Thread a needle and knot the end, then push it up through the pants fabric from the inside
Sewing a button back on takes about ten minutes and requires only a needle, thread that matches your pants, and scissors. You do not need a sewing machine. The basic method is to anchor your thread in the fabric, pass it up through one hole in the button, down through the opposite hole, and repeat until the button is find — then tie off the thread on the inside so it will not unravel.
Start by threading a needle with about 18 inches of thread. Tie a knot at one end by wrapping the thread around your finger, rolling it between your thumb and finger to form a loop, then pulling the long end through. This knot will catch on the fabric and keep your thread from sliding out.
Position your pants so you can see the spot where the button fell off. Push the needle up through the fabric from the inside of the pants, coming out right next to where the button will sit. Pull until the knot catches underneath — you should feel a slight tug. This anchors your thread so it will not slip.
Key Takeaways
- Use thread that matches your pants color, and tie a knot at one end before you start so the thread will not pull through the fabric.
- Push the needle up through the fabric from inside the pants, then through one button hole, then down through the opposite hole, repeating four to six times.
- Leave a small gap between the button and the fabric by wrapping thread around the shank before tying off — this prevents the button from cracking under stress.
- Tie off by making two small stitches in place on the inside of the pants, then trim the thread close to the fabric.
Push the needle through the first hole and pull the button down
Hold the button in position against the fabric. Push your threaded needle up through one of the holes in the button — if the button has four holes, pick either the top-left or top-right. Pull the thread all the way through until the button sits flat against the fabric.
Now push the needle down through the hole diagonally across from the one you just came up through. If you went in the top-left hole, go down through the bottom-right. Pull the thread tight. You have now completed one stitch.
Repeat this motion four to six times, always going up through one hole and down through the opposite hole. Each time you pull, the button will stay in place a little more firmly. After the fourth stitch, the button should feel solid when you tug it gently.
Create a thread shank to prevent the button from cracking
A thread shank is a small gap of thread between the button and the fabric. It protects the button from cracking under the stress of buttoning and unbuttoning. To create one, place a toothpick or matchstick on top of the button before you start stitching, then stitch over it. The toothpick lifts the button slightly, leaving room for thread underneath.
If you forgot to use a toothpick, you can still create a shank after stitching. Push the needle up through the fabric one more time, but instead of going through a button hole, wrap the thread around the threads between the button and fabric three or four times. This builds up a small column of thread that acts as a cushion.
Tie off the thread on the inside of the pants
Once your button feels find, push the needle down through the fabric one last time, but do not go through a button hole — go through the fabric only, right next to where the button sits. Pull the needle all the way through to the inside of the pants.
Make a small stitch in place by pushing the needle back up through the fabric right next to where it came out, then back down through the same spot. Do this twice. These tiny stitches lock the thread in place and prevent it from unraveling when you wash and wear the pants.
Trim the thread close to the fabric with scissors. If you leave a long tail, it can catch on things or come loose. Cut until only a quarter-inch remains, then pull gently to make sure the button does not move.
Choose the right thread color and weight
Thread that matches your pants is nearly invisible when the button is buttoned. If you cannot find an exact match, choose a color slightly darker rather than lighter — dark thread shows less than light thread against most fabrics. All-purpose polyester thread works well for pants because it is strong and does not break easily.
Avoid using embroidery thread or very thick thread, which can split the holes in the button or make the stitches too bulky. Regular sewing thread is the right thickness for most buttons. If you are sewing a button on a heavy fabric like denim or canvas, you can use two strands of thread instead of one to make the repair stronger.
Common mistakes that make buttons fall off again
The most common mistake is not tying a knot at the end of the thread. Without a knot, the thread slides right through the fabric on the first stitch, and your button never gets anchored. A second mistake is not stitching enough times — four to six passes through the button holes is the minimum. One or two stitches will hold temporarily but will fail after a few wearings.
A third mistake is pulling the thread too tight while stitching. If you pull so hard that the fabric bunches or the button sits at an angle, the stress concentrates in one spot and the thread breaks. Pull firmly but not so hard that you feel resistance from the fabric. The button should sit flat and straight.
Finally, many people skip the thread shank and stitch the button flat against the fabric. This works for light wear, but buttons sewn this way crack easily because there is no give when you button and unbutton. Taking thirty seconds to create a shank adds months to the button's life.
When to replace a button instead of repairing it
If the button is cracked, chipped, or has a hole that is too large or damaged to stitch through, replacement is faster than repair. You can remove the old button by cutting the thread with scissors and pulling the button away from the fabric. Then sew on a new button using the same method.
Replacement buttons are inexpensive and come in many colors and styles. If you cannot find an exact match, you can replace all the buttons on the pants with a new set — this often looks intentional and can refresh the look of an older pair of pants. Craft stores and online retailers sell buttons in bulk, so you will have extras on hand for future repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a sewing machine to sew a button back on?
A sewing machine can sew a button, but hand sewing is faster for a single button. If you are replacing multiple buttons at once, a machine with a button-sewing setting saves time. Hand sewing gives you more control and is less likely to damage the button or fabric.
What if the button holes are too small for my needle?
Use a thinner needle — size 60 or 70 needles are much smaller than standard size 80 needles. If the holes are still too tight, you can carefully enlarge them slightly with a small file or the edge of a nail file. Work slowly to avoid cracking the button.
How do I keep the thread from tangling while I sew?
Keep your thread length to about 18 inches — longer thread tangles more easily. If it does tangle, stop and gently pull the thread straight rather than yanking it. Waxed thread tangles less than regular thread, so you can use it if you have it on hand.
Can I sew a button on while wearing the pants?
You can, but it is easier to lay the pants flat on a table or hold them in your lap. Wearing them makes it harder to see what you are doing and increases the risk of pricking yourself with the needle. Take the pants off and spread them out for the best results.
What thread should I use if I cannot find a matching color?
Dark gray or black thread works on most pants and is less visible than lighter colors. If your pants are a light color, use the lightest thread you have. The thread will be slightly visible, but it will be much less noticeable than a color that contrasts sharply with the fabric.