, and then removed. Before
the thread is fastened, it should be wrapped two or three times around
the threads holding the button, between the button and the cloth, then
fastened neatly on the wrong side with a few small stitches one on top
of another.

[Illustration: _Fig._ 18.--Sewing on buttons]

PRELIMINARY PLAN

Each pupil should come to the class with her apron as nearly completed
as possible, and with three buttons to sew on it, for fastening the belt
and straps.

METHOD OF WORK

The teacher should discuss the best methods of fastening garments and
should demonstrate the method of sewing on buttons. The pupils should
sew one button on the left end of the apron band in the middle of the
width about 1 inch from the end, and another button 4 inches from each
end of the band, to hold the shoulder straps.

LESSON XVIII: METHODS OF FASTENING GARMENTS--Continued

_Button-holes on practice piece and on apron._

SUBJECT-MATTER

Directions for making the button-hole.--Measure carefully the position
for the button-hole, lengthwise of the band, so that the end will come
one quarter of an inch from the edge of the garment. Mark the length of
the button-hole on the material by putting in two lines of
running-stitches at the ends. To cut the button-hole, insert the point
of the scissors at the point marked by the running-stitches nearest the
edge of the garment, and cut carefully along the thread of the material
to the row of stitches marking the length at the other end.

[Illustration:
(_a_) Starting the button-hole
(_b_) The button-hole stitch
(_c_) The finished button-hole
_Fig._ 19.--Working button-holes]

To make the button-hole, use a thread of sufficient length to do both
the overcasting and the button-holing. Beginning at the lower right
corner, overcast the raw edges with stitches one sixteenth of an inch
deep. Do not overcast around the ends of the hole. As soon as the
overcasting is done, proceed with the button-holing without breaking the
thread. Hold the button-hole horizontally over the first finger of the
left hand and work from right to left. Insert the point of the needle
through the button-hole (at the back end), bringing the point through,
toward you, four or five threads below the edge of the button-hole.
Bring the doubled thread from the eye of the needle from right to left
under and around the point of the needle, draw the needle through, and
pull the thread firmly, so t