How to Attach Buttons

Attach your own buttons and save a trip to the tailor.

Buttons form an essential part of many garments, including blouses and jackets. Hand-sewing buttons to a garment is a simple but precise task that involves not only securing the button firmly but also making sure the button has enough give to go through a buttonhole. Women's blouses are usually made with the buttons on the left and the holes on the right; the opposite is true for men's shirts. Give yourself enough time to attach buttons to make sure the job is done right and your work will last a long time.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Toothpick
• Fabric marker

Instructions

1. Thread the sewing needle by drawing a single thread through the needle hole and tying the two loose ends together to form a loop. Smooth out the threads by pinching them between your fingers and drawing your fingers from the base of the needle to the knot.

2. Measure the placement of your buttons. Mark the spot where the middle of the button will go with your fabric marker.

3. Place your first button on your first button mark. If you are using a see-through style of button, place a toothpick on top of the button between the holes.

4. Poke the needle through the fabric from the underside up, through a hole in the button. Draw the thread over the toothpick and poke the needle back down the next hole in the button back through to the underside of the fabric. Repeat this step with the additional holes. If you are using a style of button that has its thread hole underneath the face of the button, draw the thread through from underneath the fabric. Pull the thread through the hole and poke the needle back through to the underside. Do this twice.

5. Secure the stitch for both kinds of buttons by drawing the thread up from the underside of the fabric and looping it around the thread between the button and the fabric. Make a knot with the thread or sew several small stitches in the fabric. Remove the toothpick once your button is secure.

6. Repeat Steps 1 to 5 for the remainder of your buttons.

References

• Sewing.org: Attaching Buttons
• Fabricland West: Sewing Buttons

Resources

• Threads Magazine: Button Placement