How to Sew a Button on a Shirt

No matter what condition a shirt is in, a missing button invariably ruins the look of the garment. Don't waste the shirt by throwing it away or choosing not to wear it. Sewing a button back on to a shirt is a great skill.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle
• Thread
• Button

1. Find the button if it has fallen off. If you can't find it, try to find a spare that matches the other buttons on the shirt. (Many times a shirt comes with a spare button.)

2. Cut off 6 inches of thread. Put it through the eye of the needle.

3. Thread the loop halfway through the eye of the needle. Stick one end of the thread through that loop, and pull the loop back through.

4. Tie the ends of the thread together. This give you an extra strong thread.

5. Poke the needle through the shirt. If you start on the inside, the knot stays invisible.

6. Pull the needle all the way out. Tug on the thread a few times to make sure it holds.

7. Pull the needle through one of the holes on the button. Push the button all the way down the thread.

8. Put the needle through a different buttonhole and back through the shirt.

9. Continue sewing until there is 1/2 inch of thread. Use the remaining thread to tie a knot on the inside of the shirt.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find a spare button, or the button you lost, use one of the buttons on the shirt which you don't use often (possibly a button on the collar) or try find a close match at a fabric store.
• Use thread that either matches the color of your shirt or a color which is in complete contrast to that or your shirt. If the color of the thread is close to but not quite the same color as your shirt, it will make the repair noticeable. If it is a different color completely, it will look like a stylistic choice.
• Don't use a needle with a small eye which is very difficult to thread.