Sewing a button is very simple… once you have mastered how to do it. This is a very useful skill to possess, since buttons do not fall infrequently.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Two Hole Button
Step 1. Choose the button and the thread
Choose a suitable button and thread that matches the button, garment and thread used for the other buttons. If you prefer, you can double the thread to make your work easier.
Step 2. Thread the needle
Just insert the thread into the needle so that the length of the two ends is the same on both sides.
Step 3. Tie a knot at the end of the thread
One method of tying the knot is to wrap the thread around your finger (as you can see in the photo), roll it between your fingers and pull tight. If you doubled the thread, tie the ends. Make sure that the thread is long, in both solutions, both single and double.
Step 4. Place the button on the fabric
Line up the button with the others on the garment. Also check the buttonhole. Bring the button close to the cannoncino (the part of the shirt that runs along the entire vertical and on which there are the buttonholes), in the point corresponding to the one where you want to sew it, and make sure it is in line with the buttonhole.
Step 5. Insert the needle into the fabric and into one of the holes in the button
Pull the entire thread every time you make a stitch.
Step 6. Put a pin
Insert a pin under the button between the stitch you made and the next to avoid sewing the button too tight. Then, push the needle into the next hole and then into the fabric. Pull the whole thread. It's best to hold the button down so it doesn't move.
Step 7. Start over
Insert the needle into the first hole and pull the thread through the fabric.
Step 8. Reinforce the button
Repeat the process until you are sure you have firmly attached the button.
Step 9. When you need to give the last stitch, insert the needle into the fabric, but not into the holes in the button
Step 10. Remove the pin
Step 11. Wrap the thread
Wrap the thread six times around itself between the button and the fabric to reinforce the stitch you gave.
Step 12. Thread the needle from top to bottom through the fabric
Step 13. Make three or four stitches to secure the thread
Give a few points under the button, one way and the other, to reinforce it. Knot the thread.
Step 14. Trim the excess thread
Method 2 of 2: Four Hole Button
Step 1. Choose the button and the thread
Choose a suitable button and thread that matches the button, garment and thread used for the other buttons.
Step 2. Thread the needle
If you prefer, you can double the thread to make the task easier. Then, simply thread it into the needle so that the length of the two ends are the same on both sides.
Step 3. Tie a knot at the end of the thread
One method of tying the knot is to wrap the thread around your finger (as you can see in the photo), roll it between the two fingers and pull tight. If you doubled the thread, tie the ends. Make it long, in both solutions, both single and double.
Step 4. Place the button on the fabric
Line up the button with the others on the garment. Also check the buttonhole. Bring the button close to the cannoncino (the part of the shirt that runs along the entire vertical and on which there are the buttonholes), in the point corresponding to the one where you want to sew it, and make sure it is in line with the buttonhole.
Step 5. Insert the needle into the fabric and into one of the holes in the button
Pull all the yarn up every time you make a stitch.
Step 6. Put a pin
Insert a pin under the button between the stitch you made and the next one you are going to make, to avoid sewing the button too tight.
Step 7. Insert the needle into the opposite hole diagonally, going from underneath and through the fabric
Pull the whole thread.
Step 8. Repeat through these holes twice, then move on to the others
Step 9. Sew the thread by passing it between the opposite pairs of holes until you are sure you have firmly attached the button
Step 10. When you need to give the last stitch, insert the needle into the fabric, but not into the holes in the button
Step 11. Remove the pin
Step 12. Wrap the thread
Wrap the thread six times around itself between the button and the fabric to reinforce the stitch you gave.
Step 13. Thread the needle from top to bottom through the fabric
Step 14. Make 3-4 topstitches to secure the thread
Give a few points under the button, one way and the other, to reinforce it. Then tie the thread.
Step 15. Trim the excess thread
Step 16. Finished
Advice
- You can thread two threads into the needle and thus reduce the number of needle passes through the holes to secure the button.
- If you are replacing a 4-hole button, try to see how the others are sewn. Use the same type of stitches (cross or parallel stitches) used for the other buttons.
- Make the back of the button as neat as the front, being careful not to create a tangle. Try to get the thread out and back in more or less the same area.
- If you know you often button a certain garment, try wrapping the long end of the thread around the seam that secures the button, at least 4-5 times, firmly. Then insert the needle and thread into the bundle of threads under the button. Try to thread the needle parallel to the holes in the button, so as not to encounter obstacles. Use a thimble to push the needle. The reason is simple: thread wear can cause the button to fall off very soon, unless you wrap the button seam with more thread to resist wear. Once you have the needle inserted, push it into the garment and secure it with the long piece of thread left over from the starting knot. Once the seam underneath the button is wrapped, the latter will be more secure and the thread that holds it anchored will last longer.
- It is also a good idea to match the color of the thread to that of the buttons already sewn. Some haberdasheries, while not having the same buttons, may sell others that are very similar. If you have any doubts about the match, consider replacing them all - this way the dress will look far better.
- Make sure you have prepared at least 6 inches of sewing thread.
- You can thread two threads through the needle, doubling each part, and then using four threads at a time, to speed up the process.
- Classic thread is fine, but button sewing thread is more suitable; it is more robust and resistant than the classic one. If your buttons need sturdier seams, such as a coat, try using button thread.
- Some tailors prefer to fasten the thread to the fabric with a few stitches before starting to sew the button.
- Another way to tie the thread at the end is to give a small stitch on the wrong side, pull it all the way under the fabric, and then insert the needle into the loop that forms before pulling it tight. If you do this twice in the same spot, you will get a double knot. Then, you can cut the thread near the knot.
- Often the thread is easier to use if you grease it with beeswax after threading it through the needle. In fact, with this system you can even use four threads in the needle - ideal solution for coat buttons.
