How to Safely Open a Buttonhole
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How to safely open a buttonhole
Opening a buttonhole cleanly is one of those small steps that makes a big difference to the finished garment. This quick tip shows you the safest and most precise way to open a buttonhole without accidentally cutting through the stitching at either end.
How to do it
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Place a pin at one end
Insert a pin horizontally across one end of the buttonhole, just inside the bar tack. This pin acts as a physical stopper that prevents the seam ripper from sliding too far and cutting through the stitching.
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Open with a seam ripper
Insert the seam ripper at the centre of the buttonhole and slide it carefully toward the pin. The pin stops the blade at exactly the right point, giving you a clean, precise opening every time with no risk of overcuts.
Pro tip
A sharp seam ripper makes this much easier and safer — a dull one requires more pressure and is more likely to slip. Replace yours regularly, as they dull quickly with use. You can also use small sharp embroidery scissors as an alternative, cutting from the centre outward toward each end.
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