How to Sew on a Button By Hand - Quick & Easy Beginners Guide for Shirts, Coats & Jackets

Step-by-step guide on how to effectively sew on a button: gentl.mn/how-to-sew-on-button
SHOP THE VIDEO:
1. Houndstooth Silk Bourette Bow Tie Dark Brown Beige - gentl.mn/2T3wKc4
2. Eagle Claw Cufflinks with Tiger's Eye Balls - gentl.mn/2AWZuvV
3.Edelweiss Boutonniere - gentl.mn/2CxRtO4
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
Of course, a sewing needle is going to be your main tool here. Any type of basic needle will do.
In terms of thread, having about nine to twelve inches will be enough for most situations, however, if you want to double your thread over to make it stronger, doubling the amount of thread would also be necessary.
We're also going to need a button, of course. Most button-up shirts will have spare buttons on the inside of the bottom front of the shirt's placket. Most jackets and outerwear will come with some spare buttons typically in a small plastic bag inside one of the pockets and many pairs of trousers will often have a spare button on the inside of the waistband.
You're also going to want a small implement called a spacer to be placed on top of the button while sewing, this will leave a little bit of extra room between the button itself and the fabric.
You're also going to need a cutting tool.
A water-soluble marking pen, fabric pencil, or tailor's chalk can also be helpful if you want to make a small mark on the fabric.
HOW TO SEW ON A BUTTON:
Remove the loose button from a shirt. If your button is loose but still hanging on, you should use your cutting tool to take away the thread that's still keeping the button on the shirt.
Step one then is to thread your needle and knot the end of the thread. Another optional tool you might want to have handy is a little implement called a needle threader, these will come in some sewing kits and they make the process of threading a needle much easier.
Step two is to create your anchor point. This is the time to make a small mark on your fabric where the button will be located if you so choose but this is optional.
Step three is to position the button. Put your button on the anchor X point and begin sewing by pushing the needle from the back side through to the front side and through the hole of the button.
Step four is to create what's called the shank. On your final pass from the backside to the front, come back up through the fabric but don't go through one of the holes of the button.
Step five is to tie things off to make sure they're secure. With both ends of your thread on the backside of the fabric, you can use your needle to make a small loop in one part of the thread.
Sewing buttons on to a suit can be done in the same way that we've just outlined for shirts but it's often done with a slightly different technique so that there's no visible knotting on the backside of the fabric.
Here, you can start the same way as before by marking your button placement if you so choose, threading your needle, and making a large knot in your length of thread which should still ideally be 18 to 24 inches and doubled over for strength.
Next, insert your needle into the front side of the fabric about 3/4 of an inch away from your mark but stop the needle point between the layers of fabric. Don't go all the way through to the backside.
Next, using the loop method we outlined before, create a small knot at your mark just to make sure that things are secured at this point.
When knots are secured at your buttoning point, pull on the big knot, the one that you originally created with the thread to bunch up the fabric and expose some of the internal threading that's inside the layers of the jacket.
Next, insert your needle through one of the holes in the button. Hold the button against the coat and place your spacer over the button as with the previous method. Put the thread through the button and again, in between the jacket's layers.
Make your six passes as before, wrap around to create the shank, insert the needle at the base of the shank, and knot a few times to secure it.
After knotting, put your needle in between the jacket's layers again.
Pull tight, clip the thread closely to the fabric and release so that your final tail of thread will also be hidden between the jacket's layers.
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[@endautrestermes]

Thanks for the detailed video, it does give me confidence on a task I find quite intimidating (and where I somewhat can't trust non-professional sewers for some garment).

[@kierstentharp1824]

As a first-time mom with overwhelming anxiety when it comes to the needle and thread, I found this video beyond helpful. An absolute Godsend. It somehow gave me the confidence in fixing all my baby girl’s future buttons. I don’t have the words to thank you.

[@alessandrocona8256]

Thank you guys. I've just saved at least 50 Swiss Francs. And I feel proud of myself 😀

[@nenaddimitrijevic8266]

50 francs for one button sawing?

[@alessandrocona8256]

@@nenaddimitrijevic8266 No sry. not for one Button. Haha for like 7 Buttons. But they're all fallen down.

[@alessandrocona8256]

@@nenaddimitrijevic8266 yeah you right. For sure you are going to pay Like 7 francs per button in switzerland. But now I can do it by myself :)

[@TheGrenadier97]

Small repairs and maintenance on clothings isn't only a crucial skill, but one very interesting also.

[@karolinska1601]

My grandma taught me. She even provided me with a small supply of needle and thread.

[@zaprowsdoweriii662]

Preston, You've been such a great addition to the Gentleman's Gazette. This video is perfect for someone like me who has considered a loose button a death sentence for a garment.

