Bound buttonholes are a great alternative to machine and handmade ones, especially on thick fabrics. They aren't suitable for thin fabrics as the inner parts will show through to the right side.  I'm going to show you three methods that suit different fabrics and garments. They all need to be made before attaching the facing or lining.

 

Key to neat bound buttonholes is preparation both before and during making. You need to plan and mark the length of the finished hole and the width of the welts. The hole needs to be the diameter of the button plus its thickness.  The welts or lips need to be a minimum of 3mm.

​

Patch Method

This method is best for thinner fabrics. It uses a patch to make an opening the shape of the buttonhole, the patch is then folded to make the lips.