How to Sew a Button That Will Never Fall Off! | Mending | Mend Your Own Clothes, by SlowFashionMom on YouTube. 4 min 50 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 50 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end. Use doubled thread for extra strength on coats and trousers.
Find the old stitch holes or marks on the fabric so the button sits in the same spot.
Push the needle up through the fabric from the back and through one hole of the button.
Lay a toothpick or matchstick on top of the button between the holes. Sew over it as you go back and forth through the holes.
Make four to six passes through each pair of holes so the button is held firmly.
Bring the needle up under the button and pull the toothpick out. Wrap the thread tightly around the stitches between button and fabric three or four times to form the shank.
Push the needle down through the fabric to the back and tie off with a small knot.
Trim the thread close to the knot and check the button sits slightly raised and turns freely.
Tips and common mistakes
The wrapped shank is the key to a strong button, so do not skip it.
Leave a little slack under the button so thick fabric can fit beneath it.
Use a thimble if you are pushing through stiff denim or coat fabric.
Keep sharp needles and scissors away from children and store them safely after use.
Questions
What is a thread shank?
It is the small bundle of thread wrapped around the stitches between the button and the fabric. It lifts the button slightly so the fabric can sit underneath without pulling the stitches.
Can I use this method on a four-hole button?
Yes. Sew through the holes in a cross or parallel pattern, then wrap the shank the same way. Keep the passes even so the button sits flat.
What thread should I use?
Use strong polyester or cotton thread in a colour close to the garment. Double it for heavy fabrics like coats and jeans.
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.
