot iron before using them to make the buttonhole stitches. The wax coating helps condition and strengthen the thread, and prevents tangles from forming. Needle threader (optional) – if you're struggling threading needles, it won't hurt to have this in your kit.Prepare the area by marking, cutting, and overcasting the raw edges as outlined in the section on preparation. Make sure you punch a small hole at one end using a leather hole punch.