Are you passionate about vintage sewing machines and the beautiful buttonholes they can create with buttonholers like Singer and Greist models? Like many enthusiasts, you might have encountered the frustration of missing template sizes. I know I did! That’s why I took matters into my own hands and designed 3d Print Templates to fill those gaps, specifically for the elusive 7/16″ and 3/4″ sizes. And because I believe in sharing solutions, I’ve made these 3d print templates available for you too through my Shapeways shop.
These meticulously crafted 3d print templates are designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing Singer and Greist buttonholer attachments. Measuring approximately 1 3/4″ long and 3/4″ wide, they are compatible with a range of Singer buttonholer models including 160506, 160743, 489500, and 489510. While a comprehensive list for Greist buttonholer models isn’t available yet, these templates are designed to work with all Greist buttonholers intended for straight stitch machines, or zig-zag machines set to straight stitch.
It’s important to note that these 3d print templates are not designed for buttonholers that exclusively operate with zig-zag machines. This includes models like the Singer Professional buttonholers and Greist buttonholers with a “Z” suffix in their model number. A simple way to check compatibility is to compare the measurements and appearance of your existing templates with the images provided. If they match, these 3d print templates should be the right fit for your needs.
The 3d print templates are produced in nylon, a material Shapeways refers to as “Strong & Flexible”. While ideally ABS plastic would have been preferred, nylon offers a cost-effective alternative with high-resolution printing capabilities. These templates are designed to be rigid despite the material name, providing the necessary firmness for accurate buttonhole creation. However, it’s worth mentioning that nylon can absorb water and swell, so keeping your 3d print templates dry will ensure their longevity and performance.
Due to the nature of 3D printing, slight variations in size can occur. While my prototypes fit my buttonholers perfectly, you might encounter a situation where a light sanding of the outer edges is needed for a perfect fit. This is a minor adjustment that can ensure optimal performance.
Ready to complete your buttonholer template collection and achieve perfectly sized buttonholes? You can find these 3d print templates available for purchase at my Shapeways.com shop. Shapeways handles the printing and shipping, delivering directly to you in most countries. Shipping costs may vary depending on your location, so be sure to check the rates during checkout. Explore the possibilities and bring those vintage sewing projects to life with perfectly sized buttonholes thanks to these convenient 3d print templates!