How to Sew Various Types of Buttons and Buttonholes

Ever had a favorite shirt lose a button at the worst possible time? Or maybe you’ve wanted to add a professional touch to your handmade garments but felt unsure about sewing buttonholes? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Learning how to sew various types of buttons and buttonholes is a skill that’ll save you from fashion mishaps and elevate your sewing game.

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Getting Started: Tools You Need

Before we dive into the stitches, let’s talk tools. You don’t need a fancy sewing machine (though it helps), but you will need:

• A needle (or a sewing machine with a buttonhole foot)
• Thread (match it to your fabric for a seamless look)
• Scissors
• A marking tool (chalk or a fabric pen)
• A seam ripper (just in case)

Got everything? Great! Let’s get stitching.

More Things to Know About How to Sew Various Types of Buttons and Buttonholes

Sewing Different Types of Buttons

1. Flat Buttons

These are the most common buttons you’ll find on shirts and pants. They have either two or four holes.

1. Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end.
2. Place the button over the marked spot on your fabric.
3. Push the needle up through one hole and down through the opposite hole (if it’s a two-hole button) or diagonally (if it’s a four-hole button).
4. Repeat this about six times for strength.
5. On the last pass, wrap the thread under the button to create a shank (a little space between the button and fabric), then knot and snip the thread.

2. Shank Buttons

Shank buttons have a small loop on the back instead of holes. That loop makes them perfect for thicker fabrics like coats.

1. Start with a strong, double-threaded needle.
2. Bring the needle up through the fabric where the button will sit.
3. Pass the thread through the shank and back down into the fabric.
4. Repeat about five or six times.
5. Secure the thread with a knot on the back.

3. Snap Buttons

These are fantastic for kids’ clothes, bags, and jackets. They come in two parts: the socket and the stud.

1. Mark the placement of each snap half.
2. Sew one half of the snap onto the fabric using small whip stitches.
3. Align the other half and repeat the stitching process.
4. Snap them together, and you’re done!

Mastering Buttonholes

A button is only as useful as its buttonhole. Let’s go over a few ways to sew them.

1. Machine-Sewn Buttonholes

Most modern sewing machines have an automatic buttonhole function. If yours does, congratulations! It’s a game-changer. Just place your button in the foot attachment, select the buttonhole stitch, and let the machine do its magic.

If you’re going manual:

1. Mark the buttonhole placement.
2. Set your machine to a narrow zigzag stitch.
3. Sew down one side, pivot, sew across the bottom, pivot again, and stitch up the other side.
4. Use a seam ripper to carefully open the hole.

2. Hand-Sewn Buttonholes

This takes patience, but the results are beautiful and sturdy.

1. Mark and cut a small slit where your buttonhole will be.
2. Use a blanket stitch around the edges to prevent fraying.
3. Make sure your stitches are close together for a neat finish.

3. Bound Buttonholes

These are more advanced but look super professional, especially on blazers and coats.

1. Cut a fabric strip slightly larger than your buttonhole.
2. Stitch it around the opening, then turn it inside out to hide the raw edges.
3. Secure with small, hidden stitches.

A Personal Sewing Mishap (And What I Learned!)

I’ll never forget the time I tried sewing a buttonhole for the first time. I didn’t mark the placement properly, and when I cut it open—boom! It was way too big. My button slipped right through like a kid on a water slide. Lesson learned: Always measure twice, cut once, and practice on scrap fabric first.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve mastered how to sew various types of buttons and buttonholes, your handmade projects will look polished and professional. Plus, you’ll never panic over a missing button again. Whether you’re fixing up your wardrobe or crafting something from scratch, this skill will serve you well.

What will you sew next? A crisp dress shirt? A cozy cardigan? Whatever it is, you’re now equipped to handle any button situation like a pro. Happy sewing.