Test a la chanel hand buttonhole
Right side view of the test buttonhole
Reverse side of the buttonhole
I used Claire Shaeffer's technique explained in Couture Sewing Technique (page 91) to make this test hand buttonhole.
Viewed from the outside it is an embroidered buttonhole with a bar and fan. On the underling side it is a bound buttonhole.
This method is time consuming, but it is meant to be nice to look at from both sides.
What I like best about the result is that despite the fabric it did not fray at all and I am very pleased about that. To avoid fraying I applied beewax on the edges before overcasting.
What I am not pleased with is the thread I used (cotton quilting thread) I know I should have used silk buttonhole twist and what is called gimp for the strand but unfortunately these are impossible to find where I live. I've found a british online store and I'll probably pass an order with them.
I intend to use these buttonholes for the sleeves vents which are meant to be functional. That's another Chanel traits.
parting shot:
two closeup shots of a vintage Chanel Jacket
I found them here. I suppose they are David Page Coffin's drawn from Behind the Seams The Claire Shaeffer Collection: Part 1 CHANEL
