Thread your needle and knot the end
Start by cutting an arm's length of thread—about 18 inches. Single thread works fine for most buttons; you do not need to double it. Hold the thread between your thumb and forefinger, and push the needle's eye onto the thread until the needle slides all the way down to the middle of the thread. Pull the needle off, leaving a loop.
Tie a knot at one end of the thread by wrapping the thread around your index finger once, rolling it between your thumb and finger to create a small loop, then pulling the long end through. Tighten it. You now have a knot that will catch on the fabric and keep the thread from pulling through.
Key Takeaways
- Knot one end of your thread and push the needle up through the fabric from underneath, so the knot sits against the back of the garment.
- Pass the needle through one hole of the button, then down through the opposite hole, and repeat six to eight times to build strength.
- Wrap the thread around the threads beneath the button two or three times to create a shank, then push the needle to the back and knot it off.
- A four-hole button requires you to sew two parallel lines (top-left to bottom-right, then top-right to bottom-left) rather than opposite holes.
Position the button and start sewing
Place the button where it belongs on the garment. Push the needle up through the fabric from the back side, coming out right next to the button. This is where your knot will catch and hold. Push the needle through one hole in the button, then down through the opposite hole and back into the fabric. You have now made one stitch.
Pull the thread snug but not tight—tight enough that the button sits flat against the fabric, not so tight that you pucker the cloth. Repeat this motion six to eight times, always going through the same two holes. Each pass strengthens the hold. After the final pass, push the needle to the back of the fabric but do not come back up through the button.
Create a shank for durability
A shank is the small space between the button and the fabric. It lets the button move slightly when you button and unbutton, which prevents the thread from snapping. After your last stitch through the holes, bring the needle up between the button and fabric (not through a hole). Wrap the thread around the threads beneath the button two or three times, pulling snug each time.
This wrapping creates a tiny column of thread that holds the button slightly away from the fabric. It is the difference between a button that lasts a month and one that lasts a year.
Knot off and trim
Push the needle to the back of the fabric one final time. Make a small loop with the thread, push the needle through it, and pull tight to create a knot on the back side. Repeat this knot one more time for safety. Trim the thread close to the knot with scissors.
Check the button by tugging it gently. It should not move. If it does, you may not have wrapped the shank tightly enough, or you may need one or two more passes through the holes before wrapping.
Sewing a four-hole button
Four-hole buttons require a slightly different approach because you have four holes instead of two. Rather than sewing opposite holes, sew two parallel lines: thread from the top-left hole to the bottom-right hole, then from the top-right hole to the bottom-left hole. Repeat this pattern six to eight times, creating an X or a square pattern depending on your preference.
The rest of the process is identical—create a shank by wrapping the thread beneath the button, then knot off on the back. Four-hole buttons are actually easier to keep find because you are distributing the stress across four anchor points instead of two.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is pulling the thread too tight while sewing. This puckers the fabric around the button and makes the garment look sloppy. Pull just snug enough that the button sits flat. Another mistake is skipping the shank. A button sewn flat against the fabric will snap within weeks because the thread has no give.
Do not use thread that is too thick or too thin. Standard sewing thread works well. Embroidery thread is too thick and will split the holes; thread meant for hand-sewing is ideal. If you are sewing a heavy coat button, use two strands of thread instead of one, but still follow the same steps.
When to replace instead of repair
If the button itself is cracked, chipped, or missing a piece, sewing it back on will not help—the button will break again under stress. In that case, remove the old button completely and sew on a replacement. If the holes in the button are enlarged or damaged, the thread will slip through and the button will fall off repeatedly. A new button takes the same five minutes to sew and will actually hold.
Check the fabric around where the button was attached. If the fabric is torn or the weave is damaged, reinforce it with a small patch of interfacing on the back before sewing the button on. This prevents the button from tearing through the fabric again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of thread should I use?
Standard all-purpose sewing thread in a color that matches your garment works best. If you cannot find an exact match, choose a shade slightly darker rather than lighter—it is less visible. Avoid embroidery thread, which is too thick, and avoid thread meant for machine sewing, which is often too fine for hand work.
Can I sew a button with regular string or dental floss?
In an emergency, yes—dental floss is surprisingly strong and will hold a button for a while. Regular string is weaker and will fray. But actual thread is cheap and will last far longer, so it is worth keeping a small spool in a drawer for repairs.
How do I sew a shank button?
A shank button has a loop on the back instead of holes on the front. Push the needle up through the fabric, through the loop on the back of the button, and back down into the fabric. Repeat six to eight times. You do not need to create an additional shank because the button already has one built in.
What if the thread keeps breaking while I sew?
You are likely pulling too hard. Loosen your grip and pull just snug enough that the button sits flat. If the thread is old or cheap, it may be weak—try a fresh piece. If you are sewing through a heavy fabric like wool or denim, use two strands of thread instead of one.
How long does a hand-sewn button usually last?
A button sewn with proper technique and a shank typically lasts as long as the garment. Buttons sewn flat against the fabric without a shank may last a few weeks to a few months depending on how often the garment is worn and buttoned.