#3C BERNINA Buttonhole Foot: Setup and Use Guide

By Colibri Sewing | Sewing & Quilting Supplies | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to set up and use the #3C BERNINA Buttonhole Foot for consistent, automatic buttonholes. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Quick answer

To use the #3C BERNINA Buttonhole Foot, attach it to your machine, insert your button into the built-in gauge, and select the buttonhole stitch; the foot automatically sews a buttonhole sized to your button. Always test on a scrap of your project fabric first.

Why the #3C foot simplifies buttonholes

The #3C foot removes the guesswork from buttonhole sizing. Its built-in button gauge holds the button and sets the stitch length automatically, so every buttonhole matches your button without manual measuring. This is especially helpful when sewing multiple buttonholes on garments or bags, where consistency matters.

When to use a different buttonhole method

The #3C foot is designed for BERNINA machines that support it. If your machine does not have the corresponding buttonhole function, or if you are working with very thick fabrics where the foot may not glide smoothly, you might need to adjust settings or use a different foot. Always check your machine's manual for compatibility.

Step-by-step: setting up and sewing with the #3C foot

Attach the foot: Snap the #3C Buttonhole Foot onto the machine's presser foot holder, making sure it clicks into place. Check that the foot is securely attached and sits flat on the fabric before sewing.
Insert the button: Place your button into the built-in gauge at the back of the foot, sliding it until it fits snugly. The gauge should hold the button firmly; if it slips, the buttonhole may be the wrong size.
Select the buttonhole stitch: Choose the buttonhole stitch on your BERNINA machine and adjust the width if needed according to your fabric. Always test on a scrap of the same fabric to confirm the settings.
Position the fabric: Place the fabric under the foot, aligning the starting point of the buttonhole with the mark on the foot. Use the markings on the foot as a guide; misalignment causes uneven buttonholes.
Sew the buttonhole: Lower the presser foot and start sewing; the machine will automatically sew the buttonhole in one step. Do not pull the fabric; let the machine feed it evenly.
Remove and cut open: Once finished, remove the fabric, and carefully cut the buttonhole open using a seam ripper or buttonhole cutter. Place a pin at each end of the buttonhole to avoid cutting through the stitches.

Product facts

#3C BERNINA Buttonhole Foot: Built-in button gauge for automatic, perfectly sized buttonholes. You simply place your button in the gauge, and the foot sews the correct size without manual measuring.
#3C BERNINA Buttonhole Foot