The Key to Sewing Coat Buttons On

Sewing a button on a coat isn’t the same as sewing a button onto a shirt. A coat is thick and therefore coat buttons need a shank. Some buttons come with a built-in shank but more than likely you need to make one with thread.
Related Videos: Button Location is Everything Coming out 11/19/22
Please leave any questions in the comments below and I’ll be sure to answer.
Visit my blog for more details & written directions: www.thedailysew.com/2017/03/ho...
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Instagram: @TheDailySew

[@GarryFPV]

This is definitely the most clear button tutorial I’ve ever watched

[@TheDailySew]

That's really nice to hear, thank you. Clear, how-to information is my goal

[@ednajackson3254]

Thank you so much! I’ve been sewing for years but never knew how to do that! Short, informative, & elegantly done! By the way, I LOVE your wedding band! Omg! It’s beautiful!

[@abed83a]

Very clear and detailed explanation. Easy to follow for someone who seldom sews. Just wanted to do my little things by myself. Small tips with 'how' and 'why' makes it even better.

[@TheDailySew]

thanks. I also just want to know how to do some little things. I figure I can share what I know and learn from others what they know.

[@maribellelebre6809]

You just explained this better than anyone else I’ve heard! Thank you!!!❤

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you!

[@kirsten07734]

I’ve sewn many buttons but it never occurred to me to start from the front and let the button hide that starting knot. Thanks for that tip and the French knot tip too.

[@TheDailySew]

@@kirsten07734 thanks for watching ;-) I do like using a French Knot when I hand sew. Not sure sewing snobs would say it's correct but it stays knotted and that's the point, right?

[@ezrapark9992]

Exactly what I was looking for. The coat you worked with looks just like mine. Thank you!

[@TheDailySew]

I’m glad it can help. We have good taste 😉

[@jonnymiles3906]

i come back to this video every time I lose a coat button :) thank you!

[@DClaville]

this video is perfect, easy to follow and explains why also not just how. thank you

[@TheDailySew]

thanks! Knowing the "why" helps me remember the "how" for all sorts of things ;-)

[@laurashible1324]

I am 42 years old and I thought I knew how to sew a button. This was SO good! Thank you! *Immediately susbscribes*

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you!

[@jesusmgw]

The french knot at the end blew my mind. A really elegant solution.

[@TheDailySew]

😁 I really like that French knot.

[@dawnwtulich5667]

I've been sewing basic buttons on stuff for years but never realized this until I had to readjust three buttons on my winter coat. They weren't lining up correctly but when I sewed them on, they would never stay on the button. This was the most helpful tutorial ever ! I plan on taking the buttons back off and Sewing them back on properly. Thank you so much!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks! I know once you get your buttons sewn on the second time you'll never have to do it again ;-) Of course, you'll know how if you do

[@loves2shoot]

Single man here .... I think I'll be able to tackle this. VERY well demonstrated ... and so glad I didn't just grab a needle and thread and start. Not as easy and straightforward as I would have guessed!

[@TheDailySew]

But not so hard once you get that toothpick (or whatever spacer you use) to stay put 😉. You got this!

[@wodny85]

This tutorial is great, indeed. I used it on my coat yesterday and buttons are attached firmly again. I like the little details very much: using a contrasting thread, the French knot, a felt arrow pointer.

[@TheDailySew]

;-) that arrow pointer makes me smile

[@samdec11]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you for sharing! The info about the shank was really helpful and I’m much more confident in the integrity of my coat button now than I was the previous time I tried to sew it on.

[@TheDailySew]

Oh, @samdec11, you made my day. Thank you for letting me know and thank you for watching.

[@inTruthbyGrace]

GREAT video! You made this perfectly clear and that french knot was like the cool swirling trick for icing on a cake....

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks.

[@malcolm.thorburn]

Thank you so much for the video. I just saved my old coat and I did it thanks to you

[@TheDailySew]

ah, thanks - You know exactly what I love to hear. I'm glad you saved it

[@mazzapatrick]

Exactly what I needed to correctly sew a button on my winter coat today. Thank you.

[@LancesInventorsWorkshop]

Thankyou for a great video. My new coat must have as you described, machined on buttons, that haven't lasted a week. I have followed your instructions and it looks great. Love your French knot. The John Lewis Lady gave me the right thread and the missing little buttons on the back.

