How To: Sew Faux Button Bands on the Austin Dress

If you love the look of the original Austin Dress button bands, but just want to skip the buttonholes, this tutorial is for you! I'll show you how to create faux button bands that look just like the original pattern — no buttonholes required. Want to omit the button bands altogether? I’ve got a tutorial for that too.

I would love to convince you to become one with buttonholes, but I totally understand that they’re not for everyone. Maybe you had a bad experience cutting them open in the past, maybe your machine is a hassle with the buttonhole function. Whatever the reason, I do think sewing is a great opportunity to master new skills in a low-stakes environment. Grab some of the scraps you’ve been hoarding and take an afternoon to really get to know your machine’s buttonhole function. You might even have a button sew-on stitch that you’ve overlooked! The worst that happens is you’re in the same spot you were before, and the best is you conquer something you didn't think you could. Who cares either way? Sewing is just for you!

A few quick notes before we get started sewing. First off, you do not need functional button bands to get in and out of the Austin, it slips easily over your head.

For sizing this means you’ll want to choose the same size you’d make if you were sewing the dress as drafted. Since the dress is designed to easily slip on and off, you’ll be fine with your usual size.

Austin Dress Faux Button Band Sewing Instructions

1. Cut out your pattern as instructed, there are no pattern alterations required for this hack.

2. Sew your Austin Dress according to the instructions up through step 33. This tutorial works for both Views A and B.

3. Once you’ve finished the final topstitching, align the button bands front over back, aligning the underarm, waistline seam, and hem. You’ll notice in the photo that I’ve overlapped the front button band over the stitching line along the inner edge of the back button band so it isn’t visible. This isn’t required, but it is a nice touch. Pin the button bands together.

4. Baste down the center of the button bands, anchoring them together from the underarm down to the hem. 

5. Using the guides provided in the pattern, mark the button placement on your button bands.

6. Sew the buttons on through both button bands, then remove your basting when all buttons have been attached.

That’s all there is to it! If you have a button sew-on foot this is even easier, though it’s not too bad by hand either. Pop on a great show and go to town. When you’re finished everyone will be so impressed by your button band sides – I won’t tell them they’re fake if you don’t!

You can pick up the Austin Dress pattern in the shop and head over to the sew-along guide for step-by-step video tutorials on the original construction. Please note that this modification isn't covered in the sew-along, only the pattern as originally written.

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below, and if you make your own version make sure to tag me on Sewcial or Instagram if you post @grainlinestudio! I always love seeing what people do with my patterns!