Can you post a pic somewhere? It doesn't sound like a machine made by National in the USA, more like a post WWII Japanese machine with a National badge. No American made Nationals had zig-zag or buttonhole capability.

Lori - Try posting this question at the Sewing Forum (link below). It is a much more active forum, and frequently has questions and answers(!) about the mechanics of sewing machines, instruction books, etc. Here is a link that might be useful: THS Sewing Forum

That is so sad. My first machine was a Kenmore, 1974, still have it! Dad worked at Sears, so got it on sale and employee discount - my birthday and confirmation gift that year. Dad brought me to his store and the woman in the sewing dept showed me all the neat things I could do with my machine. I loved using it, a real workhorse, all metal. Still use it along with my Bernina 830E. Sears used to sell fabric too.

My late MIL had an old black Kenmore - she had a buttonhole attachment that came with hers and it worked like a charm. Call a sewing repair centre and have your model number ready and inquire if they can order you an attachment OR ask if they have a generic one that would fit (take the machine with you and get them to show you how it would work when you go pick it up). Check local thrift shops and see what they have..sometimes you can find exactly what you need for little cost. This means you would have to know if your machine is long or short shank....if you had another attachment like a zipper foot, you could hold it against the buttonholer and see if the shank is the same and screw is on the same side. I would definately call some repair places and get some prices or ask about old machine parts - some trade in machines are stripped of parts and attachments and you can get some great bargains. If you have a manual it should show you what the attachment for your machine looks like at least. I think if you need it soon, generic maybe the way to go. Budster