[@TheDailySew]

so glad this video was helpful and you didn't lose any of the buttons from your coat.

[@EpsteinKilla69]

Thank you. I bought a really cool trenchcoat from a charity shop and the buttons kept falling off. This has saved me as much as the coat’d’ve cost had I not learnt how to sew here. I’m 23 and even as my first time doing this, I feel as if it’s a forgotten art.

[@TheDailySew]

I'm so happy you could repair that coat and get more life out of it. Unfortunately, other buttons will fall off in your future but now you have the magic power. ;-)

[@natetate2469]

Thank you for making this. I have looked at a few tutorials and never understood all of the steps. Very clear!

[@TheDailySew]

thanks for the feedback (and watching). Time to sew that button back on ;-)

[@xelamercedes]

Wow!! You did an excellent job of explaining in clear, simple terms how to do this. Even the tone of your voice contributed to my easy comprehension. Thank you!!

[@TheDailySew]

thank you!

[@guillaumebanville4440]

Just pop a button from my coat yesterday, with your help I've been able to sew it back. Thank you.

[@TheDailySew]

Yes! this is exactly why I made this video. Thank you for letting me know

[@thomaskittock2866]

Fantastic tutorial! Thank you so much for helping me sew a button on, and sew for the first time. It was enjoyable, I see why people like this as a hobby.

[@TheDailySew]

Oh wow! I’m glad you’re first experience was good and successful. Who knows, you may soon be sewing garments. 🤞

[@suzannesuter6317]

Great instructions! I have move all my buttons on an older coat and this is very helpful!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks!

[@helenamartinez9019]

Your explanation is so clear and informative!!!!thank you very much for sharing. This is the secon video I’ve watched and I’ll continue with more!!!

[@TheDailySew]

thanks!

[@shaynes7285]

Thank you for this clear and comprehensive explanation. I knew enough to know that sewing coat buttons was different to shirts but not how to do it. This tutorial was perfect. I changed all the buttons on a military style coat from shanked to plain four hole ones. The buttons like this example were easy. However the coat was double breasted and I did struggle with the two that had large buttons on the back where they went into flap that goes behind. I got there in the end with tooth picks in the top and a short pencil in the back. I half sewed the front button in place before incorporating the back one. Your video gave me the confidence to persevere and problem solve my way through with those two tricky buttons although it took four attempts.

[@TheDailySew]

This is great. I'm so glad I could help but really all the credit goes to you. You seem to have the superpower of patience which I am not always known for 😂

[@adventureswitharel6815]

This was really helpful and easy I’m a beginner and I was able to fix my brothers jacket with this video ❤

[@TheDailySew]

thank you for watching the video and letting me know - I love hearing this

[@adventureswitharel6815]

@@TheDailySew your welcome!😊

[@carlart7342]

Excellent, very clear instructions, the toothpick spacer worked great 👍

[@TheDailySew]

My spacer of choice too 😀 Thanks

[@interruptingPreempt]

Thank you for the clear instructions and thread! Thanks to you, my family member can wear their coat tomorrow. 😄

[@TheDailySew]

Yes - this is exactly what I love to hear. Thank you. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@Sam-nz2ko]

Thank you so much! I've been losing buttons left and right from thrifted coats over the years and finally put my brain to fixing them with the help of this video. Your explanation is easy to understand, thorough, but also not too thorough where I get lost and have to rewind 100 times 😅

[@TheDailySew]

I laughed outloud because I too have to rewind again and again some of the videos I watch. Thanks for the kind feedback and thanks for watching. I'm glad your coats will get some buttons.

[@orgenon7466]

My dear old mum has always done my sewing but now she’s not able anymore-😢 so I had a vintage waistcoat requiring 5 new buttons and I managed perfectly after watching this brilliant explanation-! Thank you! Especially for the knots beginning and end - works like magic -! Yay 😁

[@TheDailySew]

I’m so glad you were able to get the new buttons on without trouble. Your mom would have stitched some love in with those buttons because that’s what moms do 🩵

[@user-nm4ut2op2e]

This was great. Thank you for sharing this video. My bottoms turned out perfect.

[@TheDailySew]

That's great to hear 😊Thank you

[@tempjohn3510]

Thank you for making this video!! It was very clear and beginner friendly! I had to use several alternatives you mentioned (all purpose thread, a thinner needle etc.) but even if it took more time, it all worked out in the end!

