How to Sew a Button in Just a Few Simple Steps

Learning how to sew a button is a basic skill that takes just a few minutes to complete. This tutorial will walk you through each step so you can quickly fix loose buttons or attach new ones to your clothes.

All you need is a needle, thread, and the button itself to get started. We'll cover how to choose the right thread, secure your stitches, and make sure your button stays put for the long haul.

Supplies needed to sew a button:

Needle
Thread
Scissors
The button
The fabric or garment
(Optional) A toothpick or pin

How to Sew On a Button Step By Step

Follow these simple steps to attach a button securely to any piece of clothing.

Step 1: Thread Your Needle

Cut about 18–24 inches of thread. Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread.

Step 2: Position the Button

Place the button over the spot where it needs to be sewn, aligning it with any nearby buttonholes if needed.

Step 3: Insert the Needle from the Back

Push the needle up through the fabric from the back (wrong side) to the front (right side), through one hole in the button.

Step 4: Add a Thread Shank (Optional)

Before finishing, push a pin or toothpick under the button (between it and the fabric) and sew over it. This gives the button a little room to move and makes it easier to button through thick fabric.

Step 5: Stitch Through the Buttonholes

For a 4-hole button, sew diagonally or in parallel lines, going down one hole and up through the opposite hole.
For a 2-hole button, simply go up one hole and down the other.

Repeat this stitch 4–6 times to make it secure.

Step 6: Wrap the Thread (If doing Shank Method)

After your final stitch, bring the needle up between the button and fabric. Wrap the thread 3–4 times around the stitches underneath the button to form a shank. Then push the needle down through the fabric to secure it.

Step 7: Secure the Thread

Flip the fabric over. Tie a small knot close to the fabric to lock the thread in place. You can do this by slipping the needle through the stitches on the back and pulling it through the loop to knot.

Step 8: Trim the Thread

Cut off the excess thread close to the knot, and you’re done!

The difference between sewing a button with 4 holes versus sewing a button with 2 holes

The main difference is that 4-hole buttons give you more thread attachment points, making them more secure than 2-hole buttons.

With a 4-hole button, you can create an X pattern or two parallel lines of stitches for extra strength.

2-hole buttons are quicker to sew and work well for lighter fabrics, while 4-hole buttons are better for heavy coats or items that get lots of use.

Supplies needed to sew a buttonhole:

Needle
Thread (preferably matching your fabric)
Scissors or seam ripper
Fabric or garment
Ruler or measuring tape
Pencil or fabric marker
Pins or chalk (optional)

How to Sew Buttonholes Step By Step

Creating neat buttonholes requires precision, but this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Mark the Buttonhole

Use a ruler and fabric marker to mark a straight line the length of your button (plus a tiny bit extra — about 1/8").

Step 2: Stitch Around the Mark

Using a basic running stitch, sew around the marked line to outline the buttonhole. This acts as a guide and helps reinforce the area.

Step 3: Cut the Slit

Use sharp scissors or a seam ripper to carefully cut along the center of the stitched line, creating the slit where the button will go through.

Step 4: Sew a Buttonhole Stitch

Sew over the raw edges using a blanket stitch or buttonhole stitch:

Bring the needle up at the edge of the slit.
Insert the needle again slightly over and down the slit.
Before pulling the thread tight, pass the needle through the loop to form a knot at the edge.
Repeat all the way around the slit.

Step 5: Secure the Ends

Add a few extra stitches (bar tacks) at both ends of the buttonhole for strength, then knot the thread securely on the back.

FAQ

What is a thread shank?

A thread shank is a small column of wrapped thread that sits between the button and the fabric. It creates space so the button can move freely when you fasten it, rather than pulling tight against the fabric.

This extra room makes buttoning easier and prevents the fabric from bunching up around the button.

How do you make a thread shank for a button?

To make a thread shank, place a toothpick or matchstick on top of the button while you sew through the holes.

This keeps your stitches loose and creates the needed space between button and fabric.

After you finish sewing through the holes, remove the toothpick and wrap the loose thread around the stitches several times before knotting it off underneath.