How to (Properly) 
Sew On A Button.

Properly sewing on a button is not difficult. For the beginner it can - and should - take a bit of time. The method illustrated applies to shirts. The same method applies to suits and coats, but there are usually more turns on the shank and sometimes the thread end is left running inside the garment rather than being locked through the thread.

You will need a needle. We use #7 sharps, but a honed toothpick with a hole in one end will suffice. You will need thread. We use Mercerized Cotton Glacé #24 which is thick, strong, and meant not to break. Any thread will work, but if you use "standard home sewing thread", double the number of stitches/turns, etc. Silk is used on tailored clothing. You will need a thimble or pair of pliers ... or a large box of Band-Aids.

Ready?

1] Thread your needle. No knot! Cut the two thread ends roughly the same length.

2] Insert the needle into the cloth 1/16" above or below where you want the button.

3] Outsert the needle from the cloth 1/8" from the insertion point. No - I have no clue if outsert is a word. I take it you got the drift, though.



4] Pull the thread through until about 1" of the two tails remain sticking out. Repeat the same procedure in the same place. You now have the thread going through the cloth twice.

5] Do the same thing, one time, in the same position, but at a 90° angle to the first two stitches.

6] Pull gently to tighten up the three stitches. Using a sharp scissor, cut off the two tails about 1/16" from the cloth.

7] Insert the button onto the needle (from the underside of the button) through any of the four holes. Yes, I know the photos show three hole buttons. The principle is the same.



8] Decide if you want a cross-stitch or a parallel stitch and insert the needle (from the topside) back down through the button in the appropriate hole.

9] Repeat steps 2] & 3] drawing the thread tight but leaving a 1/16" gap between the button and the cloth.