Why does the buttonhole feature on most new machines take top billing?
 

I was browsing new sewing machines. :) No one I know buys a new machine based on how great it can make buttonholes. I don't think I've ever taken the buttonhole contraption out of the box on any machine I own.

There are some machines that do not have that feature and you have to purchase an attachment.

Actually, I've been looking at new machines because the one I have will no longer make a good buttonhole. But then I make a lot of clothing and need that feature. Different strokes...!

Well, you're posting on a quilter's forum! If you talked to a bunch of garment sewers you might get vastly different responses about how important that function is. :)

I've used the buttonhole attachment on all of my modern machines at least once, I think. I make a bunch of drawstring bags around Christmas every year to use as recyclable gift bags, and I use the buttonhole foot for those. Modern buttonhole attachments are great, I have a small button I pop in there to size it the way I want and it's just a touch of the button to make it "go". I get the bags all cut and measured and marked so they're ready for the buttonholes and then do them all at once. Easy-peasy!

If you make clothes it makes a big difference if your machine makes a variety of and nicely sewn buttonholes, it can make the difference in making something look proffesional.

I googled new sewing machines and was surprised at how the majority of the brands list buttonholes as the main feature. I was taught to use interfacing and satin stitch an oval or rectangle, cut out the middle. Easy and looks fine. I was wondering why the buttonhole feature was so important.

It's also a great feature if you like to make bags and totes, if not garments. Can't see why advertising the feature should bother anyone.

A button hole feature to garment sewers is like a 1/4 foot to quilters

Great explanation ;-)