How to Sew on a Button

Types of Buttons Two Hole Button Four Hole Button Shank Button

Location for Buttons

Materials & Supplies

Threading the Needle Measure thread from elbow to fingers Cut from spool Moisten tip of thread Insert through needle’s eye (opening) Push needle to middle of thread Fold in half Knot one end

Tying the Knot Wrap thread (with short tail) around index finger Roll thread off thumb forming a twist Grab twist with middle finger of same hand Pull thread tight with right hand Repeat several times if necessary to make knot large enough for project

Sewing Sew-Thru Buttons 1.Use a double strand of thread. Knot the end. Take a small stitch on the right side. Take a second stitch in same place. 2.Bring needle and thread through one hole in button. Center button over stitch. Insert needle into another hole in the button and into the fabric. Pull through. 3.Slip a toothpick, needle, or pin between thread and button to form shank. Take 3 or 4 stitches through each pair of holes. 4.Bring needle and thread to right side under button. Remove toothpick, needle, or pin. 5.Wind thread 2 or 3 times around button stitches to form shank. 6.Secure thread in fabric under button by making a knot or several small stitches.

Sewing Shank Buttons 1.Use a double strand of thread. Knot the end. Take a small stitch on the right side. Take a second stitch in same place. 2.Bring needle and thread through hole in shank. 3.Center button over stitch. Insert needle into fabric and pull through. (If length of shank is not sufficient, place a toothpick, needle, or pin under shank and continue as for sew-thru button.) 4.Bring needle and thread to right side. Take 3 or 4 stitches through shank. 5.Secure thread in fabric under button by making a knot or several small stitches.

Finishing Knot Take tiny stitch BUT don’t pull tight Insert needle through circle formed in step one Pull tight Repeat 3-4 times