The Basic Method: Yarn Over and Decrease

A buttonhole in knitting is made by creating an intentional gap in your fabric, then closing it back up on the next row. The simplest way is to yarn over (wrap yarn around your needle) and then decrease stitches on the same row. This removes stitches where the hole will be, and the yarn over adds a stitch back, keeping your stitch count even.

On the row where you want the buttonhole, knit to the spot where the hole should go. Yarn over once, then knit two stitches together (or slip one stitch, knit one, pass the slipped stitch over if you prefer a neater decrease). This creates a one-stitch buttonhole. On the next row, knit across normally—the yarn over becomes a visible hole, and the decrease closes the gap on the other side.

This method works for small buttons and is fast because it takes only two rows. The hole is roughly the size of a single stitch, so it suits buttons up to about half an inch wide.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-row buttonhole uses a yarn over paired with a decrease on the same row, creating a small hole that closes on the next row.
  • A two-row buttonhole binds off stitches on one row and casts them back on the next, making a larger, sturdier hole for bigger buttons.
  • Measure your button before you knit—the hole should be slightly smaller than the button itself, since knit fabric stretches.
  • Mark the buttonhole location on your pattern or with a stitch marker before you start knitting, so you do not miss the row.
  • Test the button in the hole before you weave in ends; you can always unravel and redo the buttonhole if it is too tight or too loose.

Making a Larger Buttonhole for Bigger Buttons

If your button is larger than half an inch, a one-stitch hole will be too small. Instead, use a two-row buttonhole, which binds off multiple stitches and then casts them back on. This creates a wider, more stable opening.

On the row where the buttonhole goes, knit to the spot and bind off the number of stitches you need—usually two to four stitches for a medium button. Knit the remaining stitches on that row. On the next row, when you reach the bound-off gap, cast the same number of stitches back on using the cable cast-on or another method you are comfortable with. Knit to the end of the row.

The result is a rectangular hole that does not close up. This method is sturdier than a yarn-over hole because the edges are more defined, and the button sits more securely. It takes two rows instead of one, but the extra row is worth it for buttons larger than half an inch.

Measuring and Positioning Your Buttonholes

Before you start knitting, measure your button across its widest point. The buttonhole should be slightly smaller than that measurement—about one-eighth inch smaller—because knit fabric stretches when you push the button through. If your button is one inch wide, aim for a buttonhole that is roughly seven-eighths of an inch.

Mark where each buttonhole goes on your pattern or with a stitch marker. Count the rows from your cast-on edge or from a previous buttonhole, and write down the row number. This prevents you from accidentally skipping a buttonhole or placing them unevenly. If you are making a cardigan with multiple buttons, space them evenly—usually one buttonhole every 2 to 3 inches of length, depending on the garment.

Test your first buttonhole before you finish the garment. Knit a few rows past it, then thread your button through to see if it fits. If it is too tight, you can unravel back to that row and redo it with one more stitch bound off. If it is too loose, you can add a stitch to the next buttonhole.

Reinforcing Buttonholes to Prevent Stretching

Buttonholes in knit fabric can stretch out over time, especially if the button is heavy or the garment is worn frequently. One way to prevent this is to pick up stitches around the hole after you finish knitting and work a few rows of ribbing or garter stitch around the opening. This adds structure without changing the look of the garment.

After you bind off your main piece, use a smaller needle and pick up one stitch in each stitch around the buttonhole—usually four to six stitches total. Work two or three rows of knit stitch (garter stitch) or knit-purl ribbing, then bind off. This creates a reinforced edge that holds its shape.

Another option is to sew a small button on the inside of the garment, directly behind the buttonhole. This does not change the outside appearance but prevents the hole from stretching because the inside button shares the load with the outside one. This method works especially well for cardigans that get heavy use.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is forgetting to decrease when you yarn over, which leaves you with extra stitches and throws off your stitch count for the rest of the row. Always pair your yarn over with a decrease on the same row. Write it into your pattern if you are working from memory: "yarn over, knit two together" as a single unit.

Another mistake is making the hole too large. If you bind off four stitches for a small button, the hole will be too big and the button will slip through. Start with two stitches for a small button and add one more if needed. You can always redo it, but it is easier to get it right the first time.

Uneven spacing is also common. If you do not mark your buttonhole rows in advance, you may place them too close together or too far apart. Use a stitch marker or write the row numbers on your pattern before you start. This takes thirty seconds and saves you from having to unravel.

Buttonholes in Different Stitch Patterns

The yarn-over-and-decrease method works in stockinette stitch and most other patterns, but it becomes less visible in textured stitches like ribbing or seed stitch. If you are knitting a cardigan in ribbing, a one-stitch buttonhole may be hard to see. In that case, use a two-row buttonhole instead, which creates a more obvious gap.

In lace patterns, buttonholes are often part of the stitch pattern itself—the yarn overs that create the lace design can serve as buttonholes if you place them in the right spot. Check your pattern to see if it already includes buttonholes. If not, you can add them using the standard methods, but test them first on a swatch to make sure they blend with the lace.

In garter stitch (knit every row), buttonholes look the same as in stockinette, but the hole may appear slightly less defined because garter stitch is thicker. Use the same sizing rules, but be aware that the hole may look smaller than it actually is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a buttonhole in a row I have already knitted?

Not easily. Buttonholes must be planned and worked into your knitting as you go. If you forget a buttonhole, you will need to unravel back to that row, work the buttonhole, and knit forward again. This is why marking buttonhole rows on your pattern before you start is so important.

What if my buttonhole is too tight and the button will not fit through?

Unravel back to the buttonhole row and redo it with one more stitch bound off (or one more yarn over if it is a one-row buttonhole). Knit forward again. It is faster than you might think, and the result will be correct. Alternatively, you can gently stretch the hole by hand while wearing the garment, but this is not reliable for heavy buttons.

Do I need to use a specific cast-on method when I cast stitches back on for a two-row buttonhole?

The cable cast-on works well because it is sturdy and does not add extra bulk. The long-tail cast-on also works. Avoid the backward loop cast-on because it creates loose stitches that may stretch. Use whichever method you are most comfortable with, as long as the stitches are snug.

How do I know if my buttonhole is the right size before I finish the garment?

Knit a few rows past the buttonhole, then thread your button through it. If it slides through easily with a little resistance, the size is right. If it is very tight or very loose, unravel back and adjust the number of stitches bound off. Testing early saves time later.

Can I add buttonholes to a finished garment?

Yes, but it is more work. You will need to carefully cut the stitches in a vertical line where you want the hole, then pick up stitches around the opening and work a reinforced edge. This method is called a cut buttonhole and is usually reserved for woven fabrics. For knit, it is better to plan buttonholes before you start knitting.