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Sewing a button back on your shirt or blouse is a simple yet essential skill. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through how to sew a button by hand with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you’re fixing a missing button or learning a basic sewing skill, this step-by-step guide will have you sewing buttons confidently in no time. Don’t forget to watch our video tutorial for a helpful visual aid.
Video Tutorial on How to Professionally Sew on a Button
This tutorial was created exclusively for Pattern Center by professional sewist Natalia Artimenia.
Materials You’ll Need to Hand Sew a Button
Before getting started, make sure you have these supplies:
- Button (either with a shank or flat with holes)
- Thread matching your fabric
- Needle
- Scissors
- Chalk, soap, or pencil for marking
- Pins (optional)
How To Sew On A Button On A Shirt: Step-By-Step Tutorial For Beginners
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Select the right needle for your fabric. For thin fabrics like silk or cotton, choose a finer needle. Thicker fabrics, such as denim, will need a sturdier one. For very fine and delicate fabrics, you can try using a beading needle (#10 or #11). In this case, select a thread that is finer than sizes 40 or 50. Make sure your thread is color-matched to your fabric for a clean look.
Step 2: Mark the Button Placement
Measure the distance between the other buttons on your shirt or blouse. Mark this distance where you need to attach the new button, ensuring that the placement is even with the others. Use chalk or soap for dark fabrics, and a pencil for light-colored ones.
Step 3: Thread Your Needle
Cut about 60 cm of thread to avoid tangling. Fold the thread in half and insert the folded end through the needle’s eye. If you prefer to thread the needle with the double ends, that works too. You’ll have a loop on one end and two loose ends on the other.
Step 4: Secure the Thread
Pierce the fabric about 1 mm (1/25 inches) below the mark where the button will go, and bring the needle up about 1 mm above the point. This will secure the thread to the fabric without needing a bulky knot, as the stitch on the inside of the blouse won’t exceed 2 mm (1/12 inches) and will look neat.
When making the first stitch, don’t pull the needle all the way through. Pass the sharp end of the thread through the loop at the end and gently tighten the knot. Avoid pulling the fabric under the stitch.
Pull the thread through, making another stitch on the same place for extra security.
Step 5: Start Sewing the Button
For flat buttons, place the button over the mark, and pass the needle through the fabric and one of the buttonholes. If you are using a shank button, sew through the shank. It’s easiest to do this when piercing the fabric from bottom to top and then threading the shank hole from top to bottom.
Pull the thread tight but not too tight so the fabric doesn’t pucker.
Step 6: Reinforce the Button
Continue sewing through the button’s holes or shank 5-6 times to securely attach it. Make sure to keep the stitches consistent and avoid pulling the thread too tightly, which could cause the fabric to pucker. The accumulation of threads on the inside should look like a small elongated “dot,” no more than 2 mm (1/12 inches).
Step 7: Add a Shank for Flat Buttons (Optional)
If sewing a flat button, create a shank (a small space between the button and the fabric) to help the fabric sit smoothly when buttoned. Wrap the thread around the stitches underneath the button several times.
Step 8: Finish the Stitching
Once the button is securely attached, make a few final stitches on the fabric’s underside to lock everything in place. From the inside, make two stitches into the thread layer, but there’s no need to pass the needle back through the button.
Tie off the thread by making a small knot and pulling it tight.
Step 9: Trim the Thread
After the knot is secure, trim the excess thread. To make it extra neat, push the needle into the thread layers and pull it through before cutting the thread so the end is hidden.
Step 10: Final Touches
Examine the button to make sure it’s firmly sewn but still allows some movement if needed. You should be able to move the button slightly for ease when fastening it. Ensure there are no loose threads or fabric puckering.
Recap of Key Steps:
- Gather all materials and match thread to fabric.
- Mark the button placement carefully.
- Thread the needle and secure the thread without a bulky knot.
- Sew the button in place with 5-6 strong stitches, which are enough to secure the button.
- Finish by tying off the thread and trimming the excess neatly.
