2009-01-24 - Sew a button

This is an easy one but it's good to know. You'll need:

• Garment with missing button
• Button
• Needle
• Thread
• Match-stick

So to start off you need a length of thread about twice as long as your forearm. Most travel sewing kits have a few different color threads to pick from so just find one that matches.

Thread the needle and fold the thread in half so the ends meet. Tie a knot at one end and bring the needle to the other. Now you have a double-thick piece of thread.

Place the button where you want it and pass the needle through from the back (inside) up through a hole in the button. This way the knot at the end of the thread is on the inside and out of sight.

The next part is where the match-stick comes into play. You can't have the button super tight against the material- you need to leave enough space for another layer from when you actually button your shirt or what ever it is. A thicker material might require a thicker spacer- but for dress shirts a matchstick is sufficient. By putting the match-stick underneath the button you can leave a good size gap. Put the match-stick underneath and bring the needle through another hole and through the shirt. You can pull it tight around the match-stick.

Go through each hole repeatedly- typically making an X across the center of the button by connecting the four holes. Repeat until you have about two inches of slack left in the thread.

Cut the needle off of the thread and tie a knot on the backside of the button- trim any excess thread. When you take the match-stick out there should be enough slack behind the button so it's usable.

Not exactly difficult- but it helps to know a few tricks.