[@gentlemansgazette]

We're glad we could give you the confidence to master those buttons. And thanks for your kind words! - Preston

[@xLu1G1x]

This is so adequate. I need to sew some buttons in my trousers so I can use suspenders. Thank you.

[@Mr_Gilado]

Thank you good sir; I woke up this morning saw this video and already knew I had to fix my old pair I haven't worn in years because its main button had broken off. I get to wear it today for my brother's birthday!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Glad that we could be of service. Happy birthday to your brother! - Preston

[@zoukatron]

I've been sewing on my own buttons for years, having never been taught. I hadn't thought of your technique for hiding the thread inside the jacket - I'll certainly make use of that.

[@fiftiesman1958]

Thank you Gentleman's Gazette. My button popped off after my last class today and I felt out of place walking around campus trying to get home. This will definitely help keep my button on longer and sturdier.

[@RizwanKler]

Guess who needs to sew a button on to an overcoat? Thanks for the reminder Preston 🤟🏼

[@liviuczifrak5841]

I like to make a single double loop knot at the end. I'd like to see more sewing tutorials from you.

[@NB79032]

I love this! As an autistic person, the step by step directions help so much.

[@michaelciccone2194]

Another video that I need! My mother was wonderfull doing sewing. Her life--what a blessing!keep up the good work!

[@edf2953]

Very timely video for me. Need to sew a button onto a pair of Levi’s. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure I can secure the button without any difficulties now.

[@doitbettermakeitfaster]

I love learning new skills. Thank you.

[@uha6477]

I love these videos. I think they're brilliant. Boys should be forced to sit down in school and made to watch this, because it's an obvious skill they should have. Sadly, I don't think they make boys do needlework these days like I was made to do.

[@BadMotivator66]

I keep coming back to this as i acquire 2nd hand tweed with broken buttons. thanks to Preston and the rest of the GG team!

[@Lancernoevo]

Used the first method to sew buttons onto a suit for The Once-ler for a cosplay. Thank you! AMAZING results. I definitely feel more confident using metal 4 holed buttons than the cheap plastic ones my suit came with.

[@NJCommutr]

Thank you for the detailed step-by-step instructions, you’ve been very helpful.

[@benj_kim]

This was a fantastic tutorial. Thank you very much for covering jacket buttons as well!

[@roygaisser9230]

Thank you. You've just given my back my 2 favorite pairs of shorts and tomorrow I'm confident enough to tackle a navy blazer that's been out of commission for almost 2 years. Oh yeah, about 3 well-worn denim shirts as well. Thanks again.

[@thesavvyblackbird]

Thank you for such a wonderfully detailed video, which is desperately needed.

[@yourfellowpilgrim8786]

I'm loving his outfit!

[@lokis248]

Thank you so much for the video, I love learning new things. I use to sew my own buttons on myself, but never left space to wrap the shank. I would always just have to work with the button being flat against the fabric. This was very informative.

[@daleykun]

Fantastically helpful video as always

[@chewtime5836]

Thanks man, This video was awsome. The attention to detail made the difference in me being able to do this effectively. 🙌

[@coop999]

Thank you for the great, detailed instructions. It made the task look easy!

[@briancraven840]

Thanks for a well detailed instructions. I know it's simply a button but guy's like me that didn't Know the basics it sure made it easier. Thanks

[@joalvarez6252]

The U.S. ARMY taught me! I thought to myself why in the world do I need to learn how to sew! Well I found out real quick whilst spending time out in the field.

[@catblob]

Excellent and very helpful video tutorial thank you, Preston!

[@ewanwilson1974]

I’ve needed this for a while.

[@jamierife7789]

Well done, Preston! I'm clumsy though and terrible at sewing anything. Keep the videos coming!

[@Gainsforlife]

I had to learn how to sew for my job in the military and I still learned a lot from you bro thank you, looking sharp!

[@DutchPlanDerLinde]

Looking sharp as always Preston! Good work on the video gentlemen.

[@eliotsalandybrown]

Preston this is very helpful and you have a wonderful screen presence. Excellent content charmingly delivered. Cheers gentlemen!

[@wisperingbeard]

Fantastic video! Useful information! More of these please.

[@GADICOOL007]

It was my first time ever sewing today. She wasn't pretty but I'm glad I did this.

[@ben-jam-in6941]

Thanks for such a detailed video with very useful information. I have 2 pairs of casual pants with missing buttons that I’ve just basically retired even though both are two of my favorite pants. Now after I find me a couple good replacement buttons I’m gonna use this information and get to sewing.

[@andrew1212w]

Superb video I have learnt a few things here which I will apply when I next loose a shirt or coat button 👍

[@pitiedvod]

That is some great advice. I often sew on buttons on shirts, cardigans, overcoats etc., but that the first time I seen it done on a jacket and I have a number of shank buttons on my tweed. Never been so impatient for a button to fall off to test.

