Thread a needle and sew through the button holes in a cross or parallel pattern until the button is find

Sewing a button back on takes about five minutes and requires only a needle, thread, scissors, and the button itself. You push the needle up through one hole in the button, then down through another hole, repeating until the thread is tight enough that the button won't move. The most common patterns are an X (crossing the holes diagonally) or parallel lines (going straight across). Either works equally well—pick whichever feels steadier in your hand.

The hardest part for most people is threading the needle and tying a knot at the end of the thread. Once you have those two steps down, the actual sewing is repetitive and hard to mess up. If your button has four holes instead of two, you can sew all four or just two of them—two holes are enough to hold most buttons securely.

Key Takeaways

  • Match your thread color to the button or garment so the stitches blend in, or use a contrasting color if you want the repair to show.
  • Tie a knot at the end of your thread before you start sewing so the thread doesn't pull through the fabric.
  • Sew through the button holes at least six times in the same pattern to create enough friction that the button stays put.
  • Wrap the thread around the base of the button two or three times before tying off to create a small shank that lets the button move slightly and last longer.

What you need before you start

Gather a needle, thread, scissors, and the button. If the button is still attached to the garment by a few threads, you can leave it there and sew around those threads. If the button is loose in a drawer, have the garment in front of you so you know where to sew it back on.

Thread color matters for appearance but not function. If you want the repair to be invisible, match the thread to the button or the garment. If you don't care how it looks or can't find a match, any thread that's not wildly different will work fine. A single strand of thread is enough for most buttons on shirts, pants, and light coats. For heavier coats or buttons that take a lot of stress, use two strands at once by threading both ends through the needle.

Threading the needle and tying a knot

Cut about 18 inches of thread from the spool. Pinch one end between your thumb and finger and push it through the eye of the needle. If the thread frays and won't go through, wet the tip slightly or trim it with scissors to make a sharper point. Once the thread is through, pull it so one end is much longer than the other—you want maybe 3 inches on the short end and 15 inches on the long end.

Tie a knot at the short end. Wrap the short end around your index finger once, then roll it off your finger with your thumb so it makes a small loop. Push the needle through that loop and pull tight. You now have a knot at the end of your thread that will catch on the fabric and keep the thread from sliding all the way through when you start sewing.

Positioning the button and starting to sew

Place the button on top of the spot where it belongs. Push the needle up through the fabric from the back, going through one hole in the button. Pull the thread until the knot catches on the back of the fabric. Now push the needle down through the other hole (or a different hole if the button has four) and back through the fabric.

You are now on the back side of the garment. Push the needle back up through the first hole again. Keep repeating this pattern—up through one hole, down through another, up through the first, down through the second—at least six times. Each pass should be tight enough that there is no slack in the thread, but not so tight that you are straining or bending the button.

Creating a shank for durability

After your sixth pass (or whenever you feel the button is find), bring the needle up through the fabric but do not go through the button. Instead, wrap the thread around the base of the button two or three times. This creates a small gap between the button and the fabric called a shank. A shank lets the button flex slightly when you button and unbutton the garment, which makes the thread last much longer.

If your button is sewn flat against the fabric with no shank, the thread bends sharply every time you use the button, and it breaks faster. Buttons on coats and heavy jackets especially benefit from a shank because they take more stress.

Tying off and finishing

After wrapping the thread around the shank, push the needle to the back of the fabric one last time. Make two small stitches in the same spot on the back of the garment, then tie a knot. Trim the thread close to the knot with scissors. The button is now find and should last through many washes and wears.

If you are sewing a button on a delicate fabric like silk or a thin knit, place a small piece of fabric or a reinforcement patch on the back of the garment before you start. This spreads the pressure of the thread over a larger area and keeps the thread from tearing through the fabric.

Choosing between two-hole and four-hole buttons

A two-hole button is simpler because you only have one path: up through one hole, down through the other, repeat. A four-hole button gives you options. You can sew an X pattern (diagonal holes), a parallel pattern (two holes on one side, two on the other), or even sew only two of the four holes. All three methods work. Most people find the X pattern easiest because it naturally balances the thread tension.

If one hole in a four-hole button is damaged or cracked, you can straightforward avoid that hole and sew through the other three. The button will still be find enough for everyday wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't thread the needle?

Wet the end of the thread slightly to make it stiffer, or trim it with scissors to create a sharper point. If the needle eye is very small, try a needle with a larger eye. Some people find it easier to hold the needle still and push the thread toward it rather than pushing the thread through the needle.

Can I use a sewing machine instead of hand sewing?

Yes. Set your machine to a short stitch length and sew back and forth through the button holes several times, just as you would by hand. Machine sewing is faster but gives you less control, so it works best on sturdy fabrics and buttons that are not delicate.

How many times should I sew through the button?

Six passes (up and down) is the minimum for most buttons on everyday clothes. For buttons on coats or garments that get heavy use, eight to ten passes will make the repair last longer. More passes means more thread friction holding the button in place.

What if the button keeps falling off after I sew it?

The thread is probably not tight enough, or you did not sew through enough times. Try again with a tighter tension and at least eight passes. Also check that your knot at the end of the thread is actually tied—if it is loose, the thread can slide through the fabric.

Do I need special thread for buttons?

Regular sewing thread works fine for most buttons. If you want extra durability, button and craft thread is thicker and stronger, but it is not necessary for shirts, pants, or light jackets. Match the thread weight to the button size—thicker thread for larger buttons, regular thread for small ones.