I generally open my buttonholes with a seam ripper: poke down at one end and rip halfway, then repeat with the other side. Most times I’ll keep my machine’s buttonhole setting on until after I open the holes in case some threads DO get cut and I have to zigzag over that area again. Pins at the ends are great!

Maybe a buttonhole cutter?? It’s a metal chisel you pound into the slit to open. But the threads are still at risk of being cut if your machine makes stitches too close. I’ve also tried cutting the slit first then doing a machine zigzag at the sides with bar tacks at the ends, which will prevent any accidents with cutting but may be a bit more challenging to sew and complete the full stitches. But it works.

I’ve been using the techniques in your video and have little trouble with ripping seams. When I do have trouble, it’s because of short stitches, fine fabric, and/or exact-match thread; I’ve learned to avoid such situations whenever possible!

I do have a question: when opening a narrow buttonhole, how can one avoid cutting the threads at either side? Cutting through the end hasn’t been a problem since I started putting a pin across to stop the ripper, or just cutting from each end toward the middle. But my new machine puts the stitches of one side so close to the stitches of the other that I can’t manage to open the buttonhole without catching a few of the stitches too! Any tips?

Duct tape works even better, faster, cheaper.

Free one of the threads up with a thread puller until you can grasp it with your fingers then yank on the freed thread. If the thread tension/stitch length was good the thread can easily be pulled through the fabric. Every so often you might have to cut the stitching further along though, or deal with the fabric bunching up.

I decided to use a rather appropriate skirt that I had already bought already made up, and attempt to make an added bustle to go on the back. I was still hesitant as wasnt sure what my first step should be. I found the inspiration from watching your video, and am now eager to ‘get sewing’… thank you again, a truly wonderful video.
Regards, Shirlie 🙂