I used to have an Elna Carina that I considered my buttonhole machine, because it was the best of all my machines. But then I got a Brother Pacemaker ULT (then another in case the first died!)--and the buttonholes are perfect! I love how automatic it is, the variety of shapes, and how easy to use. If you are testing new machines, go to a dealer and try the feature on a Brother. Take along a button and piece of interfaced scrap to work on.

I use the old Singer buttonholer attachment. It's a limited range of sizes, but they are always identical and perfect.