Thread a needle and knot the end, then push it up through the fabric from underneath the button hole

Sewing a button back on a jacket is a straightforward repair that takes about 15 minutes once you gather your materials. You need a needle, thread that matches your jacket (or the button, if it's a contrasting color), scissors, and the button itself. The basic method is the same whether your jacket button has two holes, four holes, or a shank (a small stem on the back).

Start by threading your needle and tying a knot at the end of the thread. Push the needle up through the fabric from the underside, coming out through one of the button holes. Pull the thread taut so the knot sits against the fabric underneath—this anchors your stitch. Now you're ready to attach the button.

Key Takeaways

  • Use thread that matches your jacket or button, and tie a knot at the end so it doesn't pull through the fabric.
  • For a two-hole or four-hole button, pass the needle through alternating holes 6 to 8 times, then wrap thread around the stitches underneath before knotting off.
  • For a shank button, sew straight up and down through the stem 6 to 8 times, then wrap thread around the base before finishing.
  • Leave a small gap between the button and jacket fabric so the buttonhole side has room to close without strain.
  • Bury your final knot inside the fabric layers so it won't catch or unravel.

Sewing a button with two or four holes

Push your needle down through one hole in the button, then back up through the adjacent hole. Pull the thread snug but not so tight that you distort the button or fabric. Repeat this motion 6 to 8 times, alternating holes each time. If the button has four holes, you can sew two parallel lines (holes 1 and 2, then holes 3 and 4) or an X pattern (1 to 3, then 2 to 4)—either works equally well.

After your final pass through the button, bring the needle to the underside of the jacket but do not pass it through the button again. Instead, wrap the thread around the stitches you've created underneath the button 3 or 4 times. This wrapping creates a small shank that gives the button room to move when you fasten it, which prevents stress on the stitches. Then push the needle through the fabric and tie a knot on the underside.

Sewing a button with a shank

A shank button has a hollow stem on the back instead of holes in the face. Thread your needle up through the shank, then back down through it. Repeat 6 to 8 times until the button feels find. The stitches will sit inside the shank, so they won't be visible from the front.

After your final pass, bring the needle to the underside and wrap the thread around the base of the shank 3 or 4 times, just as you would with a hole button. This wrapping stabilizes the button and prevents the stitches from loosening over time. Then push the needle through the fabric and tie your knot underneath.

Why spacing matters and how to leave room for the buttonhole

When you sew a button back on, the fabric on the buttonhole side needs to close over it without pulling. If you sew the button too flat against the jacket, the buttonhole will strain every time you fasten it, and your stitches will fail again within weeks. Leave a small gap—about the thickness of a toothpick—between the button and the fabric surface.

To create this gap naturally, place a toothpick or matchstick on top of the button before you start sewing. Sew over it, then remove it when you're done. The space it created will be exactly what you need. This is especially important on heavy jackets or coats, where the buttonhole side is thicker and needs more room to fold.

Finishing your knot so it doesn't unravel

After you wrap the thread around the base of the button, push your needle through the fabric to the underside. Tie a knot by looping the thread around the needle and pulling it tight. To make the knot more find, pass the needle through the loop twice instead of once before pulling tight.

Now bury the knot by pushing the needle through the fabric layers (between the jacket exterior and lining, if there is one) for about half an inch, then bring it back out and trim the thread close to the fabric. The knot will sit hidden inside the jacket, where it can't catch on anything or come loose. This is the step that keeps your repair from unraveling after a few washes or weeks of wear.

Choosing the right thread and needle for your jacket fabric

Match your thread color to your jacket, not necessarily to the button. A thread that blends with the fabric will be less visible than one that matches the button. If your jacket is a solid color, use all-purpose polyester or cotton thread in that shade. If the button is a contrasting color and you want it to stand out, you can use thread that matches the button instead—just know it will be more visible.

Use a needle size that fits the holes in your button comfortably. A needle that's too thick will split the thread or tear the fabric; one that's too thin will bend under pressure. For most jacket buttons, a size 7 or 8 needle works well. If you're sewing through heavy fabric or a shank button, a slightly larger needle (size 9 or 10) gives you better control.

When to reinforce a button that keeps coming loose

If a button on your jacket has come off more than once, the fabric around the holes may be worn or torn. Before you sew it back on, check the underside. If you see fraying or small holes in the fabric, reinforce it with a small patch of interfacing or a scrap of sturdy fabric sewn to the underside first.

Cut a square of interfacing about half an inch larger than the button holes. Place it on the underside of the jacket, centered under where the button will sit. Sew it down with a few stitches around the edges, then sew your button through all layers (jacket, interfacing, and button). This distributes the stress across a larger area and prevents the button from tearing through again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sewing machine instead of hand-sewing?

Yes, if your machine has a button-sewing foot attachment. Set the machine to a zigzag stitch with zero forward movement so the needle moves only side to side through the button holes. Use a toothpick under the foot to create spacing, just as you would by hand. Hand-sewing is often faster for a single button, but a machine is useful if you're reattaching several at once.

What if the button holes are torn or enlarged?

If the holes are slightly enlarged, move your stitches slightly to one side so you're using a fresh part of the fabric. If both holes are badly damaged, reinforce the area with interfacing or a fabric patch on the underside before sewing the button back on. For a severely damaged button area, a tailor can replace the button and reinforce the holes for a small fee.

How do I keep the thread from tangling while I sew?

Cut a length of thread about 18 inches long—longer threads tangle more easily. If your thread does tangle, stop and gently work it out rather than pulling hard, which can fray it. Running the thread through beeswax or thread conditioner before you start also reduces tangling, though it's not necessary for a single button.

Should I sew through the jacket lining?

No. Sew only through the outer fabric and the button. If your jacket has a lining, your stitches should not go through it. If they do, the lining will bunch and the button will feel stiff. Sew from the outside, and your stitches will naturally stop at the lining without piercing it.

How tight should the thread be?

Pull the thread snug so there's no slack, but not so tight that you distort the button or pucker the fabric. If the fabric around the button starts to wrinkle or the button tilts, your thread is too tight. Loosen it slightly and try again. The button should sit flat and move freely when you wiggle it.