Buttons, whether functional or just decorative, are a favorite element on Sew4Home projects, but we know you start rolling your eyes when you think about having to break out the needle and thread to sew on button after button. For some reason, button-sewing is stuck in our psyche as a dreaded, time-consuming task. We’re here to tell you that it need not be true! Read on to learn our favorite, super speedy, five-step process to perfect buttons.

Okay… we know this LOOKS like more than five-steps, but that’s because writing out something really easy is actually one of the hardest things to do. Practice a few times, and it will become second nature… and will probably seem like just two steps!

Step 1

1. Thread your hand needle with a double strand of thread.
2. To get a double strand, evenly fold your length of thread in half, so there is a loop at one end and two cut ends at the other.
   
3. Thread either the cut ends or the loop (doesn’t matter) through the eye of the needle.
   

Step 2

1. Knot the thread ends and loop. To make this knot, bring all four strands together between your fingers so you can treat the four as one.
2. Wrap the thread around your forefinger, while holding the ends between your thumb and forefinger.
   
3. Roll the loop off your forefinger (with your middle finger), so you can see the thread tail in the middle of what looks like a circle.
   
4. Hold all the threads in position by pressing your thumb between your forefinger and middle finger
5. Using the end of the needle, pull the thread tail through the circle.
   
6. This creates the knot.
   
7. Pull the thread tails tight to finish and lock the knot.

Step 3

1. Insert the needle through your fabric.
2. You can insert the needle from the right side, so the knot is hidden by the button. Or, you can insert the needle from the wrong side, hiding the knot on the wrong side of the project
   
3. Bring the needle in, then back out at the same point.
   
4. Pull the thread taut, but not tight, and clip the thread tails.
   

Step 4

1. Sew through the holes on the button twice. Twice around is all you need because your thread is already doubled!
2. To do this, feed the threaded needle through one of the holes on the button.
   
3. Go back through the next hole, then through the fabric again.
   
4. Go around one more time and you’re done.
   

Step 5

1. Knot the ends into the existing threads to secure and trim away the excess. For an extra deterrent to fraying, you can add a drop of seam sealant to the cut ends of the thread. Even clear nail polish can work in a pinch, just keep it away from the button and the fabric.
   

More things to bear in mind about buttons

The steps shown above will vary slightly based on the type of button you’re using. Our sample shows a two-hole button. Other common types are the four-hole and the shank button.

If your buttons are going to be highly functional, meaning there will be a lot of buttoning and un-buttoning going on, it’s a good idea to interface the area behind the buttons for added support and stability. (We often do the same for zippers.)

When using very thick fabrics, such as the heavy wools you’d find on a coat, you need to leave space between the button and the fabric so the buttonhole can overlap the button and you can actually button and unbutton the thing! This is called a “thread shank.” In order to sew on a button and create the needed space behind, use a toothpick under the button as you sew.

For very lightweight fabrics, you do not want to add any bulk. Using our quick method for sewing buttons, you need only go around once on sheers!

Finally, thread color is definitely a consideration when sewing buttons, and the decision depends on the finished look you want to achieve. Sometimes you want to match the button itself. Other times, it’s more important to match the fabric, such as on a shirt placket. If the collar of the shirt is open, you don’t want the button thread to stand out against the fabric. Finally, we sometimes choose a highly contrasting color thread for our button sewing in order to use it as an actual decorative element. We did this on the backs of our Seersucker Ruffled Square Pillows.

We also recommend using beeswax or a similar product to strengthen your thread when doing any hand sewing technique. Take a look at our hand sewing article for more information about these products, as well as other tips for tangle-free hand sewing.

If doubling the thread as we show above is just not working for you, many thread companies offer heavyweight sewing thread. Ask about it at your local sewing supply retailer.

We’ve even heard of folks who use dental floss to sew on their buttons!

Sample Creation and Instructional Outline: Jodi Kelly