Use a Sewing Machine to Sew Buttons on Securely
I recommend that you practise hand attaching buttons before you try it on the machine! This will help in working out placement, and getting used to the correct tension and stitch pattern. Sewing by hand means that you can see exactly where the button should go, and you can even test that it fits in the buttonhole! Here’s a link to my guide to sewing buttons by hand.
You’ll need a swing needle (zigzag) machine with the ability to drop the feed dogs, so that the work doesn’t move and the stitches continue to fall in the correct place. Read your machine manual for specific instructions, if your machine doesn’t have a button sewing foot, check which one it needs and order one – it’s not easy to attach buttons without one!
Materials Needed
Before we delve into the step-by-step process of machine button sewing, let’s ensure we have all the necessary materials at hand. Having the right tools will make the task easier and more enjoyable, so take a moment to gather the following items:
Swing Needle Sewing Machine
You’ll need a swing needle (zigzag) machine with the ability to drop the feed dogs, so that the work doesn’t move and the stitches continue to fall in the correct place. Read your machine manual for specific instructions, if your machine doesn’t have a button sewing foot, check which one it needs and order one – it’s not easy to attach buttons without one!
Button
First and foremost, you’ll need a button. Buttons come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, so choose one that complements the fabric and style of the garment you’re working on. If you’re just practising, any spare button will do, but I recommend that you choose a two hole style if possible. Four hole buttons are slightly trickier to handle on a machine, as you need to place them twice under the foot, and this requires a bit more practise.
Thread
Thread is another crucial component. The colour should match or complement the fabric and button, and the strength should be appropriate for the garment’s material. For most projects, all-purpose thread will suffice. If you’re unsure, double-check the thread’s label for suitable fabric types.
Scissors
A good pair of scissors or snips will make cutting the thread a breeze. Ensure they’re sharp and reserved for sewing purposes, as using them for other tasks can dull the blades and make cutting fabric and thread more difficult.
Fabric (to practise on, if needed)
If you’re new to sewing or want to refine your technique, it’s a good idea to have some fabric to practise on. Choose a scrap piece similar in thickness and texture to the garment you’ll be sewing the button onto. Practising on a sewing class for beginners or working on easy sewing projects for beginners can also help you develop your skills.
With all the necessary materials gathered, we’re ready to begin the process of sewing a button. Follow along with the step-by-step guide in the next section, and you’ll be a button-sewing expert in no time!
Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Buttons on a Sewing Machine
Embarking on this sewing journey, it’s essential to take it step by step. I’ve outlined a simple and efficient process to sew a button securely to your fabric. With practice, you’ll be a button-sewing expert in no time!
Step 1: Thread the Machine and Set the ZigZag Width
To begin, prepare your machine by threading it with an appropriate thread colour that matches your button and fabric. Set the stitch width to suit the button hole spacing, lower the feed dogs and set the stitch length to zero (so that the fabric and button do not move, and stitches fall into the same locations. Fit a button sewing foot on the machine, these are usually metal inverted “U” shaped metal clamps with plastic grips to hold the button still. Most machines require you to have the needle swing from left to right, so start with the needle in the left position. Place the button with the left hole under the needle, carefully turn the machine by hand to lower the needle, then test how wide the zigzag needs to be to land in the second hole. If your machine has auto thread cutting, switch it off, or don’t use it it’s better to leave thread ends and the action of an auto cutter may move the button and cause a jam or break the needle. Once you’ve made any necessary adjustments, and are happy without the amount of passes needed to hold the button, you can crack on with fixing the rest in place.
Step 2: Sew a Practise Button
With a piece of scrap fabric, practise stitching a button slowly, to make sure that the needle swings without catching the edges of the holes in the button. Once you’ve made any necessary adjustments, and are happy without the amount of passes needed to hold the button, you can crack on with fixing the rest in place.
Step 3: Mark the Button Placement
Before sewing the button, it’s crucial to identify the correct placement on your fabric. Use a fabric marker or a simple pin to mark the spot where you want the button to be. This ensures accuracy and prevents any mishaps during the sewing process. Now that you’ve marked the button placement, it’s time to start sewing.
Step 4: Securing the Button
Nothing is more annoying than a button falling off and getting lost! Because the machine has been sewing “on the spot”, you’ll need to take care when finishing the thread ends. On manual machines, zero the stitch width and make a couple of staystitches on the left, then pull the ends through and tie them. If your machine automatically performs finishing stitches, (some models default to the left position when finishing a ZigZag) take care that the button doesn’t move while it completes them.
Step 5: Create a Shank (for raised buttons)
For buttons that need to be raised slightly from the fabric, such as those on thick coats or jackets, you’ll need to create a shank. To do this, place something on top of the button, to pad out the stitches. Once you’ve stitched through the fabric and made enough of a stem remove the padding, use the pulled through thread ends to wrap around the stitches between the button and fabric several times, forming a small cylinder. This elevates the button and allows room for the fabric it will be fastened to.
