Boutonniere Loop Stem Keeper – How To Do It Yourself

by Sven Raphael Schneider on June 18, 2010 in Accessories, Bespoke, Clothing, Miscellaneous, Our Best Articles, Sportscoats, Suits, Wardrobe, Wedding

Boutonniere Loop

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Recently, we wrote an article about boutonnieres and lapel vases. In order to wear these two accessories, a jacket needs a boutonniere loop on the backside of the lapel, underneath the buttonhole, to keep the flower safely in place. Typically only bespoke jackets or some very pricey ready-to-wear garments feature such a loop.

Now if you plan to wear a boutonniere, but are one of the many whose jacket does not have a loop, you have two options. You can either bring it your tailor (some alterations tailors may not even know what you are talking about) or you do it yourself. In fact, it requires neither a lot of tools nor expert sewing skills to create a nice little loop. In the following, I will show you how I add a neat looking loop to the back of a lapel in just a few minutes. Although I consider it to be a very simple task, please bear in mind that you do so at your own risk . First, you need a needle, some thread and scissors. For this particular loop, I chose a thicker thread that will provide a nice color contrast to the fabric. This way, the loop will be easier to construct and sturdier in the long run. The thimble is optional.

All pictures can be enlarged by clicking at them. 

Second, decide where you want your loop to be. In my opinion, the loop should be placed at about 1 inch under the buttonhole. The angle of the loop is not too important, you just have to able to put your boutonniere through your buttonhole and the loop later.

Third, thread the needle and make a knot at the end. Now, insert it between the layers of fabric about  half an inch away from the position where you want your loop to be and and come out of the fabric at that position. Make sure that nothing is visible on the front side of the lapel.

Now, make a stitch, form a loop and tie a knot – repeat it two to three times.

Once you are done with that, pinch the fabric together with your fingers, and pull on the knot that is about half an inch away. Cut the thread very close the the fabric and the remaining thread will disappear between the layers.

Make another stitch, pull the thread so it lays flat, form a loop and tie a knot at the position where you want your boutonniere loop to end. If you have thin thread, you can go back to the other end of the loop, tie a knot, and come back again and tie a knot. I did not do that in this picture because I thought it was thick enough.Now, wrap the thread by looping the needle under and around the boutonniere loop about 8 times.

Boutonniere loop - do it yourself

Tie a knot and wrap it around in the same manner,  in the opposite direction.

Tie another knot once you have reached the other side. Usually, your boutonniere loop is almost done by now.

Based on the thickness of your loop and thread, determine if yours is sturdy enough to hold a flower. I realized that I wanted it to be a little thicker, and if this is also your conclusion, repeat the steps of tying a knot and looping the thread until you reach the desired thickness.

Almost done! 

Once more, insert the needle in between the layers and resurface somewhere about half an inch away.

Pinch the fabric together and cut the thread very close to the cloth. Again, the rest of thread will disappear in between the layers.

Boutonniere Buttonhole Loop

Done!

Check the front of the lapel – everything looks fine.

Boutonniere loop - A. Caraceni

Here are two other boutonniere loops from A. Caraceni – as you can see they must be both strong and functional.
I hope this picture series will help you to make your own boutonniere loop. As you can see it is quite simple and it really does not take very long.

Good luck with your boutonniere loop and  please let me know if you have any questions or send me a picture of your results!

Tags: Boutonniere, Caraceni, flower, guide, lapel, lapel vase, loop, thimble Print article