How to Sew a Button

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Co-authored by Seleh Rahman

Last Updated: April 22, 2024 Fact Checked

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Sewing buttons is very easy once you get the hang of it. It's a very useful skill to possess, as buttons do fall off.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Two Holes

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Select a suitable button and thread that matches the button, the garment, and any thread used to sew on other buttons. If you like, you can double the thread to make this job quicker.
Thread the needle. Simply pull the thread through the needle so that there is an equal length of thread extending from both sides.

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One way to tie a knot is to wrap the thread around your finger as shown, roll the thread between your fingers, and pull it tight. If you doubled the thread, tie the ends together. Leave a long tail of thread, whether you are doubling the thread or using a single thread to sew the button.
Line the button up with the other buttons on the garment. Also check the buttonhole. Close the opposite flap or panel where you want it and make sure that the button lines up with the buttonhole.
Pull the thread all the way through on each stitch.^{[1]
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Place a straight pin beneath the button, between the stitch you have made and where the next stitch will go, in order to keep the button from being stitched too tight. Then, push the needle down through the next hole and through the fabric. Pull the thread all the way through. It's best to hold the button in place so it does not move.
Bring the needle up through the first hole again and pull the thread all the way through the fabric.^{[2]
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Repeat the sewing process enough times to make sure the button is securely in place.^{[3]
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Wrap the thread six times around the thread between the button and the material to reinforce the shank you have created.
Make a few stitches below the button, going back and forth to make them strong. Tie this thread off.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Four Holes

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Select a suitable button and thread that matches the button, the garment, and any thread used to sew on other buttons.
Thread the needle. If you like, you can double the thread to make this job quicker. Simply pull it through the needle so that there is an equal length of thread extending from both sides.
One way to tie a knot is to wrap the thread around your finger as shown, roll the thread between your fingers, and pull it tight. If you doubled the thread, tie the ends together. Leave a long tail of thread, whether you are doubling the thread or using a single thread to sew the button.^{[4]
X
Research source}
Line the button up with the other buttons on the garment. Check the buttonhole. Close the opposite flap or panel where you want it and make sure that the button lines up with the buttonhole.^{[5]
X
Research source}
Pull the thread all the way through on each stitch.
Place a straight pin beneath the button, between the stitch you have made and where the next stitch will go, in order to keep the button from being stitched too tight.
Pull the thread all the way through.
Wrap the thread six times around the thread between the button and the material to reinforce the shank you have created.
Make a few stitches below the button, going back and forth to make them strong. Tie this thread off.

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Question

How do you reinforce buttons on a coat?

Seleh Rahman
Professional Tailor & Furrier
Seleh Rahman is a Tailor, Furrier, and the Owner of Seleh de Federal Hill in Baltimore, Maryland. With over 45 years of experience, Seleh specializes in fur, alterations, and fashion illustration. Seleh studied Fashion Design and Tailoring at Bay College of Maryland. He holds certifications in fur, design, and tailoring.

Seleh Rahman

Professional Tailor & Furrier

Expert Answer

For this, you'll need a button backing to secure the front button. This way, when you sew on it all together, the top button will come through the hole easily and it will have more security.

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Question

The buttons I sewed onto my sweater have a steel loop to sew. How can I get the button not to look like it is falling off? How can I secure it better?

Community Answer

Put a little button on the other side of the fabric then sew the button on. The small button on the opposite side of the button will pull the external button straight outward and keep it neatly in place.

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Question

Does a button getting loose mean you're fat?

Community Answer

No, not generally. In some cases it could result from gaining weight, but more likely, the thread just came loose because that just happens over time, or it wasn't sewn on very well in the first place.

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Tips

For buttons that get heavy use, try wrapping the long thread of the needle tail around the threads that hold the button, at least 4 or 5 times, tightly, then force the needle and thread through the tight bunch of threads that you have created. Try pushing the needle parallel to the button's holes, to avoid resistance. Use a thimble for pushing the needle. (The reason for this is simple: thread wear will cause the button to fall off sooner, unless you wrap the exposed threads with a protective wrap.) Once you have forced the needle through, push it back into the cloth, and tie it off with the long tail that you left at the starting knot. When you wrap the threads, the button will be more secure, and the thread that holds it in place will last much longer.

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Another way to knot the thread at the end is to take a tiny stitch on the wrong side, pull it almost down to the fabric, and then put the threaded needle through the loop before pulling it tight. If you do this twice in the same spot, that is a double-knotted thread. Then you can cut off the thread close to the knot.

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Ordinary thread is fine, but there is such a thing as button thread. It is thicker and stronger than regular thread. If the buttons you are sewing need extra strength, such as on a coat, try button thread

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