How to Sew on a Button: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hi there sewing friends !
Sewing a button might seem like a simple task, but it’s one of those essential skills that can make a big difference in your wardrobe and your confidence as a maker. Whether you’re mending a beloved shirt, customizing a project, or fixing up a thrifted find, knowing how to sew on a button is invaluable. Plus, it’s a quick and satisfying task that doesn’t require much time or fancy equipment!
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to sew a button by hand, using a two-hole button as our example. We’ll go step-by-step, starting with preparing your fabric and thread, to ensuring the button is securely attached for everyday wear. You’ll also learn a pro tip for reinforcing the button area to make it last even longer. Ready to dive in? Let’s get sewing!
Materials Recap:
Fabric: The garment or material needing the button.
Button: A two-hole button for this example, plus an optional smaller button for reinforcement.
Thread: Strong polyester thread like Gutermann, matched to your fabric colour.
Needles: Household sewing needles, Birch Creative recommended.
Fusing (Optional): Lightweight interfacing for fabric reinforcement.
Tools: Mini iron, needle threader, small snips or scissors, and an ironing mat, Birch Creative recommended.
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
Before you start sewing, ensure the area where you’ll attach the button is flat and reinforced.
Iron the Fabric: Lay your fabric on an insulated ironing mat and press it flat with a mini iron. Be cautious of heat settings, especially for delicate materials.
Apply Fusing: Cut a small piece of fusing and place the glue side against the wrong side of the fabric where the button will be sewn. Use a pressing cloth and press with the iron until the fusing bonds. This step strengthens the fabric for durability.
Pro Tip: Use a lightweight fusing for thin fabrics and avoid high heat for delicate materials like polyester.
Step 2: Thread Your Needle
If you have some trouble threading your needle, you can always use a “Needle threader tool” to help.
Cut a thread length of about 30 cm.
Use a needle threader to guide the thread through the needle’s eye.
Double the thread by aligning the two ends and leaving a loop at the other end. This will create a stronger hold.
Step 3: Anchor Your Thread
With your needle threaded, lets get sewing !
Insert the needle into the fabric from the wrong side, pulling the thread through until the loop is snug against the fabric.
Make a few small stitches in place to secure the thread. This anchoring step prevents the button from loosening over time.
Step 4: Attach the Button
Place the button on the fabric, aligning it with the buttonhole if applicable.
Insert the needle through one hole of the button from the back and pull it through to the front.
Guide the needle through the second hole and pull it back through to the underside.
Repeat this process several times to secure the button firmly.
Step 5: Optional Back Button
For extra reinforcement, especially on heavy-duty garments:
Position a smaller button on the back of the fabric directly behind the main button.
Pass the needle through the holes of both buttons in a sandwich formation, ensuring they stay aligned.
Step 6: Finish Off
After sewing the button, bring the needle to the back side of the fabric.
Make a few small stitches in place to anchor the thread.
On the last stitch, loop the thread and pull the needle through to create a knot.
Snip off any excess thread.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—a securely sewn button that’s ready to withstand daily wear and tear! Whether you’re repairing a shirt cuff or adding a decorative button to a project, this skill is essential for every sewing enthusiast. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine!
Happy sewing, and see you in the next tutorial!
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