[@DUST35]

Works like a charm!

[@TYSUSHOP]

Thanks for the detailed video

[@shanebrett8000]

Been needing to replace a button on an over coat for months, I think I'll finally get around to it the weekend now. Looking forward to repairing it now in fact.

[@frakismaximus3052]

Thank you Preston!

[@mosespray4510]

This is great! Thanks for a super clean tutorial. I clicked subscribe.

[@romanon5]

Thanks! Helped with the coat

[@ialeg3710]

Sven mentioned a while back in one of your shoe videos that you thought about making a shoe-care video, i think it's very good idea

[@gentlemansgazette]

Stay tuned! :) - Preston

[@Narcjus]

What a fascinating person.

[@Christian-ui2dp]

This just saved my favorite dancing shirt. Thanks 😁

[@Darruus]

Thanks for the guide. Just got some horn buttons in to replace the brass buttons in a thrifted blazer as I’m not a fan of brass buttons. Already got the front ones on, now to do the sleeve buttons.

[@PatrikStarFunk]

Very good video!😃

[@V-DtaJ]

Thanks a lot for this helpful video. Now my coat looks as good as new :)

Thank you ❤

[@adrielrowley]

Will add, if you loose a button on a shirt and don't happen to have a spare, the old trick is to remove the bottom most and use that, then replace the bottom most with a close match. I still watched as we can always get better. When 12 years old, lost a button for the first time, and Oma was not going to sew one on, I was to. So she got out this huge box of buttons, found a close match, and I sewed on a replacement. First time sewing, loved it, so continued learned to mending and hand sewing from Oma, and now led to me teaching myself machine sewing and tailoring.

[@seasong707]

A great help, thank you!

[@willgoodall7212]

Brilliant thankyou

[@Yourmoms12345]

Thanks for the save

[@unbaldkojak8025]

Good job. More simple tailoring instruction, please.

[@AdonPlaysWither_YTT]

this vido help me alot thank you

[@SejalVarshney]

Thank you! you saved me on my graduation day!

[@niemals6452]

and there i thought i know how to sow a Button. very informative video!

[@xoknight8166]

thanks man

[@AKTIONAVANTGARDE]

Thank you Sir Preston! Just fixing the cuff buttons on my Charles Tyrwhitt shirts. These cuffs are all bit wide.

[@ourfantasyworld4996]

Very nice just today I lost a button. But I did not know how to sew it back on. Thank you for this video!

[@warrenhooper2072]

Thank you so much, saved my suit jacket in a pinch!

[@TheBritishBarman]

As a bloke who only has 2 semi-expensive heavy jackets, learning how to sew a loose button back on is an incredibly needed skill.

[@michaelmcdonnell5998]

Thank you for the instructions. I've now sacked my valet!

[@gentlemansgazette]

If he hasn't found another position as yet, send him my way! :) - Preston

[@flyerbluedog]

Color of thread should match the other buttons as you've mentioned but would it be a major 'faux-pas' if one used a primary color such as red, yellow or blue and take the opportunity to bring a bit of 'sprezzatura' to this kind of mishap?

[@MEKKANNOID]

It can work if in particular places - for example I have some shirts where the stitching on just the gauntlet buttons is red. Another where the stitching on the top collar button is different colour to the rest. Otherwis it's probably not a good idea - if the thread on one of six buttons on the front of your overcoat is a different colour, that's just going to look strange.

[@flyerbluedog]

Yes, that's what I thought as well. I remembered seeing blazers with contrasting thread in the stitching. That's probably what brought up this idea. Thanks!

[@alyonavorozheyeva4728]

LOL😂 Anyway you are nice ❤with these buttons!

[@duncanballinger4459]

Definitely didn't do it right but, I still appreciate the video

[@nerothos]

Great video, Preston! Bookmarked for future reference. In regards to your outfit; I think you would do well with a higher buttoning stance on your jacket, the colors look amazing though :)

[@gentlemansgazette]

Yes, a bowtie is often complemented by a higher buttoning stance. Thanks for watching and commenting! - Preston

[@nursen2106]

a teacher in elementary school showed us a 'trick' how to make knots easily. unfortunately I cannot make a video and connect it here. but it sure would have been fun, to show you something for once ;-D

[@dominicvaughan7030]

Excellent video, great job on the clarity and detail of the stitching, as well as trying to cover as much as you can. I still wonder how you can sew on a button using an Italian, “chicken foot” stitch, though.

[@dominicvaughan7030]

Oh! Nice outfit Preston; you, as well as everyone else on the channel, always come up with these amazing, timeless outfits on every video I’ve seen on the channel-unless one of you is creating an example of what not to wear.