[@TheDailySew]

I'm glad you were able to get that button on and thank you for the feedback - this is exactly why I make the videos - so everyone can get done what they want to do (sewing wise, of course ;-)

[@ctyad2541]

Thank you for sharing this. Very helpful 👌 ❤

[@scottmcknight9239]

Thank you. I fixed my ten year old jacket and it’s ready for winter.

[@TheDailySew]

you're welcome - thanks for watching. Ten year old jacket must mean you really like it - glad you're able to wear it at least one more year

[@SarcastSempervirens]

Thank you for the great instruction, this is just what I needed, learn another useful, new thing!

[@TheDailySew]

thanks for watching. I'm glad it was helpful

[@martinharris5017]

Clearest explanation I've viewed. Thanks!

[@TheDailySew]

thanks - that's exactly what I'm going for

[@martinharris5017]

@@TheDailySew And it worked too. Altered the buttons on an expensive jacket today and its worked out better than the factory stitching. Winner:)

[@TheDailySew]

@@martinharris5017 Yes!!! that's great - thanks for letting me know

[@elirivsotier6977]

Very helpful, excellent video - thank you

[@TheDailySew]

Yay! I’m glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching

[@kahliyai]

This really helped!! Thank you!

[@TheDailySew]

Great! Thanks for letting me know ;-)

[@BobPeterson-rw9yw]

Nice! I have not sewn anything in my life, but now will be able to replace the button on my Filson wool vest, which is exactly the same weight and color of your demo piece. Off to the store for button, needle, and thread. Thanks again.

[@TheDailySew]

The hardest part of your task will be to find a button ;-) So glad this video will help you wear your vest again - Let me know if you have any questions

[@fredbrl6934]

Thank you for the cristal clear explanations !

[@TheDailySew]

thanks! That is a great compliment

[@user-fi7bt2ms6w]

Thank you so much! This video helped me tremendously!

[@TheDailySew]

yay! Thanks for letting me know

[@jasonbiggs603]

Shanks for posting this!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks for watching it 😉

[@marilyntape508]

😃

[@mazzapatrick]

Thank you again. I used this video a second time to sew another button on my coat.

[@TheDailySew]

Yes! Returning customer - love it ;-) Thanks for watching (twice) and I'm glad it's helpful

[@2488904651]

Fantastic video!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you very much.

[@jameswoods6064]

Thank you very helpful!!

[@AntonDuhBuh]

You're a real lifesaver. Thank you so much!

[@TheDailySew]

thanks! I'm so glad I could help out.

[@leonieharry2941]

Thank you! So well done!!

[@TheDailySew]

thank you!

[@howardndianne163]

very helpful, thank you.

[@christ-engineering]

Amazing tutorial, thanks

[@TheDailySew]

thank you

[@spikedcolor]

So helpful, thanks!

[@TheDailySew]

thank you

[@knifeauction]

Great presentation..went thru 10 others before finding the correct way, thanks...

[@TheDailySew]

Sorry you had to go through 10 videos first but glad you finally found what you needed.

[@BastianEzraQuilitz]

Exactly what I needed, thanks :-)

[@TheDailySew]

This is great (for me 😁) Thanks for letting me know.

[@PromoAmbitions]

You saved my relationship!

[@TheDailySew]

it's the small things, like buttons, that make a difference 😄

[@PromoAmbitions]

@@TheDailySew indeed

[@SuperMetalAxxe]

Thanks. Most helpful. Tried it myself years back, didn’t use a spacer, now it’s a very awkward button. Wish I’d have watched this video first. But it’s come in handy for this next button that I’m about to attempt.

[@TheDailySew]

You'll be so good at this you'll want to re-do that first button ;-) Thanks, I'm glad this was helpful.

[@marilyntape508]

Thanks so very much just what I needed today 😊✔️🇦🇺

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks for watching. Now you can button up and stay warm.

[@goodintentions1302]

I've become obsessed with using two different lengths of thread when sewing on 4 hole buttons when buttons are hard to match. I came looking to see if I need the small backer button with a shank button. Thanks for your excellent instructions.

