Need a Tailor (Someone) to Machine-Stitch Faux Buttonholes on Jacket Cuff(s)

[creagdhubh]

I showed your posting to my wife, who used to teach sewing. She thinks that what you want to have done is fairly simple. She feels that it should be easy to open the placket, loosen the lining, and do the button hole on the sewing machine. She wonders if the "tailors" that you approached might consider machine stitched button holes to be a bit beneath them, as they might normally do a bound button hole. She suggests that you try a dry cleaner that offers tailoring/alteration services. Some dry cleaners offer quite competent tailoring. In fact, the wife of the dry cleaner that we used in Pennsylvania was so good, that my wife stopped doing alterations on our clothing that required any tailoring techniques. We do miss that woman!

Thanks Lyle! I may try that.

Cheers,

[madmacs]

Purely from the opposite direction (ie getting rid of the fake button holes), and assuming the first button hole is fake...

it's likely to be a case of turn the jacket inside out, hope you find an odd looking seam in the sleeve (sewn on the outside) which is how the lining was sewn (unless they did it before attaching the sleeves) split the stiching, then pull the sleeve out through the hole and rip the fake button hole stitching, usually a couple of stiches is enough to have the thread pulling free due to how machines stitch... (Different to hand stiching)

With the old ones removed (obviously not the cthulhu old ones, but i digress) it's just a case of sewing however many faux buttonholes you want with a machine, which is likely to be easier than matching... Then reverse the sleeve bit and sew up the split on the inside of the sleeve... Or find an old seamstress that can do them neatly by hand...

[creagdhubh]

Purely from the opposite direction (ie getting rid of the fake button holes), and assuming the first button hole is fake...

it's likely to be a case of turn the jacket inside out, hope you find an odd looking seam in the sleeve (sewn on the outside) which is how the lining was sewn (unless they did it before attaching the sleeves) split the stiching, then pull the sleeve out through the hole and rip the fake button hole stitching, usually a couple of stiches is enough to have the thread pulling free due to how machines stitch... (Different to hand stiching)

With the old ones removed (obviously not the cthulhu old ones, but i digress) it's just a case of sewing however many faux buttonholes you want with a machine, which is likely to be easier than matching... Then reverse the sleeve bit and sew up the split on the inside of the sleeve... Or find an old seamstress that can do them neatly by hand...

Thanks for the advice, however, I have no idea how to even attempt any of this. I have always had someone else take care of my tailoring needs, but there seems to be a shortage of good tailors in the Cincinnati area, in which I reside. I haven't heard from Kinloch-Anderson yet. I will continue to do a wee bit of research in regards to tailors in the area, but I shall not dwell on this dilemma for too long.

Thanks mate,

[creagdhubh]

Problem solved!!!

The jackets are on their way to Leith, Scotland to have the additional buttonholes made and buttons sewn on - I guess I simple e-mail to Kinloch-Anderson in the first place, would have been ideal! Oh well. I wanted to check with the rabble first before possibly sending my jackets overseas. I am also sending my waistcoats in order for the buttons to be 'tightened,' as they have become loose over the years. Get this, no fee for any of this - only cost of shipping. This is another reason why I have chosen to do business with Kinloch-Anderson through the years - outstanding customer service and commitment to excellence, time and time again.

Thanks again to all who contributed...

Happy Hogmanay!

[madmacs]

If you havent mailed them yet, it might be worth putting on the customs label "for repair and return" and having them put "returned after repair" to avoid getting hit with duty...

[creagdhubh]

If you havent mailed them yet, it might be worth putting on the customs label "for repair and return" and having them put "returned after repair" to avoid getting hit with duty...

That's already been done, per Kinloch-Anderson's advice prior to shipment. Thanks though!

Cheers,

[sydnie7]

Wow, now that sets the customer service bar pretty high! Good to hear that your beautiful garments will get the best of care.

Happy New Year to all!

[creagdhubh]

Wow, now that sets the customer service bar pretty high! Good to hear that your beautiful garments will get the best of care.

Happy New Year to all!

Aye, it does. I suppose that is why Kinloch-Anderson (formerly, William Anderson and Sons) has been in the Highland attire business since the 19th-century, and still going strong! A Royal Warrant doesn't hurt either.

Cheers,

[davidg]

Aye, it does. I suppose that is why Kinloch-Anderson (formerly, William Anderson and Sons) has been in the Highland attire business since the 19th-century, and still going strong! A Royal Warrant doesn't hurt either.

Cheers,

And their very high prices help even more. That's not a criticism but merely making the point you get what you pay for. You have paid for that service when you first bought the items and they are simply providing it for you as one of their valued customers. "Bargain Basement Kilts" would never be able to provide the same level of service

I'm not surprised at their service and it's the best option for you. They will replicate your buttonholes exactly because they created the originals

[creagdhubh]

And their very high prices help even more. That's not a criticism but merely making the point you get what you pay for. You have paid for that service when you first bought the items and they are simply providing it for you as one of their valued customers. "Bargain Basement Kilts" would never be able to provide the same level of service

I'm not surprised at their service and it's the best option for you. They will replicate your buttonholes exactly because they created the originals

Well stated, and I completely agree with your point. Their prices are indeed high, but you definitely get what you pay for. The next time I order a day jacket from them, I'll be sure to specify 'three cuff buttons!'

Cheers,