How to Sew a Button by Hand Sewing

Although a button can be sewn on by hand or by machine, sewing a button by hand is a very useful skill that everyone should have.

This hand-sewing button technique can be used both to mend a button that has come off of a garment and to sew new buttons on projects or garments.

What are the three different types of buttons?

The three most common types of buttons are two-holed, four-holed, and shank. This tutorial uses the four-holed button, which is the most common type.

Sewing a button by hand is not difficult at all once the technique has been explained.

Learn how to sew a button by hand by watching our video, or keep reading this post for a step-by-step photo tutorial.

WHAT YOU NEED to sew a button by hand

• Garment or project fabric
• 4-holed button
• Coordinating thread
• Hand sewing needle
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS for sewing a button

STEP 1: thread the needle

Using a thread that matches the fabric or the button, thread it through the sewing needle. Pull the needle to the center of the thread and tie a knot securing both ends of the thread together.

step 2: place the button

If the button has come off, find the spot where it had been sewn on and place it there.

If sewing a button on a new project or garment, use the pattern or place the button by eye, depending on the project.

step 3: Sew the button to the fabric

Push the needle up through the back of the fabric and into one of the holes of the button.

Pull firmly so the knot is against the back of the fabric.

To sew a 4-holed button, go down in the hole diagonal from the hole where the needle came up. 

Make 3-4 diagonal stitches between these two holes.

Next, come up from the back into a hole that has not been sewn in. 

Make 3-4 diagonal stitches between this hole and the hole diagonally across from it.

step 4: Secure the button

After the button has been sewn on in both diagonal directions, bring the needle up from the back of the fabric and bring it between the fabric and the button.

Do not go through the button.

The thread should be between the fabric and the button. Firmly wrap the thread five times around the area between the button and the fabric where the button was stitched on.

Go down from the top of the fabric to the back, pulling the thread firmly.

Tie a knot at the back of the fabric by catching a few threads and making a loop.

Bring the needle through the loop twice in the same direction and pull firmly once again.

Using the scissors, cut off the thread at the knot.

There you have it!  The button is secured to the garment or project!

 I hope you enjoyed learning how to sew a button by hand.  Happy sewing! 

Mending tutorials

• Machine Darning Hole in Pants
• Mend a Torn Bedsheet 
• Replace Elastic Waistband 
• How to Mend a Hem