Position your button in line with the button hole. Push your needle and thread through the underside of the fabric until it stops at the knot. Pass the needle through one button hole and then the other. Push your needle and thread back through the fabric until the button is pulled flat against the fabric.
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To sew buttonholes by hand, start by measuring and marking your buttonhole carefully. Next, snip or cut the opening. Then, bring a threaded needle up from the back side of the material, loop the thread through the buttonhole and back up through the material. Pass the needle through the formed loop and pull it snug.
Let’s begin with the 5 main types of buttons classified by shape:
- Flat Buttons.
- Shank Buttons.
- Stud Buttons.
- Toggle Buttons.
- Decorative Buttons.
Shank buttons have a hollow protrusion on the back through which thread is sewn to attach the button. Button shanks may be a separate piece added to the back of a button, or be carved or moulded directly onto the back of the button, in which case the button is referred to by collectors as having a ‘self-shank’.
The thread generally used is a T-21 or T-27 spun or T-24 corespun thread. If the buttons have any sharp edges like metal buttons, we recommend corespun threads. with 16 stitches. We recommend using a corespun thread for button attaching.
How to Sew on Snaps
- Step 1 – Separate and Mark. Separate the halves of the snap and grab the ball side first.
- Step 2 – Sew Through Holes. Thread your needle through one of the holes at the edge of the snap.
- Step 3 – Next Holes.
- Step 4 – Repeat.
Rivets & Jean Buttons. Rivets are used in so many different applications, from utility to fashion. These little metal fasteners are found in all manners of sewing and crafts and are used with fabrics such as denim, canvas, and leather. They are used to hold things together or attach them to something else.
Mother-of-pearl buttons, also known as nacre, are cut from linings of mollusk, oysters, abalone, and snail shells. The nacre lining is the same outer coating of pearls, thus the name “mother-of-pearl.” The material is strong, resilient, and naturally elegant.
There are metal buttons, pearl buttons and fabric buttons. Natural buttons can be made from natural materials like wood or coconut. Bone and horn were also popular natural options in the past.
The oldest button was found in the Mohenjo-daro region in the Indus Valley, now known as modern day Pakistan. It is estimated to be around 5000 years old, with a decorative flat face that fits into a loop, and is primarily made out of curved shell.
Generally your buttonhole should be 1/8″ bigger than the widest part of the button unless the button is domed. If your initial button was a flat 15mm, a domed 15mm button is probably too big for the same buttonhole. Standard Sizes: Sleeve buttons are usually between 11-13mm.
position the button
Either a second needle or a toothpick, pin, or small stick can be used as a spacer. As you begin stitching, pull the thread all the way through until the knot is snug against the underside of the fabric, while you are using a fingertip to keep the button in its place.
Flat buttons are also referred to as buttons with visible holes. Generally speaking, they are available in either 2-hole or 4-hole designs in the centre. These buttons are sewn onto the garments through the holes using the sewing threads.
“Wealthy women back then did not dress themselves — their lady’s maid did. Since most people were right-handed, this made it easier for someone standing across from you to button your dress.” Fancy! The tradition has stuck and women’s shirts today, including Moore’s, place buttons on the left side.
Sew through buttons have holes in the button blank (the main part of the button). There can be two or four holes, which are used to sew the buttons onto a garment. Shank buttons have a “hidden” hole protruding from the back of the button.
A snap fastener (also called press stud, dome fastener, popper, snap or tich) is a pair of interlocking discs, made out of a metal or plastic, commonly used in place of traditional buttons to fasten clothing and for similar purposes.