Sewing on a button is one of those skills that I think everyone needs to know how to do. In fact, while I was contemplating the execution of this post, I sat down and the button on my Michael Kors jeans (that I got at the outlet mall for $20!) popped off! That just goes to show you that even high quality clothes will lose their buttons. Or maybe it just means I need to exercise more!
I’m sure in some sewing law book somewhere there is a “right” way to sew on a button, but in my opinion, you just need to get the button functioning so you can wear your pants (or shirt) again.
Supplies – these items are all found in a small sewing kit you find in the aisles at the grocery or at a dollar store, or next time you stay at a nice hotel, check your room for one!
- a hand sewing needle
- thread to match what is used on the other buttons (unless this is a hidden button that you won’t see then the color doesn’t matter)
- scissors
1. Cut a length of thread about 24″ long. If you get the thread too long it will get tangled.
2. Thread the needle and pull the thread through so that it is doubled evenly.
3. Tie a knot in the end of the thread. Really, you just need a good knot – whatever kind you choose – so that the thread won’t pull through the fabric. This knot happens to be my choice.
4. Locate where the button belongs. Most of the time, there will be marks on the garment, little holes, from where the button was previously attached. If those aren’t there, button the surrounding buttons and lay the garment flat, then take a pencil and lightly mark through the center of the buttonhole where the button belongs.
5. Bring the needle up from the backside (wrongside) of the garment through one of the original holes (or where you have marked) to the side of the fabric where the button belongs.
6. Put the button on the needle, lining the holes up with the holes in the garment, or keeping it straight on your pencil mark. Make sure your button matches the direction of the holes of any surrounding buttons.
7. Take your needle back down through the fabric in the other hole.
8. Come back up through the fabric in the first hole. Keep going up and down in the holes repeating steps 6 & 7 until the button feels secure (about 5-6 times), ending with the needle on the backside of the fabric. (NOTE – when coming up from the backside of the fabric each time, try to make the needle enter the same place each time for each hole, but really – who is going to see it but you??)
9. Now you need to tie a knot in the thread so the thread doesn’t unravel and your button comes off again. Once again, I say tie a knot however it works for you. Here’s how I do mine – it may be a bit complicate, but is worth learning!
a. take your needle through a small piece of the fabric on the backside of the button
b. pull the thread so you have a little loop
c. put your needle and thread back through that first loop, making 2 loops
d. put your needle back through the 2nd loop.
e. pull the needle and thread taut quickly making a very secure knot. Takes practice, but is worth it!
10. Clip your thread and wear your garment!!
Congratulations! You finished your button repair!
Something I can do!! 🙂
I can knit…well, very basic knit…You have me itching to make a scarf….I may have to find some nice yarn soon!
Whohoo!! I’m finding that with just the basic knit stitches, you can do such nice stuff. I was at JoAnns today and saw some of the most beautiful yarn. Oh, a scarf out of bamboo yarn would be sooooo soft!! Post pictures if you make something!!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my quilled dogs. Looking at all the things you can do, you should give quilling a try! It’s fun.
I’ll have to keep that in mind Toni! Yours were definitely pretty!
If you want to strengthen your thread run it through bees wax it will not ravel away and won’t tangle. Also if you want to make sure the thread doesn’t loosen on the button try putting a dab of fray check on after you are done.