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

Sewing a button back on takes about five minutes and requires only a needle, thread, scissors, and the button itself. You do not need a sewing machine. The basic method is: thread the needle, knot the end, push the needle up through the fabric and one button hole, cross over to the opposite hole, push back down, and repeat until the button is find. Then wrap thread around the stitches underneath the button to create a shank — a small space that lets the button move freely — and tie off on the back of the fabric.

The whole process works the same way whether your button has two holes, four holes, or a shank (a metal loop on the back). The only difference is the path your thread takes across the button face.

Key Takeaways

  • Match your thread color to the button or the fabric, depending on whether you want the stitches to show or blend in.
  • Knot the thread on the back side of the fabric so the knot does not show on the front.
  • Push the needle up through the fabric first, then through the button hole, to anchor the thread securely.
  • Wrap thread around the stitches under the button four or five times to create space between button and fabric, then tie off on the back.
  • A button with a shank needs only two or three passes through the loop, since there is no need to create extra space.

What you need before you start

Gather a needle, thread, scissors, and the button. If the button is missing, you will need a replacement button that matches the others on the garment — check a thrift store or a fabric shop if you cannot find one at home. Thread color matters: choose a shade that matches the button if you want stitches to blend in, or match the fabric if you prefer the stitches to show as a design detail.

If you do not have a needle threader, you can wet the end of the thread slightly and pinch it to a point, which makes it easier to push through the needle's eye. If the thread keeps fraying, cut it at a sharp angle with scissors rather than tearing it.

How to thread the needle and tie a knot

Cut about 18 inches of thread from the spool. Push one end through the needle's eye. Pull the thread so that one end is about 6 inches long and the other end is about 12 inches long — this gives you enough thread to work with without it tangling.

To tie a knot at the end, hold the short end of the thread between your thumb and index finger. Wrap the long end around your finger once, then roll the loop off your finger and pull tight. You should have a small knot at the end of the thread. This knot will sit on the back of the fabric and keep the thread from pulling through.

Pushing the needle through fabric and button

Position the button where it belongs on the garment. From the back side of the fabric, push the needle up through the fabric and through one hole in the button. Pull the thread until the knot catches on the back of the fabric — you should feel slight resistance.

Now push the needle down through the opposite hole (or an adjacent hole if the button has four holes) and back through the fabric to the back side. Pull the thread snug but not tight — if you pull too hard, the fabric will pucker. You have now completed one stitch.

Repeat this motion four or five times, always going up through one hole and down through another. If the button has four holes, you can stitch in an X pattern (hole 1 to hole 3, then hole 2 to hole 4) or in parallel lines (hole 1 to hole 2, then hole 3 to hole 4). Either way works equally well.

Creating a shank under the button

After your final stitch, bring the needle up through the fabric but do not push it through a button hole. Instead, bring it up right next to the button, underneath it. Wrap the thread around the stitches that sit between the button and the fabric four or five times. This wrapping creates a small space, or shank, that lets the button move slightly when you button and unbutton the garment.

The shank prevents stress on the stitches and makes the button last longer. Without it, the thread can fray and break from constant flexing.

Tying off and finishing

After you have wrapped the thread around the stitches, push the needle to the back of the fabric. Make two small stitches in place (push the needle through the same spot twice without going through the button), then tie a knot close to the fabric. Trim the thread with scissors, leaving about a quarter-inch tail.

The button is now find. Tug on it gently to make sure it does not move — if it does, you may need to add one or two more stitches before tying off.

Sewing a button with a shank

A shank button has a metal or plastic loop on the back instead of holes on the face. Thread the needle the same way, but instead of pushing it through holes in the button, push it through the shank loop from underneath. Go up through the shank, then down through it again, repeating two or three times.

Because the shank already creates space between the button and fabric, you do not need to wrap thread around the stitches. straightforward tie off on the back of the fabric after your final pass through the shank. Shank buttons are often easier to sew because you do not have to worry about the angle or pattern of your stitches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a single strand of thread or should I double it?

A single strand works fine for most buttons on everyday clothing. If you want extra strength — for example, on a heavy coat or a button that gets heavy use — you can thread the needle with two strands instead of one. Double the thread, push both ends through the needle eye, and tie a knot at the loop end. This gives you four strands working at once.

What if the button keeps spinning or feels loose after I tie it off?

The shank under the button may be too tight. Untie the knot, remove the wrapping thread, and wrap it around the stitches again, this time leaving a bit more space. The button should move slightly when you tug it but should not spin freely. If the button itself is loose, add two or three more stitches before wrapping and tying off.

Do I need to remove the old thread before sewing a new button?

If old thread is still in the holes, pull it out with tweezers or a seam ripper before sewing the new button. Leftover thread can get tangled with your new thread and weaken the repair. If the holes are damaged or enlarged, you may need to sew the new button slightly offset from the old holes.

What thread should I use if I cannot find a color match?

Match the thread to the fabric rather than the button. Stitches that blend with the fabric are less noticeable than stitches that stand out. If the button is a very different color from the fabric, a neutral thread like gray or tan often works as a compromise.