Buzz
Sewing on a button is a simple task once you're familiar with the process. Additionally, it's a useful skill to have in case buttons fall off.
Steps
For a Two-Hole Button
Select the button and thread. Choose a button that fits and thread that matches the button, fabric, and thread used for other buttons. If preferred, you can double the thread for quicker stitching.
Thread the needle. Simply pass the thread through the needle's eye and pull it until both ends of the thread are of equal length.
Tie a knot at the end of the thread. You can create a knot by wrapping the thread around your fingertip as shown in the guide, rolling the thread between your fingers, and pulling it tight. If using double thread, tie the ends together. Use a long strand of thread, whether single or double, for sewing the button.
Position the button on the fabric. Align the button with the other buttons on the fabric. Additionally, ensure it lines up with the buttonhole. Test the alignment by fastening the buttonhole into the button.
Push the threaded needle from beneath the fabric and pull it through one hole in the button. Tighten the thread with each stitch.
Insert a pin. Place the pin beneath the button, between the first and next stitch, to prevent the button from being sewn too tightly. Next, push the needle down through the second hole and through the fabric. Pull the thread completely. Hold the button firmly to keep it from shifting.
Repeat the process. Push the needle up through the first hole once more and pull the thread completely through the fabric.
Secure the button. Repeat the sewing process several times until the button feels firmly attached.
For the final stitch, push the needle through the fabric but do not pull it through the button's hole.
Remove the pin.
Wrap the thread. Wind the thread six times around the stitches between the button and fabric to reinforce the button's hold.
Push the needle down beneath the fabric.
Stitch 3 or 4 more times to secure the thread. Sew several stitches back and forth beneath the fabric to reinforce the thread. Tie a knot before cutting the thread.
Trim the excess thread.
For a Four-Hole Button
Choose the materials. Select a suitable button and thread that match the button, fabric, and thread used for previous buttons.
Thread the needle. If preferred, you can double the thread for faster sewing. Simply pass the thread through the needle's eye and pull until both ends are of equal length.
Tie a knot at the end of the thread. Create a knot by wrapping the thread around your fingertip as shown in the guide, rolling it between your fingers, and pulling tight. If using double thread, tie the ends together. Use a long strand of thread, whether single or double, for sewing the button.
Position the button on the fabric. Align the button with the other buttons on the fabric. Ensure it also lines up with the buttonhole. Test the alignment by fastening the buttonhole into the button.
Push the threaded needle from beneath the fabric and pull it through one hole in the button. Tighten the thread with each stitch.
Insert a pin. Place the pin beneath the button, between the first and next stitch, to prevent the button from being sewn too tightly.
Bring the needle down through the opposite hole and push it through the fabric. Pull the thread tight.
Repeat the same process through these two holes twice, then move on to sew the remaining two holes.
Sew each pair of opposite holes alternately until the button is securely attached.
For the final stitch, push the needle through the fabric but do not pull it through the button's hole.
Remove the pin.
Wrap the thread. Wind the thread six times around the stitches between the button and fabric to add extra stability.
Push the needle down beneath the fabric.
Stitch 3 or 4 more times to secure the thread. Sew several stitches back and forth beneath the fabric to reinforce the thread. Tie a knot before cutting the thread.
Trim the excess thread.
Finish.
Tips
- It's best to choose thread that matches the color used for other buttons. At some button stores, if they don't have the exact button, you can still find a close match. If using a similar button isn't ideal, consider replacing all original buttons with similar ones for a more uniform look.
- Ensure you have at least 13 cm of thread.
- You can double the thread on the needle, folding it to create four strands for faster sewing.
- For four-hole buttons, observe how other buttons are sewn and use the same pattern (crossed or parallel).
- Threading becomes easier if you apply beeswax after threading the needle. Quadruple thread is ideal for sewing coat buttons.
- Double the thread when threading the needle to reduce the number of stitches needed to secure the button.
- Another way to tie a knot before finishing is to make a small stitch on the underside, pull most of the thread through, and pass the needle through the loop before tightening. Doing this twice creates a double knot. Finally, trim the thread close to the knot.
- Regular thread works, but button thread is thicker and stronger. For buttons requiring extra strength, like on coats, use button-specific thread.
- For frequently used buttons, wrap the thread tightly underneath at least 4-5 times, then pass the needle through the thick thread you've created. Push the needle parallel to the buttonhole to avoid jamming. Use a thimble to push the needle. (Frayed thread can cause buttons to fall off unless reinforced.) After passing the needle through the thick thread, bring it down through the fabric and tie it to the leftover tail from the initial knot. This makes the button more secure and the thread more durable.
- Keep the stitches on the underside as neat as the top by ensuring each stitch is precise and avoiding tangled threads. Try to push the needle up and down in the same spot.
- Some prefer sewing a few stitches on the fabric before attaching the button.
Warnings
- Be careful not to prick your fingers. When sewing buttons on thick fabric, use a thimble to push the needle.
