Button Attaching Machine
A button attaching machine is a specialized sewing machine for the button-attaching process, used to attach buttons on garments and fashion accessories to fabric with a fixed stitching method.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
A button attaching machine is a specialized sewing machine for attaching buttons to fabric by passing thread through the button holes or shank. It holds the button and fabric in the specified position and attaches them with a set number of stitches or stitch pattern, so it is used to standardize work in mass production.
Although buttons can also be attached with a standard lockstitch machine using a method close to hand sewing, a button attaching machine differs in that its main purpose is button attachment. It is a separate machine from a buttonholing machine, which makes buttonholes; the former attaches buttons, and the latter makes buttonholes.
Compatible Button Construction
Hole-type buttons such as two-hole buttons, four-hole buttons, and cat's-eye buttons are sewn with stitch patterns set to match the hole positions. For four-hole buttons, there are appearances such as cross attachment and parallel attachment, and it is important to specify the sewing method, thread color, and number of stitches clearly in the specification sheet.
Shank buttons are attached by looping the thread through the shank on the back of the button, so their holding method and sewing conditions differ from those of hole-type buttons. Check the shank shape, such as ring shank or tunnel shank, the inner diameter of the shank, and the button thickness, and test in advance whether stable attachment is possible with the machine and jig used.
- Hole-type buttons: Check the number of holes, hole spacing, and hole shape.
- Shank buttons: Check the type of shank, inner diameter, direction of the shank, and button height.
- Button with backing button: Used on the back side of a front button to distribute pulling load.
Size Indication and How to Determine Specifications
Button diameter may be shown in lignes as well as millimeters. Lignes is a unit indicating button size, and for ordering and specification confirmation, listing the actual size in millimeters as well as the ligne notation helps reduce misunderstandings.
In sewing specifications, define not only the button diameter but also the number of holes or shank shape, attachment position, sewing direction, thread count, thread color, number of stitches, and whether a thread shank is used. For heavy fabrics or fabrics with a long pile, also check the required gap between the button and the fabric.
Main Applications and Precautions During Attachment
Used for shirt and blouse plackets and cuffs, jacket and coat front openings and cuffs, pants waists, skirts, and dresses. Choose the button shape and attachment method according to the item's use, fabric thickness, and the force applied when opening and closing.
For lightweight fabrics, check the thread tension and fastening so the fabric does not pucker. For heavy fabrics, ensure the thread does not sink in and that the button height allows stable fastening and unfastening. Knit and highly stretchy fabrics should be considered together with reinforcement and attachment position to avoid thread breakage and fabric tearing due to stretch.
Handling and Quality Checks
Resistance to washing, dry cleaning, and ironing varies depending on the combination of button material, surface finish, sewing thread, and fabric. In particular, natural materials and hard materials such as shell, real buffalo horn, wood, and glass, as well as painted or plated items, should be checked for cracking, discoloration, and surface damage due to cleaning conditions, heat, chemicals, and impact.
Before mass production, make a sewn sample using the actual fabric and buttons, and check the attachment position, surface scratches, thread fraying, button looseness, and attachment strength. Finished products should follow the care label instructions, and as a rule, irons should not be pressed directly and strongly against the button.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a button attaching machine and a buttonholing machine?
A button attaching machine is a machine for sewing buttons onto garments. A buttonholing machine is a machine for sewing buttonholes for buttons to pass through. For front openings and similar items, the reference positions for both processes are managed in the specification so that the button position and buttonhole position match.
Can shank buttons be attached with the same machine as hole-type buttons?
Shank buttons are attached by looping thread through the shank on the back of the button, so their holding method and sewing method differ from those of hole-type buttons. Whether they can be handled depends on the machine specifications, the shank shape and inner diameter of the button, and the thickness, so perform attachment tests and strength checks with actual items before mass production.
In what cases is a thread shank needed for button attaching?
A thread shank is a method of creating a thread column between the button and the fabric, making it easier for the button to pass through the buttonhole even on thick plackets or coat fabrics. The required height varies depending on the fabric thickness and buttonhole specifications, so check both fastening/unfastening and looseness with a sample.