[@TheDailySew]

Oh, that's a neat idea. That way if one thread breaks you don't lose the button, right? Plus, it might be less awkward when sewing if you use one thread for a set of holes and a second thread for the other set. No crossing over on the back side. Probably cleaner looking when you're all done too. Very interesting. I'm going to try this.

[@yogashaz3423]

Thank you for this very informative video. I refused to let my husband go to the tailor to sew on a blazer button and pay £8.

[@TheDailySew]

Ha! I would refuse too. 😂

[@em-rg3xf]

This is really good, i bought an Old wool jacket on ebay for a bargain, because it was missing buttons and a few pulled treads on pocket. Im going to fix it now and i would have saved a wonderful will jacket and saved myself Serious money.

[@TheDailySew]

That's awesome. Two favorite things; wool jackets and saving money acquiring them ;-) Yay!

[@AnakinAnnika]

Thank you! 🌻

[@TheDailySew]

thank you for watching the video

[@badfox7152]

Nice! Never sewn a button, have 3 to do on my duster. Luckily comes with lots of decorative buttons on the bottom I can move up. It has like 40 buttons on it, 8 of which are functional on the collar and front. Vash the Stampede from Trigun.

[@TheDailySew]

That’s a lot of buttons. Thanks for watching the video

[@badfox7152]

Oof, I remembered up to 9:10, then had to watch it again. I have no idea what black magic that knot is so I did something else. I can't cook French cuisine, and apparently I can't do French knots! :'(

[@TheDailySew]

@@badfox7152 you can use any knot at all. But if you want to know how you wrap the pointed end of the needle with the thread coming out of the garment. I wrap the needle 3 times. Then, holding slightly holding those wrapped threads you pull the needle through them - all the way until it knots on itself. You hold the wrapped threads down close to the fabric after the needle is through so that it knots close to the fabric and not sooner. It’s hard to explain in words alone- which is why I make videos 😉 but I hope this is understandable. Good luck with that cooking though, I certainly can’t help with that.

[@oleksandr9906]

Thank you

[@bc0w60x]

Thank YOU! My Pea Coat now has a button again!

[@TheDailySew]

yay! I just got a Pea Coat and it's the best coat ever. I'm so glad you're able to wear yours again!

[@TheLongridermom]

Hello and thank you for these detailed instructions. Do you have a pattern for the coat you are using here? God bless you.

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. I didn’t make the coat (no pattern :-( My husband bought it years ago.

[@Gail-W]

Do I need to sew the backside button on? I am fixing a coat for a friend and I'm not sure if he bought buttons for the back side. Also do you have a separate tutorials for sewing buttons with shanks on and possibly fixing a hole in the armpit of a coat? I have a cotton material coat that has lining inside and the armpit has ripped open. Thanks so much!

[@TheDailySew]

you do not need to add the backside button. Some coats come with them, so if the coat you're fixing did, then it's a good idea but not necessary. I don't have those videos you asked for but a shank button is sewn on by stitching through the coat and the shank. You're attaching the end of the shank furthest from the bottom to the coat/garment with a few stitches. It's simpler than this video. And the underarm seam is repaired first, by opening up the lining somewhere (the bottom or the side seam under the arm) and then, second, using a backstitch to restitch the coat seam. The last step is closing the lining back up or reattaching it to the hem with a slip stitch. Back stitch video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2ObnJiAjrODkJIsi=OytE9d9xhm0T2xUJ Slip stitch video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnSXpGuwnt17passi=VS6NUSlHUtqGuvX7

[@Guinea54]

i wish there was a video that shows how to stich buttons witho

[@bygonebob]

Hi Mary! Question: If I move a button to a new spot on a midnight navy pea coat that is (70/30 wool-polyester), how do you make the old button stitch holes not to show? Is there a way to hide or cover it? Thanks.

[@TheDailySew]

Great question. Try a hot iron (wool setting) and lots of steam to make the hole shrink away. If you can't get the iron on the hole, try water - either, dabbing with a wet cloth or misting with a spray bottle - and sort of scrubbing at the hole with your finger to loosen the fibers and get them to fill in the hole. Your coat has enough wool that the iron and steam or water should work. Wool is very shapeable and is so nice to sew with because of this feature.

[@bygonebob]

@@TheDailySewAwesome!!! Thank you, Mary! 😊

[@sarahnorman2175]

Such a clear tutorial! I’m replacing the buttons on a trench coat. For the shoulder buttons, should I go through the entire shoulder/shoulder pad, or just through the fabric? The buttons on the shoulders are non-functional if that makes a difference.

