Any zigzag machine can make a buttonhole. A buttonhole is simply four satin stitches grouped together to form a rectangle. These stitches protect the fabric from fraying. If your machine does not have a built-in buttonhole stitch then practice your satin stitching on some scrap. Try a variety of stitch widths and lengths.

You will soon be confident enough to see a manual buttonhole. For guidance look at an example on one of your store bought garments. A wide satin stitch on the top and bottom of the buttonhole (short stitch length and allow the needle to pierce the fabric five to seven times) followed by a long narrow satin stitch down each side.

If you have a built in buttonhole stitch… review your manual before you start. I recommend practicing on some scrap fabric. Practice allows you to try different stabilizers if you choose to use one.