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

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.