If you're anything like us, you have a pile of cardigans, coats and shirts with missing and loose buttons, that have waited to be mended for far too long now. Or, you have an item (perhaps a vintage piece) whose buttons don't quite work for your personal style, and could be transformed with a simple switch of haberdashery.
If that is the case and your technical knowledge is holding you back, this is the place to either learn, or double-check you recall correctly, exactly how to sew a button.
If you do know how to sew a button and are just lacking motivation, this video might be more helpful to you.
To learn how to secure an old or new button, we spoke to the co-founder of Sewn Right, Charlotte Sweet-Williams, to learn the tips and tricks she has picked up over years of sewing.
What You Need To Sew A Button
Asdirne Needlework Scissors
Sliverdew 100 Pcs Sewing Buttons
How To Sew A Button
- Double thread your needle, tie the end, and thread through fabric where you want your button.
- Pass needle and thread through button holes multiple times until secure.
- When secure, pass your needle through the fabric and not the button and wind it around the button.
- Pass your needle through the fabric and not the button again, knot twice and cut off excess thread.
What are your top tips for securing new buttons properly?
- 'Use strong thread and double it up when you thread your needle, this will make the button stronger and less likely to come loose again.
- 'Mark with a pin where you want to sew your button, this will help you to sew it inline with the other buttons - you can remove the pin once you are sewing.
- 'Go in and out of the fabric and button holes multiple times to ensure it’s secure.
- 'Knotting your thread at the beginning and end is crucial, you can do a double knot just to be sure.'
What happens if you can't get the exact thread or button needed?
- 'Firstly, check the garment with the missing button for a spare button, it would usually be on the care label inside or it would have come attached to the brand label when you bought it. If you can’t find the exact button don’t worry, you can choose the closest one in a similar colour and size.
- 'You could also consider changing all of the buttons for a bit of a refresh, why not choose some statement buttons to bring a new lease of life into your wardrobe?'
What should you avoid when sewing a button?
- 'It can sometimes be difficult to sew a button on very delicate fabrics such as silk or chiffon because the fabric can become damaged or weakened by the needle. However most garments will be lined which adds strength or you can always add a little bit of fusing behind the button for support.'
