Buttonhole
A buttonhole is an essential element in garment construction that shows a tailor's skill level. It's a slit or loop in fabric that allows a button to pass through and secure clothing. Professional tailors must master different types of buttonholes, from basic machine-made ones to intricate hand-stitched varieties. This skill is particularly important in formal wear, custom clothing, and high-end fashion where quality and craftsmanship are crucial. The term might appear in resumes as "buttonhole making," "hand-finished buttonholes," or "bound buttonholes," each indicating different levels of expertise in garment construction.
Examples in Resumes
Crafted custom buttonholes and bound buttonholes for luxury menswear suits
Trained junior staff in proper buttonhole techniques and standards
Specialized in hand-finished buttonholes for wedding gowns and formal wear
Typical job title: "Tailors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Tailors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach making a bound buttonhole on a designer wool coat?
Expected Answer: A senior tailor should explain the complete process, including measuring, marking, using proper interfacing, creating precise welts, and ensuring clean corners. They should also mention how fabric type affects the technique.
Q: What considerations do you take when placing buttonholes on a custom suit?
Expected Answer: Should discuss button spacing rules, proper placement for different body types, how to adjust for customer preferences, and maintaining balance and proportion in the overall design.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the different types of buttonholes you can create?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe machine-made, hand-worked, bound, and keyhole buttonholes, along with when each type is most appropriate to use.
Q: How do you ensure buttonhole durability in frequently used garments?
Expected Answer: Should explain proper interfacing techniques, appropriate thread choice, reinforcement methods, and how to prevent fraying or tearing.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the standard process for marking and measuring buttonholes?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic measurement techniques, proper spacing, and how to mark fabric without damaging it.
Q: How do you use a buttonhole foot on a sewing machine?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic machine setup, how to adjust stitch length and width, and the steps to create a basic machine buttonhole.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic machine-made buttonholes
- Simple measurements and marking
- Basic garment construction
- Use of standard sewing equipment
Mid (2-5 years)
- Hand-worked buttonholes
- Different buttonhole styles
- Work with various fabric types
- Quality control assessment
Senior (5+ years)
- Bound and specialty buttonholes
- Custom technique development
- High-end garment construction
- Training and supervision
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of different buttonhole types
- Inability to work with different fabric types
- Lack of attention to detail
- No experience with hand-sewing techniques
Related Terms
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