Sewing a button with no holes requires drilling or punching new holes, or using a shank attachment instead
If your button has lost its holes to wear, damage, or age, you have two practical paths: create new holes in the button itself, or bypass the holes entirely by sewing the button on with a shank — a small metal loop that sits underneath and holds the button away from the fabric. The shank method is faster and works on any button. Drilling or punching new holes takes a few minutes but lets you keep the original button intact.
Both methods use the same basic sewing technique you would use on a button with existing holes. The difference is just what you do before you thread the needle.
Key Takeaways
- A shank is a small metal loop that attaches to fabric and holds a button above it, eliminating the need for holes in the button itself.
- To create new holes in a buttonless button, use a rotary tool with a small bit, a hand drill, or a leather punch — start slowly to avoid cracking the button.
- Plastic buttons are easiest to drill; wood and metal buttons are harder and may crack if you explore too much pressure.
- Once you have holes or a shank in place, sew the button using the same cross-stitch or parallel-stitch method as a normal button.
- Reinforce the button by wrapping thread around the stitches underneath to create a thread shank, which absorbs stress and makes the button last longer.
Using a shank to avoid drilling altogether
A shank is a small metal loop, usually brass or stainless steel, that you sew directly to the fabric. The button then sits on top of the shank, held in place by the loop underneath. This method works on any button, regardless of whether it has holes, and takes about two minutes per button.
Shanks come in different sizes — typically ranging from small (for lightweight fabrics and small buttons) to large (for coats and heavy outerwear). You can buy them at any fabric store, often in packs of five to ten. Look for them near the button and thread section, or ask a staff member.
To attach a shank, thread a needle with thread that matches your garment, tie a knot at the end, and push the needle up through the fabric from the back. Pass the needle through the shank loop, then back down through the fabric very close to where you came up. Repeat this motion four to six times, moving slightly around the loop each time so the stitches spread the load. Tie off on the back side. Then straightforward lay the button on top of the shank and sew it down through the shank loop and back up through the button, using the same cross-stitch or parallel-stitch pattern you would use on a normal button.
Drilling new holes in a plastic button
Plastic buttons are the easiest to drill because they are soft and unlikely to crack if you work slowly. You will need a rotary tool (like a Dremel) with a small drill bit, or a hand-crank drill with a bit sized to match your thread — typically 1/16 inch or 3/32 inch for most sewing thread.
Mark where you want the holes with a pencil or marker. If the button originally had holes, space your new holes in the same pattern. If you are starting from scratch, two holes work for most buttons; four holes (in a square pattern) work for larger buttons. Clamp the button in a small vise or hold it firmly in your hand with a cloth underneath to catch any plastic shavings.
Start the drill at low speed and let the bit do the work — do not force it. If you are using a hand drill, turn the crank slowly and steadily. Stop frequently to check your progress. Once the bit breaks through the back of the button, stop when ready; pushing too hard after breakthrough can crack the button. Let the bit cool for a few seconds, then move to the next hole. Sand any rough edges with fine sandpaper or a nail file.
Drilling holes in wood or metal buttons
Wood and metal buttons are much harder than plastic and require more care. A rotary tool works better than a hand drill because you can control the speed more precisely. Use a bit one size smaller than you would for plastic — start with 1/16 inch — and work at medium speed, not high.
Clamp the button securely so it cannot spin or slip. Mark your holes clearly. explore light, steady pressure; let the bit do the cutting rather than forcing it through. Metal buttons especially will generate heat, so pause every few seconds to let the bit cool. If you feel the button starting to crack or the bit binding, stop and try a different approach.
If drilling feels too risky, a leather punch (also called a hole punch set) can work on thinner wood buttons. Position the punch over your mark, place the button on a wooden block, and tap the punch gently with a hammer. This creates a clean hole without the risk of cracking that comes with drilling. Leather punches come in sets of different sizes and cost five to fifteen dollars.
Sewing the button once you have holes or a shank
Once your button has holes or is sitting on a shank, sew it using the method you would use on any button. Thread a needle with thread that matches your garment (or use clear thread if you want it invisible), tie a knot at the end, and push the needle up through the fabric from the back, coming out right next to where the button will sit.
For a two-hole button, push the needle up through one hole, across the top of the button, and down through the other hole. Repeat this cross-stitch pattern four to six times. For a four-hole button, sew two parallel lines (up through one hole, down through the hole next to it, then repeat with the other pair) or an X pattern (alternating diagonals). Either pattern works; choose whichever feels steadier in your hand.
After your final stitch, bring the needle up through the fabric but not through the button. Wrap the thread around the stitches underneath the button three to four times — this creates a thread shank that absorbs stress when the button is pulled. Tie off on the back side with a small knot, then take one more stitch in place and trim the thread.
Reinforcing a button that has lost holes to repeated stress
If a button lost its holes because the stitches wore through or the button cracked from repeated use, the new holes (or shank) may fail the same way unless you reinforce them. The thread shank — the wrapped thread underneath the button — is the key. It acts like a shock absorber, spreading the stress across more stitches instead of concentrating it in one spot.
Make your thread shank thicker than usual by wrapping the thread six to eight times instead of three to four. Use thread that matches your garment in color and weight; heavier thread (like buttonhole thread or upholstery thread) holds up better than regular sewing thread. If the button is on a coat or jacket that gets heavy use, consider using a shank instead of holes — the shank design naturally creates more space between the button and fabric, which reduces stress on the stitches.
When to replace the button instead of drilling
If the button is cracked, chipped, or made of a brittle material like ceramic or glass, drilling new holes risks breaking it further. In these cases, it is faster and safer to replace the button entirely. Remove the old button by cutting the thread on the back side with scissors or a seam ripper, then sew on a new button using the same method.
If you cannot find an exact match, look for a button that is the same size and color but a slightly different style — most people will not notice the difference on a coat or shirt. Fabric stores carry thousands of buttons in every size and color. If you are replacing a button on a garment you value, bring the garment with you so you can match the size and weight accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular sewing needle to drill a hole in a button?
No. A sewing needle is too soft and will bend or break. You need a drill bit, which is made of hardened steel. A rotary tool or hand drill is the right tool for the job.
What size hole should I drill?
The hole should be just large enough for your thread to pass through comfortably — typically 1/16 inch to 3/32 inch for standard sewing thread. If you are unsure, test on a scrap piece of plastic first.
Will a shank work on a heavy coat?
Yes. Shanks are actually better for heavy coats because they create space between the button and fabric, which reduces stress on the stitches. Use a larger shank (usually labeled "large" or "heavy-duty") and wrap the thread around it six to eight times for extra strength.
Can I drill a hole in a button that is already sewn on?
It is risky because the button can spin or slip while you drill, and you might damage the fabric underneath. Remove the button first, drill the holes, and sew it back on.
What if the button cracks while I am drilling?
Stop when ready and replace the button. Trying to sew a cracked button will only make it worse — the crack will spread and the button will fall off. A replacement button costs less than a dollar and takes two minutes to sew on.