Step 6: Tie Off and Trim the Thread
Once you’ve sewn the button securely and created a shank if necessary, it’s time to tie off the thread. Thread a hand needle with the thread ends and sew through the loop of the last stitch on the back of the fabric, and pull it tight to create a knot. To ensure the button stays secure, repeat this process two or three times. Finally, trim any excess thread, and you’re done!
As you progress in your sewing journey, don’t shy away from exploring other beginner sewing projects, like learning how to sew a seam or how to hem a dress. Happy sewing!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
As with any new skill, sewing a button can sometimes present a few challenges. However, fear not, my sewing comrades! In this section, we’ll tackle some common issues you may encounter along the way and provide helpful solutions to get you back on track.
Dealing with Tangled Thread
Sewing without the feed dogs moving can cause the threads to bunch up under the fabric. This is because the fabric is not moving forward, so the thread is building up underneath. Avoid sewing too many passes, and this should help prevent a bulky build up of stitches.
Adjusting Button Placement
If you find that your button is sewn too close to the edge of the fabric or is slightly misaligned, don’t fret! Simply remove the stitches using a seam ripper or small pair of scissors, and then follow the step-by-step guide to reposition and sew the button.
Fixing Uneven Stitches
Uneven stitches can make your finished work look less polished, but they’re easily fixable. To correct uneven stitches, follow these steps:
Remove the uneven stitches. Use a seam ripper or small pair of scissors to carefully remove the stitches.
Check your thread tension. Make sure you’re maintaining the proper tension as you sew.
Practice sewing straight lines. If you’re new to sewing, it’s helpful to practice sewing straight lines on a piece of scrap fabric to improve your consistency. Check out our guide on how to sew a straight line for helpful tips.
Re-sew the button. Once you feel more confident in your ability to sew even stitches, follow the step-by-step guide to sew the button back onto your fabric.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and you’ll only improve your sewing skills with time and patience. If you’re looking for more beginner-friendly sewing projects to hone your skills, take a look at our list of easy sewing projects for beginners.
Tips for Sewing Buttons on Different Fabrics
As I delved deeper into the world of sewing, I discovered that not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to attaching buttons. Certain materials require extra care and attention to achieve a professional and secure finish. In this section, I’ll share my tips for sewing buttons on different types of fabric, including delicate, thick, and stretchy materials.
Delicate Fabrics
When working with delicate fabrics such as silk, chiffon, or lace, I realised that extra care is needed to avoid damaging the material. Here are some helpful hints I discovered for sewing buttons onto delicate fabrics:
Use a finer needle to prevent making large holes in the fabric.
Choose a lightweight button that won’t weigh down the material.
Consider using a small piece of interfacing or stabiliser on the back of the fabric to provide extra support for the button.
Sew the button using a gentle touch, use a finer thread and lighter tension, to avoid the fabric puckering or tearing.
Thick Fabrics
Thick fabrics, such as denim, corduroy, and heavy wool, can be quite challenging when it comes to sewing buttons. I found these tips to be particularly helpful when working with thick materials:
Use a stronger needle to penetrate the thick fabric easily.
Select a button with larger holes to accommodate the thicker fabric.
Create a shank for the button to allow for the extra fabric thickness (refer to the earlier section on creating a shank for raised buttons).
When sewing, try to maintain a steady pace, and do not make too many sewing passes, so that the holes do not become too tight.
Stretchy Fabrics
Sewing buttons onto stretchy fabrics, such as knitwear and jersey, can be a bit tricky, as the material can easily become distorted. To achieve a neat and secure finish, I found these tips to be very useful:
Use a ballpoint needle, which is specifically designed for working with stretchy fabrics.
Place a piece of non-stretch fabric or interfacing behind the stretchy fabric to stabilise the area where the button will be attached.
Avoid higher thread tension while sewing, as this can cause the fabric to lose its shape or stretch out.
For those just starting their sewing journey, I highly recommend checking out some beginner sewing projects and sewing for beginners to get a better understanding of different fabrics and techniques.
By following these tips and practising on various materials, you’ll soon become a pro at sewing buttons onto any type of fabric. Don’t forget that practice makes perfect, and happy sewing!
Conclusion
Practice Makes Perfect
In conclusion, mastering the art of sewing a button may seem like a small and simple task, but it is an essential skill that holds immense importance in the world of sewing. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you’ll be able to sew buttons with ease and confidence. Remember, practice is the key to perfection. The more you sew, the more adept you’ll become at attaching buttons securely and neatly.
Don’t be disheartened if your first few attempts aren’t flawless; even experienced sewers occasionally face snags and mishaps. The crucial thing is to learn from these experiences and continue refining your technique. As you become more proficient, you may even find yourself eager to try your hand at more advanced sewing projects. For those looking to expand their sewing horizons, be sure to explore our sewing for beginners blog and dive into easy sewing projects for beginners to further develop your skills.