Q&A for How to Sew Buttonholes

They are only important if the dress you are making has buttons on it. Since most dresses have buttons, learning how to sew buttonholes is important.

Most "store-bought" clothing will have vertical buttonholes because they are faster and easier to sew in the factory. Horizontal buttonholes do not slip open as easily so are most common in home-sewn and quality clothing. A buttonhole placed on the front of a woman's blouse directly in line with the largest point of her breasts will prevent gaping that occurs when the button is placed incorrectly (as is done most often in manufactured clothing).

The right side. Girls' and women's clothes are right over left. Men's and boys' are left over right.

Usually, give an inch from the edge but it depends. If it is for a shirt, etc, the buttons should go down the centre line of the body, and that’s where the buttonholes should start too. Rule of thumb, one button-width away from the edge for odd spots.

Usually in shirts and dresses the buttonholes go horizontally. The distance between buttonholes depends on the button size. If regular sized shirt buttons (about 8mm) are used the maximum distance is around 8 cm. Minimum distance is the size of your button as they should not be on top of each other.