Button Loops

by Diva Gigi

I’m working on a 2nd version of McCall’s 5137 over at Behind The Seams. I thought a button detail at the center front would look really nice – just a little something different from the first version. Even though they are to be non-functional I still wanted to take the time to have buttonloops under the buttons. Yes, I know that no one else will notice them but I will appreciate them. 🙂 Using 1″ fabric strips cut on the true bias I sewed (with a tiny zigzag) 1/8″ away from the fold of the fabric using my straight stitch presser foot as a guide.

Before trimming:

After trimming and turning, I pinned the tubing to my pressing surface and gave it a good stretching and steaming (this is why the zigzag is important). Be sure you allow the fabric to cool and dry before moving it.

After deciding on the number of loops and their spacing. I traced the front pattern piece onto examining table paper. I marked the position of the loops and their size – in this case 1/2″. Then the loops were stitched onto the paper on the stitching line. If you want your loops very close together you needn’t bother cutting them apart.

Next, the paper/loop unit was stitched onto the right side of the front band.

Lastly, the paper is torn away. To reduce bulk I will trim the ends of the loops once the center front seam has been sewn.