How to Sew Buttons onto a Coat

by DoItYourself Staff

what you'll need

Buttons - either the ones which got loose or exact replacements.
Needle of the correct eye size for the thickness of the thread and correct needle thickness for the material.
Thread - matching the color of the coat and close enough in color to thread on other buttons
Thimble to protect you index finger if it is a thick material and you have to push needle harder.
Scissors
Two Pins

Occasionally coat buttons loosen up and fall off, therefore learning how to sew buttons back on would be useful. To sew buttons onto a coat or other types of garments is not difficult, however there is a procedure that must be followed if buttons are to be sewn on properly in a professional manner.

Step1 – Thread the Needle

Double the thread and tie the ends together into a knot; double threading will make the job quicker and sturdier.

Step 2 – Position the Button on the Babric

Line the button up with the other buttons and also see that it aligns perfectly with the button hole by buttoning the above and below button of the one you’re sewing and marking the spot with a pin.

Step 3 – Push the Needle

Push the threaded needle up through the fabric and through one hole in the button. Pull the whole length of the thread without leaving any loose loops. If it is a two-hole button, push needle down to next hole. For a four-hole button choose the diagonal hole to create an X formation.

Step 4 – Use the Pin

Place a pin across the center of the button (between button and fabric) and hold it there till the next stitch. When the pin is removed it will have created a “stem” and the necessary slack behind the button, useful for when the coat is buttoned.

Step 5 – Repeat Sewing Procedure

After you have anchored the button in place with the first stitches, repeat sewing procedure making sure all holes are filled evenly. On the last stitch pull the needle through the material only.

Step 6 – Reinforcing the Stem

Pull the thread between button and material, remove the pin and gently pull up the button. Wrap the thread four to six times round the stem to reinforce it.

Step 7 – Finishing off

Push needle back through the material and make three or four back stitches to secure thread. Trim off extra thread with your scissors.

One important tip you should keep in mind is to hold the material loosely and sew in even stitches so that thread sits comfortably on the button. Do not over-sew as this will produce a “hard” result and will make it difficult when it comes to buttoning up.

If the above procedure is followed a good result is certain. Buttons do have a habit of coming off clothes frequently, but as practice makes perfect, the more you do it the better the result.