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.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
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.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
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.