How to Sew on a Button

© AvocadoStitches

Whether you're replacing a lost button or attaching one for the first time, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.

🧵 What You'll Need

  • 🔘 A button
  • 🧵 Thread (matching your fabric or button colour)
  • 🪒 A hand sewing needle
  • ✂️ Scissors
  • 🪵 Optional: a toothpick or matchstick (for creating a thread shank)

📍 Step-by-Step Instructions

🧵 Step 1 — Thread your needle

Cut about 50 cm (20 inches) of thread. Thread it through the needle and pull both ends together so you're working with a double strand. Tie a knot at the end.

📍 Step 2 — Mark the button position

Use a fabric marker, chalk, or a pin to mark exactly where you want the button to sit on your fabric.

⚓ Step 3 — Anchor your thread

Push the needle up through the fabric from the wrong side at your marked spot. Pull through until the knot catches. Make a small anchor stitch by going back down and up again in the same spot.

🔘 Step 4 — Position the button

Place the button over your anchor stitches, aligning the holes over the marked spot.

➕ Step 5 — Sew through the holes

For a 2-hole button: Pass the needle up through one hole and down through the other. Repeat 6–8 times for a secure hold.

For a 4-hole button: Sew through two holes at a time in a parallel or cross pattern. Repeat 4–6 times per pair of holes.

For a shank button: Pass the needle through the shank loop and back down into the fabric. Repeat 6–8 times.

🪵 Step 6 — Create a thread shank (for flat buttons on thick fabric)

Place a toothpick or matchstick on top of the button while sewing. This creates a small gap between the button and fabric, making it easier to button through thick material. Remove the toothpick when done, then wrap the thread several times around the stitches between the button and fabric to form a shank. This step is optional for lightweight fabrics.

✅ Step 7 — Secure and finish

Bring the needle to the wrong side of the fabric. Make 2–3 small stitches over your existing threads to lock them in place. Trim the thread close to the fabric.

💡 Tips

  • 🎨 Use a thread colour that matches your fabric for an invisible finish, or match the button for a decorative look.
  • 🌿 For natural buttons (wood, corozo, horn, seashell), avoid pulling the thread too tight as this can stress the button holes.
  • 🪒 Always sew through all layers of fabric if attaching to a garment with interfacing.

See also: Button Size Chart | Button Material Guide

This guide is provided for general reference purposes only. AvocadoStitches is not responsible for any errors or discrepancies in this guide.