Perfect buttonholes

Knitting any garments with buttonholes has been a big no-no so far, but I’ve seen a cardigan pattern that I’d like to knit. I’m worried about trying buttonholes, though.
Katherine Thomas, Cardiff

The best thing to do is cast on 20 stitches, knit a few rows and then follow the instructions in your pattern for the buttonhole. If you make a mistake, knit a few more rows and try again! Keep going until you’ve got it – it won’t take long. Bring this swatch when you choose your button, and find a button to fit. A handy tool is the Hemline Sewing Gauge (ref 8492) – you can easily measure your button, mark the width on the gauge, then measure your buttonhole against this. Buy it for £1.60 from www.sewandso.co.uk or call 01453 889988.