Practical tips for sewing on a button perfectly

If you are one of those who go through the panic phase when a button falls off your favorite shirt or jacket, worry no more. I’m here to share with you simple and effective tips for sewing on a button quickly and easily. By following these tips you can repair your clothes without needing to be a sewing expert.

The materials needed to sew on a button

First of all, it is essential to collect the materials necessary to complete this task:

• Thread the color of the fabric you will sew the button on
• A thin and sufficiently strong needle
• Scissors
• A button identical to the one dropped (or similar)
• A safety pin or piece of cardboard to hold the button in place while sewing

Choose the right thread

It is important to choose a thread that matches the color of the fabric on which the button will be sewn. If you don’t have the same shade, opt for a neutral color like black or white. Also make sure the thread is strong to ensure the button holds well.

Steps for sewing on a button

Step 1: Prepare the thread and needle

Cut a piece of thread about 60 centimeters long and tie a double knot at one end. Then, thread the other end through the eye of the needle. You can now dip the end of the thread in candle wax or rub a bar of soap on it to help the thread pass through the fabric and prevent it from tangling.

Step 2: Place the button

Place the button on the fabric where it is to be sewn. Use a safety pin or a piece of cardboard to hold the button in place while you sew. This tip is particularly useful if you are new to sewing because it will allow you to work without having to constantly hold the button down with your fingers.

Step 3: Sew the button

Start by threading the needle through the fabric from the inside out, passing through one of the buttonholes. Then pull the thread until the knot stops against the fabric. Pass the needle through the opposite hole of the button (for a two-hole button) or the adjacent hole (for a four-hole button). Pull the thread again until it is tight.

Repeat these movements, passing the needle alternately from one hole to the other, keeping the thread taut and being careful not to twist it. For four-hole buttons, also alternate the two diagonals of the holes to obtain a solid and aesthetic fixing.

Trick : When sewing a four-hole button, try creating a cross with the thread if you want to add a decorative touch to your garment.

Step 4: Finishing

Once you have sewn enough turns (about six), pass the needle under the button without passing through the holes, so as to create a loop of thread around the axis formed by the previous threads. Then wrap the thread a few times around this axis to form a “collar” under the button which will offer better resistance. Finish by making several knots in the thread under the button and trim the excess thread with scissors.

More tips for sewing on a button

Check the size of the buttonholes

Make sure the button you choose can fit easily through the buttonhole on your garment. It should be the same width and height as the original button. If you use a replacement button, also check that it has the same number of holes as the original.

Use different color threads for each hole

If you want to add a creative touch to your garment, you can use different colored threads for each buttonhole. This will add a whimsical and original note to your room.

Keep the buttons in perfect condition

To prolong the life of your buttons and prevent them from falling off again, remember to check their resistance regularly. If you notice that the thread is loose or worn, take this opportunity to reattach the button before it falls off and gets lost. It is also advisable to be careful when ironing clothes so as not to damage the buttons under the heat of the iron.

Now that you know all these tips, sewing a button will no longer have any secrets for you! So, grab your materials, follow the steps, and bring back to life your favorite clothes you thought you’d have to say goodbye to after losing a button. Happy sewing!

About the author

Clarisse Mercier

As a sewing lover, I manage the editorial side of ZoneCouture and share my discoveries and advice around this art here.