Sewing on a button
Difficulty: Easy · Time: approx. 10 minutes
Sewing on a button is one of the most useful 10-minute skills there is – and easier than it looks. You only need a needle, thread and the button.
The trick for a button that holds and buttons easily: don't sew it on too tightly, but leave a small thread 'shank' so there's room for the fabric.
What you'll need
- Needle + thread (ideally matching the button colour)
- The button
- Scissors
- Optional: a toothpick as a spacer
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the thread
Use the thread double (approx. 40 cm), thread it and knot the end. Double thread holds better.
- 2
Mark the position
Hold the button in the right place (line it up with its buttonhole). Push the needle from the back of the fabric so the knot sits behind.
- 3
Sew the button on
Up through one hole, down through the opposite one – 4–6 times. For 4-hole buttons, do two pairs (parallel or crossed).
- 4
Form a 'shank'
Place a toothpick under the button so a small thread shank forms. Then pull the toothpick out and wind the thread around the shank a few times.
- 5
Finish off
Push the needle to the back and secure the thread there with 2–3 small stitches or a knot. Cut the thread.
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Upload a photo →Frequently asked questions
- How many stitches does a button need?
- 4–6 passes per pair of holes is enough for normal use. For high-stress spots (trouser waistband) do a few more and use strong polyester thread.
- Why the thread shank?
- The small gap between button and fabric leaves room for the layer of fabric it buttons into. Without it the button sits too tight and is hard to do up.