How to sew a button by hand (10 easy steps)

Winner, would you like to learn how to sew a button by hand?

You’d better. Because if you really want to dress well on a budget, then you should know by now that buttons can make or break an outfit.

In fact, head to Pinterest RIGHT NOW for their button ideas in 2024 to create just the perfect look.

So, whether you want buttons that best suit your style. Or you lost a button (like I did),

I’m about to teach you how to DIY your buttons in less than 5 mins. (That’s right. 5 mins!)

Now you can save both time. And money. In addition to adding your own touch to your fabric, of course.

Actually, I replaced a lost button on one of my shirts this morning.

Which definitely inspired me to write this post.

Ready? Good. Because here’re:

10 easy steps to sew a button by hand

Step #1: Determine the specifications of the button

This might sound like it’s a no brainer. But it’s still worth pointing out.

If you’re just sewing back in a detached button, then great! Because you can just skip this step.

(By the way, did you know that clothes tend to lose their buttons in washing machines? Just saying. Which is why you should learn how to hand wash laundry. This way, you get to keep all your buttons.

You can achieve this by observing the rest of the buttons on your item of clothing.

But wait! What if there are no other buttons?

Then use your judgement to pick your own specifications that will complement your item of clothing.

Go on, be creative!

Fab Couture gives you the different types of buttons and how to use them.

Step #2: Determine the color of your thread before you sew a button by hand

The red button that I had to sew this morning needed a red thread that matched the fabric.

But that’s not always the case.

For instance, you might need to sew a button that’s red with a black thread.

Again, observe how the other buttons are sewn onto your item of clothing (if there’s more than 1 button).

And just copy them.

PSST! Here’s a clever hack for when you don’t have the right color thread in hand:

Spare some time to remove all the other buttons from your item of clothing.

And then redo ALL the buttons using the color thread of your choice.

That way, everything matches.

Step #3: Use the correct size of thread and needle

If you sew a button onto a wool sweater, you might need to use both a thicker needle and a thicker thread.

And that’s because a thicker thread will be more sturdy on wool material than a thinner thread.

The holes on your button are usually a clear indication of the size of thread you should use.

The bigger the holes, the bigger the thread. And vice versa.

When you sew a button by hand, please do NOT use a thicker needle and thicker thread on a thinner fabric.

Because they’ll both likely leave the fabric with gaping holes that will be impossible to close.

Step #4: Determine where the button is going to be

If it’s a lost button, you might have remnants of old thread left where the button used to be. And that’s your spot.

But in the absence of remnants, you can use a ruler (or eyeball) the right location.

The right location is one where the button will loop into the hole on the opposite side of the fabric without distorting the shape of the clothing item.

If there’re any remnants of your old button, remove those remnants.

The same goes for your button.

If there’s still some thread looped around the holes of the button, you’ll have to undo that thread.

Start your button on a fresh piece of fabric and button.

Step #5: Use a two strand thread when you sew a button by hand

Yes, a one strand thread can work. But a two strand thread is better because it’s much stronger. And will keep your button fastened more securely over a long period of time.

Tie the two strands together at the end to make a knot. This knot will help stop your entire thread from running right through the fabric once you start sewing.

Step #6: Start sewing on the inside of the fabric

This is where the overhang of the knot will be. On the inside. (Don’t worry, you can cut the overhang later.)

But you want all the messy work to be on the inside of the fabric where it will be concealed, rather than outside the fabric.

Step #7: Run the thread through all the holes of the button in a tight fashion

You should do this, regardless of whether you’re working with a two hole button, or four.

You want to go over all the wholes in a repeated manner at least 6 times.

Make sure to tighten the fabric closer to the fabric so that your button doesn’t hang loose from your fabric.

This way, you’ll be sure of a secure button.

Step #8: End the sewing on the inside of fabric

Again, the inside is where you want to clean up the mess, not on the outside where you aim for a more polished look.

So, when you’re sure your button is secure, run the thread through the whole from the outside to the inside.

Once you’re on the inside of the fabric, run the thread through the fabric, keeping inside the fabric, so you can make a loop with your thread (like a knot).

This knot will seal your sewing. And avoid any unravelling.

Step #9: Cut of all the excess thread after you sew a button by hand

This is where you clean up all the thread overhangs. Make sure to leave the inside of the fabric clean.

Step #10: Test your sew-in by buttoning up the fabric

Like I said in the tip above, you’ve done a good job if your fabric maintains its shape when buttoned.

If there’s any lop siding, then you most likely sewed the button in a bit higher or lower than the hole.

In that case, remove the button. And re-do the sew in.

Summary

Knowing how to sew a button by hand will save you tons of money and time. By following the steps on this post, you can start replacing lost buttons or fitting new buttons altogether in your wardrobe. I hope the steps will help you do exactly that.

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