2. SEWING A BUTTON THE SEW-THROUGH BUTTON

3. TERMS TO KNOW Sew-through button – a button with holes (either two or four) Shank button – a button with a plastic or metal hook on the underside of the button that creates a space between the button and fabric Beeswax – used to strengthen thread when hand sewing and to help prevent tangles

4. Preparing to Sew Cut thread one arms length. Cut thread at an angle so it is pointed. Thread needle, pull thread ends until they are the same length. Run the double thread through beeswax, stopping at the needle. Put a knot at the ends and cut away excess thread.

5. Step #1 Sew through the center of the double layer of fabric where button should go. If the knot is too small, take a little backstitch. Position button - good side face up - and stitch through one hole and down through the other. Keep stitches close together. Insert a toothpick through the button.

6. Step #2 Always take stitches up and down through the holes, never around. Stitches on the wrong side should all be grouped closely together. End stitches with needle on the underside. Push needle to top of fabric on the underside of the button. Pull the thread all the way through the fabric and remove the toothpick.

7. STEP # 3 Wrap the thread several times (3-4) around the loose threads under the button. Return the needle to the wrong side and take two tiny back stitches to form a knot. Click on the picture below to see a video of sewing a button.

8. THE END By anne-marie McCarthy Video by Jane borselli Microsoft clip art