How to Sew a Button Back on Jeans (So It Won’t Fall Off Again), by Lemon Branch DIY on YouTube. 7 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Find the old button or pick a replacement that fits through the buttonhole. Check the buttonhole side of the jeans for loose threads and trim them so the area is flat.
Thread your needle with about 60 cm of heavy thread and double it. Knot the two tail ends together so you are sewing with a doubled strand.
Push the needle through from the inside of the waistband so the knot sits hidden on the back. Bring it up through one hole of the button.
Lay a toothpick or matchstick across the top of the button and sew over it. This gap becomes the shank that lets the denim sit under the button.
Sew through the button holes in a cross or parallel pattern about six to eight times. Keep the stitches snug but not tight enough to pucker the fabric.
Pull the toothpick out and lift the button. Wrap the thread around the stitches under the button three or four times to build a firm shank.
Push the needle back through to the inside of the waistband and tie off with two small knots. Snip the thread close to the knot.
Button the jeans and check the fit. If the button feels loose, add two more stitches through the shank before tying off again.
Tips and common mistakes
Use doubled heavy thread rather than single thin thread, since denim puts a lot of strain on the button.
Do not sew the button tight against the fabric, or the buttonhole will not slide under it.
Put a thimble on your thumb when pushing through thick waistband seams to avoid pricking yourself.
Check the other buttons on the jeans and tighten any that wobble before they fall off too.
Questions
Can I sew a jean button back on with regular thread?
Yes, but use a double strand and sew more passes through the holes. Heavy-duty or upholstery thread lasts longer on denim.
What if I lost the original button?
Buy a replacement jean button of the same diameter, or use a plain metal shank button. Check that it fits through the buttonhole before you start sewing.
Do I need a sewing machine?
No. A hand needle and thread are enough, and hand sewing gives you better control over the shank under the button.
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.
