HOW TO SEW A BUTTON (to show my friends next time they ask me to do this SUPER EASY task for them), by Bernadette Banner on YouTube. 19 min 20 s.
- Video length
- 19 min 20 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Gather a needle, thread, scissors and the button. Pick thread close to the button or garment colour so the stitches blend in.
Cut about 45 cm of thread and pass one end through the needle eye. Knot the other end with a small double knot.
Mark where the button goes. Line it up with the matching buttonhole on the other side of the garment and pin the spot if needed.
Push the needle up from the back at the button spot and take a tiny stitch to anchor the thread. Bring the needle back up where the first hole will sit.
For a 4-hole button, lay the button over the needle and sew through opposite holes in a cross pattern. Repeat 3 or 4 times per pair.
For a 2-hole button, sew up through one hole and down through the other. Repeat 4 or 6 times until the button sits firm.
For a shank button, sew through the loop underneath only. Build a small thread shank so the button sits above thick fabric.
Finish on the back of the fabric with two small stitches, then knot the thread. Snip the tail close to the knot.
Tips and common mistakes
Leave a little slack under the button so the fabric can move and the button does not pull tight.
Use a thimble on your thumb for thick fabrics like denim or coat wool.
Match thread weight to the fabric: fine thread for shirts, heavier thread for coats.
Check the button lines up with its buttonhole before you knot off.
Questions
What thread should I use to sew a button?
Use polyester or cotton thread close to the button colour. Double it for heavy fabrics so the stitches hold.
How do I stop the button falling off again?
Sew through each hole 3 or 4 times and finish with a firm knot on the back. A small thread shank helps on thick fabric.
Can I sew a button without a thimble?
Yes. A thimble just protects your finger on stiff fabric. Push the needle carefully and use scissors to pull it through if needed.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
