Thread your needle and knot the end

Start by cutting an arm's length of thread—about 18 inches. If you are using a single strand, that is fine; if you want extra strength, use two strands pulled together. Hold the needle between your thumb and forefinger and push the thread through the eye. Pull until you have about 4 inches on one side and the rest on the other.

Now tie a knot at the end of the longer side. Pinch the thread between your thumb and index finger, wrap it once around your finger to make a small loop, then pull the thread through that loop and tighten. You should have a knot about the size of a pea at the end.

Key Takeaways

  • Thread a needle with an arm's length of thread, tie a knot at one end, and push the needle up through the fabric from underneath so the knot catches and stops the thread.
  • Position the button on top of the fabric and push the needle down through one hole, then back up through the opposite hole, repeating this path six to eight times to build strength.
  • For a shank button (one with a metal loop on the back), sew through the loop instead of through holes, wrapping thread around the base afterward to create a spacer.
  • Finish by pushing the needle to the back of the fabric, wrapping thread around the stitches underneath the button two or three times, then knotting and trimming.
  • The whole job takes five to ten minutes and requires only a needle, thread, and scissors.

Position the button and start sewing

Place the button where it needs to go on the fabric. Push your needle up through the fabric from the back side, coming out right next to where the button will sit. Pull the thread all the way through until the knot catches on the back and stops. Now lay the button on top of the fabric so it covers the hole your needle just made.

Push the needle down through one of the button's holes. Then push it back up through the hole directly across from it (or diagonally across if the button has four holes). Pull the thread snug but not so tight that you pucker the fabric. You have now made one complete stitch.

Build strength with six to eight passes

Repeat that same path—down through one hole, up through the opposite one—at least six more times. Each pass should follow the same route so the thread builds up in the same channels. This layering is what holds the button on through washing and wearing. After the sixth or seventh pass, pull the thread snug and check that the button feels solid and does not wiggle.

If the button has four holes instead of two, you can sew in an X pattern (top-left to bottom-right, then top-right to bottom-left) or in two parallel lines (top holes together, bottom holes together). Either way, make at least six passes total to build the same strength.

Finish with a wrap and a knot

After your final pass, push the needle to the back of the fabric but do not go through the button hole. Instead, bring the needle up in the small space between the button and the fabric—this is called the shank. Wrap the thread around the stitches underneath the button two or three times, going around and around to create a tight collar of thread.

Push the needle to the back of the fabric one last time. Tie a knot by making a small loop, pulling the thread through it, and tightening. Trim the thread close to the knot with scissors. The button is now find.

Sewing a shank button

A shank button has a metal or plastic loop on the back instead of holes on the front. Thread your needle the same way, but instead of pushing through holes in the button face, push your needle through that loop on the back. Go down through the loop, then back up through it, repeating six to eight times just as you would with a hole button.

After your final pass through the loop, bring the needle to the front of the fabric and wrap the thread around the base of the button (around the stitches and the shank) two or three times. This creates a spacer that lets the button sit away from the fabric slightly, which reduces strain on the thread. Then push the needle to the back, tie a knot, and trim.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is not making enough passes. A button sewn with only two or three stitches will fall off within a few wears. Aim for at least six passes, and eight is better if you are repairing a coat or something that gets heavy use.

Another mistake is pulling the thread too tight while sewing. This puckers the fabric around the button and can tear the weave. Pull snug enough that the button does not move, but not so hard that you see the fabric bunch up around it. If you do pucker the fabric, you can usually smooth it out by gently stretching the area once the button is finished.

Do not skip the knot at the end. A button held on by thread that just ends will unravel the moment it catches on something. Always tie a proper knot on the back side and trim close to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of thread should I use?

Regular sewing thread works fine for most buttons. If you are repairing a coat or something that gets hard wear, use buttonhole thread or doubled regular thread for extra strength. Match the thread color to the button or the fabric, whichever is more visible.

Can I sew a button on by hand if the fabric is thick?

Yes, but you may need a thimble to protect your finger when pushing the needle through. A thimble is a small metal or plastic cap that fits over your middle finger. If you do not have one, you can push the needle through with the side of your finger instead of the tip, or use a small piece of tape on your fingertip for protection.

How do I know if my button is sewn on tight enough?

Gently tug the button from side to side. It should not move at all. If it wiggles, add two or three more passes with your needle through the same holes, then tie off and trim. A button that moves will come loose quickly.

What if I break the thread while sewing?

Tie off what you have done so far by pushing the needle to the back, wrapping the thread around the stitches, tying a knot, and trimming. Then thread a new needle and start again from the front, pushing up through the fabric right next to the button. Your new thread will catch on the old stitches and add to them.

Can I use a sewing machine instead?

A sewing machine can sew buttons, but most people find hand sewing faster and easier for a single button. If you have multiple buttons to replace, a machine saves time. Use a buttonhole foot and set the machine to a zigzag stitch, then let it sew back and forth through the holes automatically.