FAQs About Sewing a Button by Hand
What’s the easiest way to sew on a button by hand?
The easiest way to learn how to hand sew a button is to follow this step-by-step guide. Start by threading your needle, marking the placement, and securing the button with consistent stitches.
How do I secure a button without making a bulky knot?
Instead of tying a knot at the end of the thread, you can make a small stitch in the fabric before starting the button attachment. This will secure the thread without a bulky knot. Check out this process in the video tutorial on how to sew buttons above.
How do I keep my button from coming off again?
Sew the button in place with 5-6 stitches through the holes or shank. Double-check your stitches are secure but not overly tight to prevent the fabric from pulling.
How do I make the button look professional?
Use matching thread, create a shank for flat buttons, and finish by hiding the thread ends inside the fabric layers for a clean, professional finish.
What’s a shank, and why would I need one for a flat button?
A shank is a small space between the button and the fabric. It helps the button sit properly and prevents the fabric from pulling too tightly. To create a shank, wrap the thread around the base of the button before tying it off.
How do I know which needle to use?
For thinner fabrics, use a smaller, finer needle. For thicker materials, choose a sturdy needle with a sharp tip to pierce the fabric easily.
How do I sew a button back on without a sewing machine?
Sewing a button back on by hand is simple! Just thread your needle, mark the button placement, and sew it securely using the steps outlined in this guide.
How do I thread the needle for sewing a button?
To thread the needle, take a piece of button thread and cut it to a suitable length. Insert one end of the thread through the eye of the needle and pull it through until you have equal lengths on both sides. You can then tie a knot at the end of the thread to secure it.
What is the best way to tie a knot at the end of the thread?
To tie a knot at the end of the thread, wrap the thread around your finger to create a loop, then insert the needle through the loop and pull it tight. This will create a secure knot that will hold the button in place. But we offer you to sew back a button without a knot for more professional look.
How do I position the button before sewing?
To position the button, hold it in place on the fabric where you want it to go. Make sure that the button is aligned correctly with the button hole on the opposite side. This will help you ensure that the button will function properly once sewn on.
What is the process to push the needle through the fabric and button?
To push the needle, insert it up through the fabric from the back side, then through one of the holes in the button. Pull the needle all the way through until the knot at the end of the thread is secure against the back of the fabric.
How can I professionally sew on a button?
To professionally sew on a button, follow our video tutorial above. Make sure that the button is held in place while you thread the needle and tie a knot. Sew through the button holes multiple times, creating a small “x” pattern for a 4-hole button or using a parallel stitch technique, depending on the type of button you are using.
To wrap the thread around the button, after sewing through the button holes, insert the needle back down through the fabric and pull it tight. Then, wrap the thread around the button a few times before pushing the needle back down through the fabric to tie off the thread.
How do I cut the thread after sewing the button?
After you have finished sewing the button and have tied off the thread, use scissors from your sewing kit to cut the thread close to the fabric. Make sure not to cut too close to the knot to avoid unraveling your work.
How can I ensure that the button will stay securely attached?
To ensure that the button will stay securely attached, make sure to sew through each button hole multiple times, creating a sturdy base. Additionally, tie off the thread tightly and check that the button is held firmly against the fabric before cutting the thread.
What should I do if I want to sew a four-hole button?
When sewing a button with 4 holes, you can choose to sew in a crisscross pattern or sew in parallel lines. Start by threading the needle and tying a knot. Position the button and insert the needle through one hole, then through the opposite hole. Repeat this process for the other two holes to secure the button.
Summary
Learning how to sew on a button by hand is a must-have skill for basic clothing repair and personalizing garments. This easy-to-follow tutorial provides all the steps you need to confidently sew buttons on shirts, blouses, and even pants. Whether you’re a beginner or want to improve your sewing skills, this guide covers it all. Watch our helpful video tutorial and check out our sewing tutorial on making quilted placemats or coasters for more beginner-friendly sewing projects.
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