Pro Tip Every Man Should Know: How to Sew a Button Like a PROhO!, by Wranglerstar on YouTube. 8 min 39 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 39 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Pick a strong thread that matches the garment, such as heavy-duty or button thread. Cut a length about 18 to 24 inches long and thread the needle.
Double the thread and tie a knot at the tail end so it will not pull through the fabric.
Find the original button spot. Push the needle up through the fabric from the inside so the knot sits hidden on the back.
Lay the button over the spot and push the needle up through one hole, then down through the opposite hole. Keep the button lined up with the buttonhole.
Repeat the up-and-down stitches through the holes 4 to 6 times. Keep the stitches snug but not so tight that the button cannot move.
For a thick waistband, sew over a toothpick or matchstick placed under the button. Remove it after stitching to leave a small thread shank.
Wrap the thread around the stitches under the button 3 or 4 times to build a shank. Push the needle to the inside of the garment.
Tie off the thread on the inside with two small knots. Trim the excess thread close to the knot.
Button the garment and check the fit. Adjust the shank or add stitches if the button feels loose.
Tips and common mistakes
Use heavy-duty thread for jeans and work pants, since regular thread wears through quickly.
Leave a little slack under the button so the fabric can sit flat when buttoned.
A thimble protects your thumb when pushing the needle through thick denim.
Keep a small sewing kit in your bag so you can fix a lost button on the road.
Questions
Can I sew a button on with regular thread?
Yes, but regular thread may break sooner on thick denim. Use doubled thread or switch to heavy-duty button thread for a longer-lasting repair.
Do I need a toothpick under the button?
It helps on thick waistbands. The gap it leaves creates a thread shank so the button sits above the fabric and buttons more easily.
How do I stop the thread from tangling?
Use a shorter length of thread, about 18 inches, and let the needle hang free now and then so the thread can untwist.
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.
