Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary tools required for the task, including:
1. Needle with an eye big enough to accommodate the thread
2. Thread in color and thickness to match the button and fabric
3. Scissors
4. Button
Once you have all the tools ready, follow these steps to sew a button onto any fabric:
Step 1: Thread the needle
Take the thread and thread it through the eye of the needle. It is recommended to double the thread length and knot the ends of the thread together to create a stronger hold.
Step 2: Position the button
Place the button in the desired position on the fabric. Ensure that the button is straight and aligned with other buttons on the garment if any.
Step 3: Create a base
To create a firm base, push the needle through the fabric from the backside, coming upwards where the button is placed. You can stitch through an existing stitch or make a knot on the wrong side of the fabric.
Step 4: Secure the button
Push the needle through one hole of the button and take it back through the opposite hole. Repeat this process several times, ensuring the thread is pulled taut with each stitch.
Step 5: Create shank
To keep the button from pulling tight on the fabric, create a shank. Using a toothpick, spacer or safety pin as your guide shove it between the button and the fabric. Stitch several times around the thread coming up here and knotting it off.
Step 6: Finish off
Once you have created the shank, tie a knot on the back side of the fabric and cut off any excess thread.
Sewing a button may seem like a daunting task at first, but with a little bit of practice, it becomes an easy task that can be done quickly. Practice on spare fabric to hone your skills before starting on the garment. Additionally, using the right thread and needle for the fabric is crucial for the longevity of the garment.
It is important to note that some materials such as a knitted sweater or leather may require special tools like a curved needle or a thimble, respectively, while securing the button.
In conclusion, knowing how to sew a button is a skill everyone should possess. It simplifies everyday life by enabling you to repair clothes or add buttons to make them look better. Follow the simple steps listed above to learn how to sew a button and you will be amazed at how useful this skill can be.