Learning to Sew Buttonholes by Hand—On Paper!
For most of my projects, sewing buttonholes is a quick trip to the machine—zip, zip, done. But when working on the paper garments for Echoes of History, machine sewing just wasn’t an option. Not only would it have risked tearing the surface, but this project called for something slower, more intentional, and structurally sound.
That meant learning to sew buttonholes by hand.
I’ll admit, I was a little intimidated at first. Buttonholes might be small, but they take precision—especially on a surface as fragile as paper. Unlike fabric, paper doesn’t stretch or forgive; it holds every needle mark, every mistake. But I also knew hand stitching would allow me to control the tension, leave tiny spaces between stitches to protect the material, and most importantly—avoid weakening the paper.
I began with a sharp needle, sturdy thread, and plenty of patience. I carefully cut each slit, then used a blanket-style stitch to reinforce the edges. Leaving small gaps between stitches helped prevent tearing and gave the buttonholes enough flexibility to hold up to repeated use (yes, even paper garments need to function—or at least pretend to).
While slower than machine sewing, hand-stitching buttonholes gave me a surprising amount of control. It also became part of the story of the garment: an old-world skill paired with unconventional material, shaped by necessity and care.
If you’re working with paper, handmade fabric, or anything delicate—don’t overlook the strength of a hand-sewn buttonhole. It’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about adaptability. And a little patience goes a long way.
Have you ever sewn buttonholes by hand? Would love to hear your tips, tools, or trials!