How to Sew a Button?

Sewing on a button is a quick, essential skill. This covers the common flat button with 2 or 4 holes.

What you need:

• A needle and thread (matching the garment)
• Scissors
• The button

Step-by-step:

1. Thread the needle. Cut about 24 inches of thread, push it through the needle's eye, and pull the ends even so the thread is doubled (this makes it stronger). Tie a knot at the end.
2. Anchor the thread. From the back of the fabric, push the needle up to the front where the button goes, and pull until the knot catches. Make a small stitch or an X to lock it in place.
3. Position the button. Set the button over that spot.
4. Sew through the holes. Push the needle up through one hole and down through the diagonal (or adjacent) hole. Repeat 6–8 times through each pair of holes. For a 4-hole button, sew an X or two parallel lines.
5. Create a shank (important). Don't sew the button flat against the fabric — leave a little slack. On the last passes, bring the needle up under the button and wrap the thread around the threads beneath it 3–4 times. This "shank" gives room for the fabric to sit when buttoned.
6. Knot it off. Push the needle to the back, make a couple of small stitches, loop the needle through to form a knot, pull tight, and trim the excess thread.

Tips: Use a toothpick or pin laid across the top of the button while stitching to automatically create the right amount of slack for the shank, then remove it before wrapping.