This month we are featuring foot “M”, the button sewing foot. With this foot you can easily update a ready-made blouse by removing dull buttons and replacing them with buttons color matched to your blouse fabric. In no time at all you’ll have a whole new look! This foot makes quick work of sewing on buttons, with the added strength of machine stitches. You’ll be amazed when you see how easy it is!

Materials and Supplies

• Brother Sewing Machine
  with included Button Sewing foot “M”, also known as the Button Fitting foot – Part No. 130489-001
• Standard flat buttons
• Good quality sewing thread for machine
• Seam ripper for removing buttons
• Machine needle appropriate for fabric
• Optional - Seam sealant
• Optional – Wash out liquid fabric glue
• Blouse or similar garment with standard buttons.
• New buttons for replacements on the blouse.

Instructions for Using Button Sewing Foot

1. Guidelines for button Sewing Foot “M.”

• Check your machine manual to select the featured stitch used for sewing on buttons by machine. See Figure #1.

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Figure #1[/caption]

• For many Brother machine models, the machine will automatically lower the feed dogs in preparation for sewing the buttons. This is important because the fabric needs to stay in one position while sewing.
• Notice the stitch width is pre-set to 3.5mm for the width. Most standard buttons have the same amount of spacing between the holes regardless of the size of the button. When the button is properly placed under the foot, the needle should easily clear both holes on the button. To test, you will want to hand walk the needle into both holes. Adjust the width if necessary.
• The button sewing foot is only suitable for standard flat buttons. Buttons with shanks attached cannot be used with this foot. See below:

• To set up the machine for button sewing, begin by selecting the stitch. You can use the auto tie off feature but refrain from using auto thread cutting. It’s necessary to leave thread tails to securely finish the button sewing. When finished gently pull the fabric forward, leave long tails and then cut the threads.
• There are two ways to use this foot – with or without the shank lever. Method one is shown using the shank lever. This lever is designed for thicker buttons or button sewn onto thicker fabrics. The added height formed by the lever makes it easier to slip the button in and out of the buttonhole. Snap the button sewing foot onto the shank of the machine.

2. To begin, place the button on the fabric with the metal toes resting on top of the button, having the button centered under the foot. See Figure #2.

[caption id="attachment_9659" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Figure #2[/caption]

3. Slide the lever forward. Test the width to make sure the needle easily clears both holes. See Figure #3a and Figure 3b.

[caption id="attachment_9660" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Figure #3a[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9661" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Figure #3b[/caption]

4. Place your foot on the foot control and sew until the machine stops. Or, if you prefer to use the start stop button you can use that instead. When finished sewing, you can bring the thread to the underside using a hand needle and then tie off the stitches by making a strong knot. Treat with seam sealant for extra security. See below:

• Depending on the thickness of your fabric or your button, you may want to wrap the two ends of the upper thread around the underside of the button to create a strong shank. See Figure #4.

[caption id="attachment_9662" align="aligncenter" width="255"]
Figure #4[/caption]

5. For method two, slide the shank lever back to sew a button that does not need extra room. Align the foot in the same manner as you did in Step 2 and test by turning the hand wheel. Sew until the machine stops. To finish feed the thread to the underside using a hand needle, and tie in a strong knot. Apply a light dose of seam sealant for extra security.
6. Use your new button sewing skills to transform a blouse as follows:

• Carefully remove buttons with a seam ripper. See Figure #5.

[caption id="attachment_9663" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Figure #5[/caption]

• Use chalk to mark the original position of the button.
• Use a drop of wash out fabric glue to hold buttons in place until you’re ready to stitch. Let dry completely before sewing. See Figure #6.

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Figure #6[/caption]

• Sew each new button on as you learned in the steps above. See Figure #7.

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Figure #7[/caption] See before and after pictures below: [caption id="attachment_9672" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Before[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9673" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
After[/caption] Enjoy using your new button sewing skills for future projects! Additional Tips:

• Check your machine manual for stitch numbers and settings that are specific to your particular machine model.
• To sew buttons with four holes it is best to stitch the two holes closest to you first, tie off threads as shown above, and then reposition the foot to sew the second set of holes in the same manner.
• Seam sealant is a great help in making buttons more secure but it is a good idea to test in an inconspicuous spot to make sure no staining occurs on your fabric. In addition, always use a light dose of seam sealant to avoid unnecessary stiffness.