[@timmeier7443]

Thanks a lot for this great viedeo! I have a smal detail question: I once heard that shirt and trusers buttons are sewed on with the thread running in a x-shape across the button while with suit and overcoat buttons it runs parallel. I looked for that on my garnments and found it to be accurate. So is that really a rule or just a coincidence in my wardrobe? Greetings from Germany, Tim.

[@user-vq5sr2hd4p]

I wish guys were like that. :(

[@GlassBowl818]

Garment. xD It's just one of those situation where a word loses it's meaning in your head for a while. I love that. Appreciate this though. Need to sell some garments. Need them to be sellable. I hate sewing. Thank you.

[@TMIvey-gk4mw]

Please note: Thimbles can come in sizes! The one he initially showed on his thumb was way to small for his thumb, but would probably fit better on one of his fingers. Also depending on your preference, you might wear the thimble on varying fingers - usually either the first two fingers or your thumb.

[@ssucharith]

Good boy.

[@firewordsparkler]

Great video!! This really helped me fix some of my dad's shirts.

[@rharris51]

Good video, an index or toc would be helpful. Are buttons typically sewn on by hand at the factory? At a cleaners or tailor shop?

[@NuhanHidayat]

Thank you, now i don't need go to my parents' house every time i have a loose button on my shirt 😅

[@johnplayer3093]

Hey, I have a question. I have a single breasted woolen coat that's perfect in the shoulders but it's too wide in the hips. I was thinking of turning it into a double breasted coat and I'm wondering will it look odd? I was thinking of cutting off the current buttons and sewing two new columns of buttons. It's pure wool and cashmere lining and I hate that I'm not wearing it. Thanks

[@gentlemansgazette]

Good question, David! Our suggestion would simply be to have the waist of the coat suppressed by a tailor, and maintain it as a single-breasted garment. While it could theoretically be converted, the side seams would likely be pulled in odd directions, the vents might gap, and it would generally just look a bit "off." A good idea to have it tailored to get some use out of it, but stick with the original closure configuration. Thanks! - Preston

[@johnplayer3093]

@@gentlemansgazette It really makes sense taking it to a tailor. Very much appreciated.

[@johnplayer3093]

@@gentlemansgazette It really makes sense taking it to a tailor. Very much appreciated.

[@daytch9485]

What about holes in the toes of socks? Worth it if the rest of the sock is good or just pitch em'?

[@spitfireap77]

Is this guy for real?

[@DjFurrySTL]

I use a safety pin as my shank and a standard pin to mark my sewing point

[@JediMasterMason]

I'm gonna take my wool coat to the tailors with some metal buttons I wanna get, does it matter the style of the buttons, as far as cost. I'll be wanting to replace them on a pea ocat.

[@jackeddemon]

Can you please do a video on how ISAIA and Kiton sews their shirting buttons? it shows three visible loops instead of four, but their buttons still have four holes.

[@Rania-vh7wg]

I want to change all my plastic buttons into ornate ones to make them appear more expensive, this has been something i noticed. Cheap buttons indicate to people that the item is entirely cheap

[@alrivera8363]

This guy looks like a stylish cat.

[@BRONZALiVE]

This guy is peak human created by ai

[@TangomanX2008]

Hi, useful video, but you forgot to explain the situation where the coat has a main button on the outside and a small button on the inside. That is the situation with my coat.

[@purplanet5583]

Thanks for all the good work! I’d like to request a clip on ‘how to have fun with clothing in a conservative profession ‘. I’m a young lawyer in Seoul, and it’s quite a conservative environment. Any tips on spicing things up while avoiding being called out?

[@solb101]

Is this dapper dude the great Gatsby or the talented Mr Ripley?

[@YoeyYutch]

Cutting the thread at an angle makes threading the needle easier. Credit to Nicki Callahan's channel for that tip.

[@christopherlagasse5363]

I have always thought that the back of the buttons on shirts have looked sloppy. Some of the very high end shirts, such as handmade shirts, never pass the needle through the other side of the fabric, and there is usually just a small stitch visible from the back. But this is more advanced.

[@M16mario]

Make a video how to wear a leather jacket and what is the best leather used for it.

[@RPM-ty2ju]

Hello Gentleman's gazette , hello Mr Schneider.... one of my best friends is getting married in September and he has asked me to be his best man , that includes throwing the bachelor party. I would like to throw a classy send off were no details need to be shame inducing when told to soon to be spouse, could you make a video about throwing a great bachelor party ( i am thinking about a whiskey tasting , a good diner where each guest takes turns roasting the groom, but i could use some of your input )

[@iansoutryer3189]

A very good tutorial. The downside however: I now no longer have an excuse to shift responsibilty onto my wife.

[@DerekOumu]

Where is a good place to buy buttons online or in person that aren't plastic?