How to Sew a Button Back On (Shirts, Trousers and Coats)

Before you start

• A needle
• Thread that matches the garment or the other buttons
• The button (or a spare from the label)
• Scissors
• A pin or toothpick

Method 1 Get ready

1. 1

   Step 1: Find the button and spot

   Use the original button or a spare (often sewn onto the care label). Look for small holes or leftover threads to find exactly where it was. If unsure, button the garment and mark the spot through the buttonhole with chalk or a pin.

2. 2

   Step 2: Cut the thread

   Cut about 60 cm (24 inches) of thread. For coats and heavy fabrics, use stronger button thread.

3. 3

   Step 3: Thread the needle

   Cut the end at an angle, push it through the eye of the needle, and pull through until both ends are even. Lick or wet the end if it frays.

4. 4

   Step 4: Knot the end

   Tie the two ends together with a double or triple knot, so the thread is doubled for strength.

Method 2 Sew a flat button (2 or 4 holes)

1. 1

   Step 1: Start from the back

   Push the needle up from the inside of the fabric at the marked spot, and pull until the knot stops it.

2. 2

   Step 2: Thread the button

   Push the needle up through one hole of the button and slide the button down the thread onto the fabric.

3. 3

   Step 3: Add a spacer

   Place a pin or toothpick on top of the button between the holes. Sewing over it leaves slack so the button can fit through the buttonhole.

4. 4

   Step 4: Sew through the holes

   Go down through the opposite hole (two-hole button) and through the fabric, then back up. Repeat 6–8 times. For a four-hole button, sew in two parallel lines or a cross to match the other buttons.

5. 5

   Step 5: Make a shank

   Remove the pin. Bring the needle up between the button and fabric, lift the button slightly, and wrap the thread tightly around the stitches 5–6 times. This shank strengthens the button and makes it easier to fasten.

6. 6

   Step 6: Tie off

   Push the needle through to the inside. Make a few small stitches in place, pass the needle through the loop to knot it, and trim the thread.

Method 3 Sew a shank button

1. 1

   Step 1: Position it

   Shank buttons have a loop underneath instead of holes, and are common on coats and blazers. Hold the button so the loop lines up with the buttonhole direction.

2. 2

   Step 2: Sew through the loop

   Bring the needle up from the back, through the loop and back down, about 6–8 times. No spacer is needed.

3. 3

   Step 3: Tie off

   Knot the thread on the inside and trim.

Troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions

Summary