The Right Way to Sew a Button Onto Jeans : Buttons & Sewing Tips, by eHowArtsAndCrafts on YouTube. 3 min 21 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 21 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Pick a button that fits the waistband hole. If the old button is lost, match the diameter and check that the back has a shank or holes you can sew through.
Thread the needle with about 60 cm of heavy-duty thread and knot the end. Double the thread for extra strength on jeans.
Find the original button spot on the waistband. Push the needle from the inside of the fabric to the outside so the knot hides inside.
Sew through the button holes or shank and back into the fabric. Repeat 6 to 8 times, keeping the stitches tight and even.
If you want a raised button, lay a toothpick across the top of the button and sew over it. Remove it at the end to leave a thread shank.
Finish on the inside of the waistband. Wrap the thread around the stitches a few times to build a small shank, then knot and trim.
Test the button in the buttonhole. If it feels tight, loosen the stitches slightly or add a longer thread shank.
Tips and common mistakes
Use heavy-duty or button thread, because normal sewing thread snaps on thick denim.
Do not pull the stitches too tight or the button will sit flat and be hard to fasten.
Sew through the denim only, not through the front of the jeans, so the stitches stay hidden.
Questions
Can I sew a jeans button on without a shank?
Yes. Sew through the holes and build a small thread shank by wrapping the thread under the button before you knot it.
What thread works best for denim?
Heavy-duty polyester or button thread holds up best. Double it if you only have regular thread.
How do I stop the knot showing on the outside?
Start and finish on the inside of the waistband so the knot and loose ends stay hidden against your body.
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.
