Eyelet Buttonhole
The simplest buttonhole — a yarn over followed by a k2tog — creates a small round eyelet sized for small buttons. It is the standard buttonhole for baby cardigans and lightweight summer garments.
Method
Work to the buttonhole position. Yarn over, k2tog. Continue across. The yarn over creates the eyelet; the k2tog maintains the stitch count.
Sizing
The eyelet is approximately 1 stitch wide. Use buttons no larger than 1 cm in worsted weight, smaller in finer weights. For larger buttons, use the one-row or two-row buttonhole.
Best uses
Baby cardigans (small buttons, lightweight yarn). Summer cotton tops with shirt-style buttons. Decorative shawl ties.
Reinforcing
For high-stress buttonholes, sew a small reinforcing buttonhole stitch (in matching thread) around the eyelet after blocking. This prevents the eyelet from stretching out over time.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| yo | yarn over |
| k2tog | knit two together |
Tips
- Match the eyelet size to the button — too large and the button slips through unintentionally.
- Reinforce with embroidery thread for high-stress buttonholes.
- For larger buttons, use the one-row or two-row buttonhole.
In depth
The eyelet buttonhole creates a single-stitch hole sized for small buttons. It is the simplest and fastest buttonhole and is structurally identical to the eyelet element in lace knitting.