The 28th Congress of Federation of Asian Master Tailors (FAMT 2024) returned to Malaysia a few weeks ago, bringing together over 300 master tailors, designers, and fashion enthusiasts from 6 European and 10 Asian countries.

Organized by the Federation of Tailors’ Guilds Malaysia, this congress aims to showcase individual skills and talents and promote exchanges among industry professionals from different countries. During this congress, tailors from Malaysia competed with tailors from other Asian countries and some of our local tailors won awards in the competitions. Among them was Mr. Leow Ho Keng who specializes in handsewn/handmade buttonholes.

What exactly is the Golden Finger Competition about?

Mr. Leow: It might sound kind of simple but this is a niche competition that tests the make of the jacket. We get a piece of fabric with canvas inside and have (just) 1.5 hours to make 3 buttonholes by hand whereas it just takes a matter of minutes to make by machine.

Why did you decide to specialize in making buttonholes by hand?

Mr. Leow: I wanted to preserve the art of making buttonholes by hand. I am interested in the old school way of making jackets with an emphasis on hand work in making jackets.

What is the difference between making buttonholes by hand and by machine other than the time involved?

Mr. Leow: There are slight imperfections in machine made buttonholes which can look messy. With handmade buttonholes, we cut before sewing which gives it a more aesthetic look.