How to Sew On a Button

Don't be afraid to do this yourself; people have been doing it for years. All you need is a needle and some matching thread and then follow the steps below and you'll see there's nothing to it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Buttons
• Sewing Baskets
• Sewing Kits
• Sewing Supplies
• Threads
• Scissors
• Scissors

1. Choose a button if you don't have the original. Look inside the clothing for the extra that manufacturers sometimes include, or buy one that matches the size and color of the other buttons.

2. Choose thread that either matches the thread color used on the other buttons, the color of the button or the color of the material.

3. Cut a piece of thread about 1/2 yard long (approximately finger to elbow).

4. Thread the needle, feeding the thread through the eyehole.

5. After the thread is through the eyehole, move the needle to the middle of the thread and fold the thread in half. Tie a knot at the end of the thread, where both ends of the thread meet. Tie another knot, so that the end is doubly secure. The thread should now be doubled and ready to sew.

6. Place the button on top of the material where you intend to sew it into place. You can put a match or toothpick in between the button and the material to give it the necessary slack.

7. 

   From under the material, push the needle up through the material and one of the holes on the button. Pull all the way through until the knot is anchored against the material.

8. 

   Push the needle down through the next hole on the button and through the material.

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 three times, going up and down through the hole on the button and through the material, so that each hole is secured by multiple strands.

10. 

    End with the needle on the material side and secure it with a knot. Double-knot this end.

Tips & Warnings

• Your button can have two or four buttonholes or can be attached from underneath by one clasp - the steps remain the same.
• Moisten the thread with your tongue before you try to thread it into the needle - this can stiffen it and make it easier to fit through the eyehole.

[st1100pilot]

on 7/21/2009 34 years old and I had never sewn a button back on before this morning. The most difficult part was getting the final knot to stay tight to the fabric on the back side. Any tips for that?

[st1100pilot]

on 7/21/2009 34 years old and I had never sewn a button back on before this morning. The most difficult part was getting the final knot to stay tight to the fabric on the back side. Any tips for that?

[profwebs]

on 4/13/2009 Thanks! Had to sew a button and this helped, it's just hard to get the knot tied close to the fabric.

[maniacdreamz]

on 2/3/2009 i just got done sewing my button back on! The article was very helpful, and I find it inspiring. I can't believe it could be that simple!

[theperfectfit]

on 1/23/2009 As a tailor, you would be surprised at how much money I make for sewing on buttons. When a tailor sews with a single thread they are not using a standard denier thread like you would buy yourself. They generally use button thread which is thicker and stronger. Also, don't buy cheap thread for hand sewing. The acrylic fibers in it make it twist and knot up.