Doing the Math on Your Bound Buttonholes

There are endless buttonhole tutorials out there, including those focused on bound buttonholes. I've posted several that show different steps along the way. But other posts haven't been great at helping figure out the math on how big the patch should be that creates the lips and how big the final hole should be.

This video by Retro Claude really helps. Measure the width of the button, and add the height.

There was an additional aha moment for me when she shows how to think about the placement of the button within the buttonhole when your garment is done up. Bound buttonholes are generally horizontal, and the button itself will sit to one edge of the hole when done up as it comes under tension. So if you (incorrectly) centre the buttons in the hole, the alignment will be a little off in practice.

At 11:43, (it's a long video) you will also find a good illustration of how to finish the backside of the buttonhole, once the facing goes in. (Is it only me that always has fabric that frays and would never, ever, turn in this nicely?!?)

The other takeaway for me from this video is actually taking the time to hand stitch the markings for the hole. I watch so many videos of people using chalk or marker, but for me, they are either not precise enough, or the fabric is just not conducive to these approaches.