After learning that machines can do a buttonhole stitch. It’s time to explore other types. So my 1st stop sewing machine 1 step buttonhole. People think it is the same as the regular one. But that’s not the case.
1 step buttonhole
Unlike a traditional buttonhole stitch, where you manually guide each side of the buttonhole step by step, the 1-step version completes the entire buttonhole in one smooth, automated sequence.
It’s like the automated version of the actual buttonhole. Sounds tempting, right? Yes, it sure does. So let’s get into it.
At a glance:
- 1 step-buttonhole is fully automated.
- You need a special buttonhole foot to do this stitch.
- Most sewing machines have a built-in one-buttonhole stitch.
Table of Contents
What Is A Sewing Machine 1 Step Buttonhole?
A 1-step buttonhole is a built-in feature on most modern sewing machines. Once you place the button in the buttonhole foot, the machine uses a sensor or lever to measure the size.
However, don’t confuse this one with the traditional buttonhole stitch.
It’s not the same as a regular buttonhole stitch, even though they’re related. It’s just a 1-step buttonhole stitch all automated. However, with the regular one, you had to work manually with button placement and handling the fabric.
Then it stitches the entire buttonhole in one smooth, automatic sequence—no need to stop or adjust anything manually.
1 Step Buttonhole Stitch Symbol Sewing Machine
The 1-step buttonhole stitch symbol on a sewing machine varies slightly by brand, but it usually looks like:
- A rectangular or box-like icon with vertical bars on each side
- Sometimes includes a button or size indicator near it
- Or has arrows showing one continuous motion
Check your machine’s stitch chart or user manual to locate the buttonhole group. The 1-step will usually be a single icon, while 4-step buttonholes are often broken into separate steps with 4 different icons.
How To Sew 1 Step Buttonhole Stitch On Sewing Machine?
To sew a sewing machine 1 step buttonhole, follow the 5 steps,
Insert The Button Into The Foot Sliders
There’s this little part on the back of the buttonhole foot that slides out. It’s called the slider scale. You just pop your button onto it. Then, slide the scale back in until the button fits snugly and won’t fall out. This tells your machine exactly how big to make the buttonhole.
You don’t need to be confused like chain stitch. Now, if you’re using a shank button instead of a flat one—one that doesn’t quite fit in the slider—you’ll need to measure it.
Just measure the diameter of the button and add the height (excluding the shank, only the button part). For example, my button is ⅞ inch wide and about ¼ inch tall, so together that’s 1⅛ inches.
I slide the scale out to 1⅛ inches and leave it there—you don’t actually have to fit the button inside at this point.
Once that’s set, just snap the one-step buttonhole foot onto your machine like any other foot, and you’re ready to go!
Attach the Buttohole Foot
Next, I attach the foot to my machine like any other presser foot. I lower the presser foot holder over the bar on the foot.
Once it’s lined up, I hear it snap into place. That’s how I know it’s locked and ready.
Thread the Machine
I make sure my machine is threaded—both the top thread and bobbin. I pull the top thread under and through the little gap in the presser foot so it’s out of the way.
Both threads should be underfoot before I start stitching.
Mark and Position the Fabric
Now I take my fabric and mark where I want the buttonhole to be. Just a small horizontal or vertical line is enough.
I place the fabric under the foot, ensuring the start of the mark is directly under the centre of the foot’s window. I align it with the little red crosshairs or lines on the foot. It helps with keeping it straight.
Pull Down the Buttonhole Lever
I look to the left of the needle and find the buttonhole lever—a little piece that pulls down. I pull it all the way down until it clicks into place behind the little white stopper or notch on the foot.
This lever tells the machine when to stop stitching!
Press Down The Pedal
I press down gently on the foot pedal. The machine starts sewing the buttonhole automatically—first one bar tack, then one side, the other bar tack, and then back up the other side.
I don’t have to touch anything. I just keep the fabric straight and let the machine do all the work. You just sit down and let the machine do the work.
Finish and Cut Threads
Once the machine finishes sewing, it stops on its own. I lift the presser foot. Gently pull the fabric out and cut the threads.
I always admire how clean and even the buttonhole looks. But we’re not quite done yet.
Open the Buttonhole
To open it, I use a seam ripper. I stick a straight pin across one end of the buttonhole to stop me from ripping too far. Then I carefully slide the seam ripper between the stitched sides and open it up.
You can also use a buttonhole cutter if you have one—it gives a super clean cut.
How To Sew 1 Step Buttonhole Stitch On Sewing Machine Youtube
Using the 1 Step Buttonhole Feature on the Janome HD3000
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to mark buttonholes on my fabric?
Yes, it’s a good idea to mark where you want your buttonholes, especially for placement. The machine handles the size, but you still choose where the buttonhole starts.
What kind of button goes in the buttonhole foot?
Flat buttons fit easily into the slider scale. If you’re using a shank button or a bulky decorative button, you’ll need to measure the diameter + height and adjust the foot’s slider manually to match that total length.
Can I use any stitch for the buttonhole?
Most machines offer multiple buttonhole stitch styles (such as round ends and keyhole), all of which work with the 1-step foot. Ensure you select the correct buttonhole stitch number in your machine’s settings.
What does the buttonhole lever do?
The lever (usually on the left of the needle) tells the machine where to start and stop the buttonhole. You must pull it down and place it behind the stopper on the buttonhole foot before sewing, or the feature won’t work properly.
That’s It!
You’ve just made a perfect buttonhole with almost no effort. The 1-step buttonhole feature is one of my favourite things about modern sewing machines. It eliminates all the guesswork and delivers consistently clean, professional-looking results every time.
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