How to Sew a Button Quickly and Properly In 6 Step

How to sew a button may seem like a small skill, but it can save your outfit in a pinch. Have you ever found yourself in a rush, needing to fix a missing button on your favorite shirt or jacket? It happens to all of us. The good news? You don’t need to be a pro tailor to sew a button. You just need the right steps—and a little practice.

When I first started sewing, I ruined more fabric than I care to admit. 😩 Whether it was choosing the wrong needle, ignoring tension settings, or cutting fabric in the wrong direction, I made almost every mistake in the book. And yes, sewing on a button? That one got me, too. I once sewed a button so tight it couldn’t fit into the hole—and another time I didn’t secure it enough, and it fell off the next day.

If you’ve ever struggled with how to sew a button the right way, you’re not alone. The good news is that learning how to sew a button properly can save your clothes—and your time. Let’s walk through the simple steps together so you can avoid the mistakes I made.

Let me show you a quick and proper way to do it.

Why Learning to Sew a Button Matters

• Buttons pop off at the worst times.
• Knowing how to fix them saves time and money.
• It extends the life of your clothes.

Whether it’s your go-to work shirt or a jacket your child loves, knowing how to sew a button is a valuable life skill.

What You’ll Need:

• Needle (sharp and not too thick)
• Thread (match your fabric if possible)
• Scissors
• A button (2-hole or 4-hole, depending on your project)
• A straight pin or toothpick (to create a shank)

Step-by-Step: How to Sew a Button Properly

Step 1: Thread the Needle

Fold your thread in half and insert both cut ends through the needle. Pull the thread so the needle sits halfway, then tie a knot at the folded end.

Why this helps: It creates a double thread, making it stronger and more secure.

Step 2: Mark the Button Position

Place the button where it originally was (look for the thread outline or holes in the fabric) or align it with other buttons. Mark it lightly with chalk or a pin.

Step 3: Make Your Anchor Stitch

Pinch the fabric where your button will go. Push the needle from back to front and make a small stitch to anchor the thread. Repeat once for extra strength.

Step 4: Hold the Button in Place

Place the button over the anchor stitch and insert the needle up through one hole and down through the opposite (if using a 2-hole button). For 4-hole buttons, sew the holes either crisscross or parallel.

• Pro Tip: Insert a pin or toothpick between the button and the fabric while sewing. This leaves room for the shank (a loop of thread that keeps the button from being too tight).

Step 5: Create the Shank

After stitching the button in place about 4–6 times, bring the needle up between the fabric and the button. Wrap the thread 3–4 times around the stitches under the button to form the shank. This allows the button to sit properly without pulling on the fabric.

Then, pass the needle down through the fabric and pull it tight.

Step 6: Secure the Thread

On the back side of the fabric, make a few small stitches in place to secure the thread. Then trim off the excess.

Bonus Tip: Hide the knot between fabric layers if possible for a cleaner look.

Common Button Sewing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• Too Tight: If the button is hard to fasten, you didn’t create enough of a shank.
• Too Loose: Didn’t sew enough passes or anchor the thread properly.
• Crooked Button: Didn’t mark the original position carefully.
• Thread Tangles: Use shorter thread lengths and wax your thread if needed.

Conclusion

Learning how to sew a button isn’t just about fixing clothes—it’s about feeling capable. The more you practice, the faster and neater you’ll get. Whether it’s on a shirt, coat, or even a cushion, this small skill brings huge confidence.

Start with what you have, don’t overthink it, and keep going. Each stitch brings you one step closer to mastering your sewing toolkit.

FAQs

1. Can I use a sewing machine to sew a button?

Yes, but it requires a button sewing foot and careful control. Hand sewing offers more control for beginners.

2. What type of thread should I use?

All-purpose polyester thread is strong and versatile. For heavy coats, use button thread or upholstery thread.

3. How long does it take to sew a button?

Once you get the hang of it, under 5 minutes.

4. Is it worth learning for kids?

Yes! It builds fine motor skills and responsibility.

5. What if I don’t have a matching button?

Use a contrast button for style—or take one from a hidden part of the garment.

6. Can I sew buttons on stretch fabric?

Yes, but use a stabilizer behind the fabric to prevent puckering.

7. How many stitches per button?

Usually 6–8 stitches (3–4 passes through each hole).

8. Should I tie a knot every time I finish?

Yes, always secure your thread with a knot at the end.

9. My needle won’t go through—why?

Use a thinner or sharper needle, or try a thimble to push it through.

10. How do I know if it’s secure?

Gently tug the button—if it wobbles, reinforce it