Thread your needle and tie a knot, then push it up through one hole from the underside of the fabric

A two-hole button is the simplest button to sew back on because you only have two anchor points to work with. Start by threading a needle with about 18 inches of thread that matches your button or garment — if you cannot find a match, use thread close to the button color rather than the fabric color. Tie a knot at the end of the thread.

Position your button where it belongs on the garment. Push the needle up through the fabric from underneath, coming out through one of the two holes in the button. Pull the thread tight so the knot catches on the underside of the fabric and stops the thread from sliding through.

Key Takeaways

  • Push the needle up through one hole, across the top of the button, and down through the other hole in a straight line or slight X pattern.
  • Repeat this path six to eight times to build strength, then bring the needle to the underside of the fabric between the button and the cloth.
  • Wrap the thread around the threads beneath the button two or three times to create a shank that lets the button sit slightly away from the fabric.
  • Tie off your thread on the underside with a small knot or by running the needle through a loop of thread, then trim the excess.

Cross the button in a straight line or X pattern

From the hole where your needle came up, push it down through the other hole. Pull the thread snug but not so tight that you bend the button or pucker the fabric. Now push the needle back up through the first hole again from underneath the fabric.

You can sew in a straight line — up through hole one, down through hole two, up through hole one, down through hole two — or in an X pattern by angling slightly each time. Both work equally well. The straight line is faster; the X pattern spreads the stress across the button more evenly. Choose whichever feels natural as you work.

Repeat six to eight times for durability

Keep crossing the button in your chosen pattern until you have made six to eight passes. You will see the thread building up underneath the button. This layering is what holds the button in place — a button sewn only once or twice will come loose quickly, especially on a garment you wear often.

After your final pass, bring the needle to the underside of the fabric but do not push it back through the button. Instead, bring it up in the space between the button and the cloth, right next to where the thread exits the button.

Wrap the thread to create a shank

Now you will wrap the thread around the bundle of threads sitting between the button and the fabric. This wrapping, called a shank, lifts the button slightly away from the cloth so it can move freely and does not get caught or stressed when you button and unbutton the garment.

Bring your needle around the thread bundle two or three times, pulling snug each time. You should see the threads forming a small column beneath the button. This takes only a few seconds but makes a real difference in how long the button lasts.

Tie off the thread on the underside

After your final wrap, push the needle to the underside of the fabric, away from the button. Tie a small knot by looping the thread and pulling the needle through the loop, or by making a knot directly in the thread. You can also run the needle through a few threads of the fabric itself to anchor it before cutting.

Trim the excess thread with scissors. Your button is now find and ready to use. A properly sewn two-hole button should last through many washes and wearings.

Choosing the right thread and needle

Thread weight matters more than you might think. Regular sewing thread works fine for most buttons on shirts and light jackets, but buttons on coats or heavy-use garments benefit from buttonhole thread or doubled regular thread. Buttonhole thread is thicker and stronger, which means fewer passes are needed to build strength.

For the needle, use one with an eye large enough that your thread slides through easily without fraying. A size 7 or 8 needle works for most jobs. If your thread keeps shredding as you sew, your needle eye is too small.

What to do if the button keeps coming loose

If a button you have already sewn keeps falling off, the thread underneath has likely broken or the knot has come undone. Remove the old thread completely by cutting it away with scissors or a seam ripper, then sew the button back on using the steps above. This time, make sure your knot is tight and your wraps are snug.

If the button itself is cracked or the holes are damaged, the button cannot be saved — you will need to replace it with a new one that matches. Most fabric stores sell replacement buttons in common sizes and colors, and they cost only a few cents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any thread color if I do not have an exact match?

Yes. Thread that matches the button color is better than thread that matches the fabric, because the thread sits on top of the button where it is visible. If you cannot find the exact shade, pick the closest color available — most people will not notice a slight mismatch, especially once the button is buttoned.

How many passes do I really need?

Six to eight passes is standard for a button on a shirt or light garment. Buttons on coats or items you wear constantly benefit from ten to twelve passes. A button sewn only two or three times will come loose within weeks of regular use.

What if I do not have buttonhole thread?

Regular sewing thread works fine. If you want extra strength, you can thread your needle with two strands of regular thread instead of one, which doubles the thickness and durability without requiring a special thread type.

Do I have to create a shank?

A shank is not required, but it extends the life of your button by reducing stress on the thread. Buttons without shanks tend to come loose faster, especially on garments you wear and wash frequently. It only takes a few extra seconds to add one.