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. I would try to just go through the top fabric because, as you noted, they are not functional and there will be no strain on them. they don't need to be super anchored. That said, if it's difficult to just grab that top layer with the needle, then go through all the layers to the inside of the coat. Just don't pull too tightly on the thread or it may form a dimple where the bottom lays.

[@sarahnorman2175]

@@TheDailySew Thank you! I’m a little more confident after watching ur video.

[@jenniewilliams1668]

Thank you my darling! Warmest regards Jennie

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

Could you please show how to sew on buttons on hand knit garments like cardigans? I find that very difficult, especially with thick yarn and big knit stitches with ribbing or garter stitch.

[@TheDailySew]

Interesting. I will do some research

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

@@TheDailySew Great, I'm looking forward to watch what you will find out. Or what you will have found out? Grammar... 🤔

[@TheDailySew]

Ok, so from what I found from looking at thick cardigans they are sewn on like regular buttons. They don’t have a shank like a coat button. I guess this is because the yarns can easily squeeze under the button unlike woven wool. However, it is still difficult to sew them on especially in ribbing. I would use heavy duty thread, embroidery floss, or a thin yarn (sock weight or thinner) to sew on the buttons and sew them so the button lays on top of the sweater, not pulled into the sweater (too tight) or too loose. I would not knot the thread either. Leave a thread tail hanging off the back, stitch the button on to the front side, exit out the back and tie the tail and the needle thread to each other in a square knot. The knots tied in the ends can wriggle out of the knit so tie your button thread ends to each other on the back. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for the questions. Finding answers always makes me learn something new

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

@@TheDailySew Thank you for doing this research. Although I'm not sure, I understand the not knotting and then do knotting thing correctly.

[@TheDailySew]

@@henriettelinkshanderin1449 sorry for the confusion. Let me try again 😊. Thread your needle 🪡 but don’t tie a knot in the end. Sew on the button but because you don’t have a knot you can’t pull the thread all the way to the back of the sweater. Stop pulling it through the button when you have about 5” or 12cm of thread left. It will hang there, off the back as you stitch the thread through the button and cardigan a few more times. To finish, stab the needle back through the button and to the back side. Now tie the thread that’s in the needle to the thread tail (those 5” you left hanging at the beginning). You have one knot, like a snake eating it’s tail, instead of a knot at the start and a separate knot at the end.

[@carlheenan7799]

To be fair that's a great explanation. Only if it were that simple. My coat has a lining of linen of the back side of the button? That seems like a whole new problem to deal with making something that has been made to sound easy very complicated.

[@TheDailySew]

You do have a couple of options. The easiest is to just sew over the lining. It’s your coat and if you choose to do so you can. The second option adds an additional step but an easy one. You have to open up the lining at the hem. Sone linings are sewn to the hem of the coat. Pick a few inches of stitches out from the seam that attaches the lining to the hem of the coat under the button. Then you have to scrunch up the lining fabric above your missing or loose button so you can sew it on. When your done sewing on the button reattach the lining to the coat. Since it’s a linen lining you may need to press it before you reattach it.

[@carlheenan7799]

@@TheDailySew I think I'm going to have a go at the easier option tomorrow. I am a beginner first needle I've picked up.

[@TheDailySew]

@@carlheenan7799 the first project is always the hardest but once you get the hang of holding a needle, and tying knots, you'll have it made. One tip; snip your thread at a slight angle to make it a little easier getting it through the eye of the needle. Good Luck - be patient - you got this

[@gwith2ts]

Very helpful ! But ‘sewist’?! Isn’t it seamstress?

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you, it is seamstress but everyone says “sewist” which I don’t really like but that’s what they say. I think of a seamstress as someone with real knowledge and maybe professional experience and a “sewist” as a hobbyist.

[@gwith2ts]

@@TheDailySew aah that makes sense. Thanks again for the great video!

[@chubboranni3633]

Helpful I liked the French not at the end

[@TheDailySew]

I like that french knot too - I use it all the time

[@gabefuller5212]

Your voice reminds me of Cynthia Nixon. Not an exact match but similar. :)

[@TheDailySew]

I'm not familiar with her - or her voice - but as long as it's not an annoying voice, I'm for it ;-)