The two main ways to make a buttonhole while knitting

A buttonhole is a deliberate opening in your knitted fabric where a button will pass through. You create it by binding off a small number of stitches on one row, then casting new stitches back on in the same spot on the next row. The result is a hole that stays in place and doesn't unravel.

The two methods are the one-row buttonhole (faster, works best for small buttons) and the two-row buttonhole (neater edges, better for larger buttons or delicate yarn). Both are worked into your knitting pattern at a specific row—usually marked on your pattern as "buttonhole row" or "BH row."

The one-row method takes about 30 seconds per buttonhole once you know the motion. The two-row method takes a minute or two but gives you a more finished look. Neither requires special tools beyond needles and yarn.

Key Takeaways

  • A buttonhole is made by binding off stitches on one row and casting them back on the next row, creating a deliberate opening in your fabric.
  • The one-row buttonhole is faster and works well for small buttons; the two-row buttonhole has neater edges and suits larger buttons.
  • You bind off the same number of stitches as your button is wide, measured in stitches on your gauge swatch.
  • After binding off, you cast the stitches back on using the cable cast-on or backward loop method to close the hole.
  • Test your buttonhole size on a gauge swatch before working it into your finished piece.

How to measure your button and choose stitch count

Before you bind off any stitches, you need to know how many stitches to bind off. This depends on your button size and your knitting gauge.

Lay your button on top of your gauge swatch (the small square of knitting you made to check your stitch and row gauge). Count how many stitches the button spans across. If your button is 0.75 inches wide and your gauge is 4 stitches per inch, you bind off 3 stitches. If your button is 1 inch wide at the same gauge, bind off 4 stitches. Always round down rather than up—a slightly snug buttonhole is better than one so loose the button falls through.

Write down the stitch count before you start knitting. Many knitters make this mistake: they eyeball it during knitting and end up with buttonholes that don't fit. A 5-minute test on your gauge swatch saves you from ripping back an entire sleeve.

The one-row buttonhole: step by step

The one-row buttonhole is the faster method. You bind off stitches on a single row, then cast them back on when ready on the same row. The hole closes up as you knit the next row.

Step 1: Knit to the buttonhole position. Follow your pattern until you reach the row marked for the buttonhole. Knit across until you are one stitch before where the hole should start. You are now ready to bind off.

Step 2: Bind off the stitches. Knit the next stitch. Pass the previous stitch over it (this is one bind-off). Repeat this bind-off motion for the total number of stitches your button needs. If you are binding off 3 stitches, you will pass a stitch over three times. After the last pass-over, you have one stitch on your right needle.

Step 3: Cast the stitches back on. Using the cable cast-on or backward loop method, cast new stitches onto your right needle until you have the same number you just bound off. If you bound off 3, cast on 3. This closes the hole. You now have a small opening in your fabric.

Step 4: Knit the next row normally. On the following row, knit across as usual. The stitches you cast on will tighten slightly as you work into them, and the hole will hold its shape.

Timing: the entire one-row buttonhole takes 20 to 40 seconds once you are comfortable with the bind-off and cast-on motions.

The two-row buttonhole: step by step

The two-row buttonhole spreads the work across two rows, which gives you neater, more finished-looking edges. It is the method used in most commercial knitwear.

Step 1: Bind off on the first row. Knit to one stitch before the buttonhole position. Knit the next stitch, then bind off the required number of stitches using the pass-over method (same as the one-row buttonhole). Do not cast new stitches back on yet. Finish knitting that row normally.

Step 2: Purl back on the wrong side. On the next row (the return row), purl across until you reach the gap left by the bind-off. You will see an empty space where the stitches were.

Step 3: Cast on above the gap. Using the cable cast-on, cast new stitches onto your left needle (the needle you are knitting from) directly above the gap. Cast on the same number you bound off. This closes the hole from the wrong side.

Step 4: Purl the new stitches and finish the row. Purl the stitches you just cast on, then purl to the end of the row. On the next row, knit normally. The buttonhole is now complete.

The two-row method takes 1 to 2 minutes per buttonhole because you are spreading the work across two rows and the cast-on sits on the wrong side, where it is less visible.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Binding off too many stitches. If your buttonhole is too large, the button will slip through without catching. Always test on your gauge swatch first. If you make a mistake mid-project, you can pick up the stitches and knit them back in, but it is easier to get it right the first time.

Casting on the wrong number of stitches. You must cast on exactly as many stitches as you bound off. If you bind off 4 and cast on 3, you will have a gap that grows larger as you knit. Count on your fingers as you cast on to stay accurate.

Casting on too tightly. If your cast-on stitches are very tight, the buttonhole will pucker and look unfinished. Use a slightly larger needle for the cast-on if needed, or loosen your tension as you work. You can always tighten it again on the next row.

Forgetting to mark buttonhole rows in your pattern. Before you start knitting, write the row numbers where each buttonhole goes directly on your pattern. This prevents you from placing them randomly or forgetting one entirely.

Spacing multiple buttonholes evenly

If you are knitting a cardigan or shirt with several buttons, you need to space the buttonholes evenly so the garment closes properly and looks balanced.

Count the total number of rows between your cast-on edge and your bind-off edge. Divide by the number of buttonholes you need (for example, 120 rows ÷ 5 buttonholes = 24 rows apart). Mark every 24th row on your pattern. This gives you roughly equal spacing. The first buttonhole usually sits 1 to 1.5 inches from the bottom edge, and the last one sits 0.5 to 1 inch from the top edge.

Write the row numbers directly on your pattern before you cast on. Many knitters use a highlighter or colored pencil to mark buttonhole rows, which makes them impossible to miss while knitting.

Reinforcing buttonholes in delicate yarn

If you are working with lace weight, fingering weight, or any yarn that is prone to snagging, you can reinforce the buttonhole edges after you finish knitting.

Thread a tapestry needle with matching yarn and work a few stitches around the buttonhole opening using a whip stitch or backstitch. This prevents the edges from stretching out over time and keeps the hole from unraveling if a thread catches. Work loosely—you are not trying to close the hole, just stabilize its edges.

Alternatively, you can use a buttonhole stitch (a traditional embroidery stitch) around the opening for a more polished look. This is common in vintage knitting patterns and adds a professional finish to handmade garments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I knit past the buttonhole row by mistake?

You can pick up the stitches and rip back to the correct row, or you can cut the yarn and carefully unravel just that section. If you are only a few rows past, it is usually faster to rip back than to try to fix it from above. Mark your buttonhole rows clearly on your pattern before you start to prevent this.

Can I make a buttonhole in ribbing?

Yes, but it is trickier because ribbing is elastic and the hole may close up. Use the two-row method and cast on in pattern (knit over knit, purl over purl) to keep the ribbing structure intact. You may need to reinforce the edges afterward.

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

Test it on your gauge swatch before you knit the whole garment. Push your button through the hole—it should fit snugly but not so tight that you have to force it. If it is too loose, bind off one more stitch next time. If it is too tight, bind off one fewer stitch.

Do I need to block my buttonholes?

Blocking helps even out the edges and can make a slightly uneven buttonhole look more polished. Wet block your finished garment as you normally would, and gently stretch the buttonhole opening to the correct size while it dries. This is especially helpful for the one-row method.

What cast-on method works best for closing a buttonhole?

The cable cast-on and backward loop cast-on both work well. Cable cast-on gives a neater edge and is worth learning if you make buttonholes regularly. Backward loop is faster but can look slightly looser. Use whichever you are most comfortable with.