If you want to learn how to sew a button like a pro, you've come to the right place. In this tutorial, we'll list all the tools needed and provide tips and techniques necessary to learn this fundamental sewing skill.
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How to Sew a Button | A Step-By-Step Guide
Why Should You Learn How to Sew a Button?
Imagine yourself away for an event and one of the buttons of your coat or dress falls off. What's worse, that button makes a world of difference in how you will look in that outfit. That's where this skill comes in! You'll be a lifesaver if this happens to one of your peers, too.
Having extra buttons, needle, and thread won't consume too much space on your stuff especially when inside a kit or even a small tin can. Now that we know how important this skill is, let's get learning!
How to Sew a Button | Materials Needed
- Buttons – bring buttons with varying colors to give you more options.
- Needle – it is recommended to bring two needles, both should be leaning on the slimmer side.
- Thread – black or white threads should do.
- Scissors or any cutting tool – this makes the thread smoother and easier to re-attach to the needle when needed.
- Ink fabric pen – you'll need this to make sure the button is in the correct position.
- Needle threader (optional) – if you're struggling threading needles, it won't hurt to have this in your kit.
- Beeswax (optional) – you might need it for detangling or strengthening purposes.
- Toothpick (optional) – this is needed to make the shank.
Step 1: Thread the Needle & Secure a Knot
If you have no shortage of thread, do a double thread. Once it's long enough and both sides are equal, cut the thread and tie a basic square knot. A 12-inch thread should be long enough to secure the button tightly.
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Step 2: Create an Anchor Point
Mark the point where the button will go. You can use a pin then mark it with the ink fabric pen. Start sewing at the back end of the fabric going to the front. The next step will vary depending on the type of button you have.
Step 3: Know the Button Type
There are three types of buttons: 2-hole, 4-hole, and shank. Here's how to sew each button.
- 2-Hole – All you need is to do over and under stitches for at least 4-5 times. Rotate three times before knotting it off twice. Only use this button for decorative use and if the joining fabric is not thick. Since it's not the heavy-duty type, no need to make a thread shank.
- 4-Hole – Sew the button stitches close together. You can either go with crisscross or parallel stitches, depending on your preference. This button is ideal for t-shirts and thick fabrics.
- Shank – The point where the center of the button will land should be horizontally aligned to the buttonhole. This is as easy as stitching in and out. Stitch 4-6 times. Then, knot off and bury the thread. You'll see this button a lot in coats and jackets.
Step 4: Create the Shank
For the 4-hole and shank buttons, you need to make a shank. Its purpose is to give the joining fabric room to lay flat underneath the buttons. To do this, insert a toothpick in between the stitches under the button.
For 4-hole buttons, you need to do 3-4 stitches for each pair of holes since you want it sturdy and secure. For shank buttons, just keep on going over and under.
To finish, insert the needle back up, but not through the button. Loop the thread tightly around the bottom of the button at least three times to make the threaded shank. Finish it off by knotting the thread twice within the shank.
Here's another comprehensive guide on how to sew a 2-hole, 4-hole, and shank button courtesy of Treasuri:
Learning how to sew a button, safe to say, is a very easy skill to learn. Plus, it comes in handy not only in the scenario mentioned above. It can be used for decorative purposes as well.
Try it on different clothing styles until it becomes second nature. With that said, hope you learned the importance of this technique and we'll see you in the next tutorials!
Do you know of other efficient ways on how to sew a button? Share yours in the comments section below!
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