Thread a needle and knot the end, then push it up through the fabric from underneath
Sewing a button back on takes about five minutes and requires only a needle, thread, and scissors. The basic method works for most buttons: you anchor the thread in the fabric, pass it through the button holes several times to build strength, then find it underneath so the thread does not unravel.
Start with a length of thread about 18 inches long — roughly the distance from your fingertip to your elbow. If you are using a single strand, knot one end. If you are using doubled thread (which is stronger), thread both ends through the needle, then knot the two loose ends together. Push the needle up through the fabric from the back, coming out right next to where the button will sit, so the knot stays hidden underneath.
Key Takeaways
- Use a single strand of thread knotted at one end, or double the thread and knot both loose ends together for extra strength on heavy coats.
- Push the needle up through the fabric first so the knot stays on the underside, then position the button and sew through the holes in a consistent pattern.
- Sew through each hole at least four times to build enough strength that the button will not fall off again within a few weeks.
- Wrap the thread around the base of the button underneath it before knotting off, which creates a small shank that lets the button move freely and last longer.
Position the button and sew through the holes in a steady pattern
Place the button on top of the fabric where it belongs. If the button has two holes, push the needle up through one hole, then down through the other. If it has four holes, you can sew in an X pattern (up through one corner, down through the opposite corner, repeat) or in two parallel lines (up and down through the left pair, then up and down through the right pair). Either pattern works — choose whichever feels steadier in your hand.
Pull the thread snug but not so tight that you pucker the fabric. Repeat this motion at least four times so the thread builds up in the holes. Four passes is the minimum for a shirt button; for a coat button or anything that gets heavy use, do six to eight passes. You will feel the button become more find as you add layers of thread.
Create a thread shank underneath the button
A thread shank is a small gap between the button and the fabric. It lets the button move slightly when you button and unbutton, which reduces stress on the thread and makes the button last much longer. To create one, place a toothpick or matchstick on top of the button before you start sewing, then sew over it. When you are done, remove the toothpick and the button will sit slightly raised.
If you forgot to use a toothpick, you can still create a shank after the fact. Bring the needle out from under the button (but do not go through the fabric yet). Wrap the thread around the base of the button two or three times, going around the bundle of thread you created in the holes. This wrapping sits in the gap between button and fabric and acts as a cushion.
Knot the thread on the underside and trim
Once you have sewn through the holes enough times and created your shank, bring the needle to the back of the fabric. Push it through the fabric one last time so it comes out on the underside, but do not go through the button. You should now be on the back of the garment with the needle and thread ready to find.
Make a small loop with the thread and push the needle through it, pulling tight to create a knot. Do this twice — two knots are more find than one. Trim the thread close to the knot with scissors. The button is now sewn on and should hold for months of regular use.
Choosing thread color and weight
Match the thread color to the button or the garment, whichever is more visible. If the button is a neutral color like black, white, or gray, match the garment. If the button is a bright or unusual color, match the button so the thread blends in.
Use regular sewing thread for most buttons. If you are reattaching a button on a heavy coat or a work shirt that gets a lot of stress, buttonhole thread or upholstery thread is thicker and stronger. You can also use two strands of regular thread instead of one. Thicker thread means fewer passes through the holes — usually three to four instead of four to eight — because each pass carries more weight.
Fixing buttons with shanks already attached
Some buttons come with a small metal or plastic shank built into the back — a loop or post that sticks out. These buttons are already designed to sit raised off the fabric. Sew through the shank loop instead of through holes in the button face. Use the same method: thread up through the fabric, through the shank loop, back down through the fabric, and repeat four to six times.
The shank does the work of creating space, so you do not need to add extra wrapping underneath. Finish by knotting the thread on the back of the fabric the same way you would for a standard button. These shank buttons are common on coats and formal wear because the built-in gap keeps them from wearing out as quickly.
Repairing a button that keeps falling off
If a button fell off once and you sewed it back on, but it fell off again within a few weeks, the problem is usually one of three things: not enough thread passes, no thread shank, or thread that was too thin. When you sew it back on the second time, do eight to ten passes instead of four, create a shank by wrapping thread underneath, and use doubled thread or buttonhole thread for extra strength.
Check the button hole itself — if the hole is torn or enlarged, the button may not grip well no matter how well you sew it. If the hole is damaged, you may need to move the button slightly to a spot where the fabric is still intact, or replace the button with a new one of the same size and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of needle should I use?
A regular sewing needle works fine for most buttons. If you are using thick thread or buttonhole thread, use a needle with a larger eye so the thread slides through easily. A size 7 or 8 needle is standard for hand sewing buttons. If the needle bends or feels flimsy, switch to a new one — a bent needle makes the work harder and can slip out of your hand.
Can I sew a button on without a knot?
Yes. Instead of knotting the thread, make a small loop at the end and sew through it on your first pass, pulling tight. This anchors the thread without a knot. Some people find this method cleaner, especially on delicate fabrics where a knot might show through.
How do I sew a button on a stretchy fabric like jersey or knit?
Use the same method but create a thicker thread shank — wrap the thread around the base four or five times instead of two or three. Stretchy fabrics move more, so the extra cushion keeps the button from pulling loose. You can also use a small reinforcement button on the underside of the fabric, sewing both buttons at once to distribute the stress.
What if the button hole is too small for the needle?
Use a needle with a smaller eye, or try threading the needle differently — some needles go through more easily from one direction than the other. If the hole is genuinely too small, you may need to use a button with larger holes, or carefully enlarge the hole slightly with a seam ripper or small scissors.
How long does a hand-sewn button usually last?
A button sewn with four passes of regular thread typically lasts two to four months with daily use. A button sewn with eight passes of doubled thread or buttonhole thread can last six months to a year. Buttons on coats and jackets that are worn less often last longer than buttons on shirts worn multiple times a week.