How to sew a perfect button placket | Step-by-step tutorial

_________________________________

How to sew a perfect button placket | Step-by-step tutorial

Want to master a clean, professional-looking button placket? In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to sew a 3 cm wide placket on a 20 cm long slit, perfect for shirts, tunics, and dresses. This placket method isn’t just for shirts—it works beautifully on the back opening of a slit skirt too! We used it in our CHARLIZE Skirt to create a clean, functional finish that adds a touch of tailoring to the garment.Ideal for intermediate sewists or confident beginners looking to elevate their skills.

_________________________________

🪡 Materials Needed:

• 2 rectangles: 8 cm x 22 cm

💡 Why 8 x 22 cm?

• 3 cm finished width × 2 = 6 cm
• 2 cm seam allowance → Total width = 8 cm
• 20 cm slit + 2 cm extra for clean finishing → Length = 22 cm

_________________________________

🧵 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mark the Slit and Stitching Lines

Draw your 20 cm long slit on the fabric. Then draw two parallel lines on either side of the slit, 1.5 cm away from the center. These lines indicate where to place and stitch the plackets.

2. Prepare the Placket Pieces

Cut two rectangles measuring 8 cm x 22 cm.
Fold each piece lengthwise (wrong sides together) and press to create a sharp crease.
Then mark a line 1.5 cm from the raw edge, opposite the fold—this will guide your stitching.

3. Attach the Plackets

Place each placket piece folded edge out, aligning the marked stitching line with the previously drawn guide lines on the fabric.
Pin carefully and stitch from top to bottom, stopping at the end of the slit.

🧵 Pro Tip:
Make sure your stitching ends exactly at the bottom of the slit for a clean result—use a pin as a stopping point if needed.

4. Cut the Slit

Carefully cut along the center slit line between the stitching lines. At the end, snip a small “V” notch into the corner (without cutting into the stitches!)—this allows the fabric to spread flat.

5. Turn and Press

Turn the plackets to the wrong side of the garment.
Press everything flat—your slit should now look crisp and neatly framed by the plackets.

6. Overlap and Secure

Overlap the plackets as desired (left over right or vice versa). Tuck in the small triangle at the base of the slit and secure it with a horizontal stitch across the bottom.

📏 Designer’s Tip:
Add a decorative topstitch all around the placket for an extra professional finish!

7. Finish the Edges

Serge or overlock the raw edges of the plackets to prevent fraying.

_________________________________

💡Pro Tip:

Before making your final placket, practice on a scrap of fabric using the same material and interfacing. It’s a great way to perfect your V-notch cutting and get comfortable with turning and overlapping the plackets—especially at the tricky bottom point.

If you require further assistance, please reach out to us via our live chat or leave a message if we are offline.
We will respond to you as soon as possible.