A method of forming an eyelet end buttonhole pattern having two spaced apart rows of zig zag stitches joined at one end by a generally circular pattern of zig zag stitches includes first forming a single stitch in the eyelet end, then feeding the fabric in the forward direction until the stitch forming point is at the other end of the buttonhole pattern from where the initial stitch was placed. A side bar is then stitched, beginning in reverse, proceeding around the eyelet end, then in a forward direction to the other end of the pattern. The feeding is then reversed and the stitching retraces the buttonhole pattern in the opposite direction. Barring stitches are then sewn, to close and finish the buttonhole pattern with a square end.