How to Sew a Button: Easy Guide for Two-Holes and Four-Holes Buttons

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Have you ever lost a button from your favorite shirt or jacket at the worst possible moment? Learning how to sew a button is one of the most useful skills for anyone who wears clothes with buttons. This small repair can save your clothes from being unwearable and help you avoid spending money on new items or professional fixes.

Learning how to sew a button is surprisingly easy and takes just a few minutes once you know the steps. All you need are some basic supplies and a little practice. Even if you have never held a needle before, you can master this skill quickly.

In this article, we will talk about how to sew a button back on your clothes. We will cover both two-hole and four-hole buttons, which are the most common types you will find on clothing. We made this guide by gathering information from various sources, Tuesday (6/1/2026).

Two-hole buttons are often found on delicate clothing items like dress shirts, blouses, and some coats. They create a clean, simple look and are slightly easier to sew than four-hole buttons. Here's how to attach them properly:

Supplies You Need:

- A two-hole button

- Thread that matches your clothing

- Needle (medium size works best)

- Scissors

- The garment needing repair

- A pin or toothpick (optional)

Step 1: Prepare Your Thread

Cut about 18 inches (45 cm) of thread. This length gives you enough to work with but isn't so long that it tangles easily. Put the thread through the eye of the needle and pull until both ends are even. Tie a knot at the end of the doubled thread to keep it from pulling through the fabric.

Step 2: Find the Right Spot

Look for marks on your clothing that show where the button was before. If there are no marks, put the garment on and mark where the button should go to line up with the buttonhole. You can use a small pencil mark or pin to note the spot.

Step 3: Start Sewing

Push your needle up from the back side of the fabric where you want to place the button. Pull the thread through until the knot stops at the back of the fabric.

Step 4: Attach the Button

Place the button on the fabric, lining up its holes with where you want it positioned. Push the needle down through one hole of the button and back up through the other hole.

Step 5: Create a Thread Shank

After making 5-6 passes through both holes, bring the needle up through the fabric but not through the button. Wrap the thread around the threads between the button and fabric 3-4 times. This creates a "shank" that gives space for the button to sit properly when buttoned.

Step 6: Finish Securely

Push the needle back through to the wrong side of the fabric. Make a small stitch and then create a knot close to the fabric. Cut off any extra thread about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) from the knot.

Four-hole buttons are the most common type found on shirts, pants, jackets, and coats. They provide stronger attachment and can be sewn in different patterns. Follow these steps to sew a four-hole button:

Supplies You Need:

- A four-hole button

- Thread that matches your clothing

- Needle (medium size works best)

- Scissors

- The garment needing repair

- A pin or toothpick (optional)

Step 1: Thread Preparation

Cut about 20 inches (50 cm) of thread. Thread your needle and double the thread, pulling it through until both ends meet. Tie a knot at the end of the doubled thread.

Step 2: Position Your Button

Find the correct spot for your button by looking for thread marks or lining up with other buttons. For pants or skirts, the button should be centered on the waistband.

Step 3: Begin Sewing

Push your needle from the back side of the fabric to the front where the button will sit. Pull until the knot catches on the back of the fabric.

Step 4: Start the X Pattern

The X pattern is the strongest and most popular way to sew four-hole buttons. It creates a diagonal cross shape on top of the button that distributes pressure evenly.

Step 5: Sew the X Pattern

Follow these steps to create the perfect X pattern:

1. Place the button on the fabric at your marked spot

2. Push the needle down through the top left hole of the button

3. Bring the needle up through the bottom right hole (diagonally opposite)

4. Push the needle down through the top right hole

5. Bring the needle up through the bottom left hole (completing the X)

6. Repeat this diagonal pattern 5-6 times for strong attachment

7. Make sure your thread isn't too tight or too loose

Step 6: Create a Thread Shank

After completing your stitching pattern, bring the needle up between the button and fabric (not through a hole). Wrap the thread around the threads between the button and fabric 3-4 times to create a shank.

Step 7: Secure Your Work

Push the needle to the back of the fabric. Make a small stitch and tie a knot close to the fabric. Trim any excess thread, leaving about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm).

Now that you know the basic steps to sew buttons, here are some extra tips to make your work even better. These suggestions will help you get professional results and make your buttons last longer.

1. Match Your Thread Color: Use thread that is the same color as your garment for a professional look. When thread matches your fabric, the repair becomes almost invisible. This small detail makes your fixed button look like it was never broken in the first place.

2. Create Longer Shanks for Thick Fabrics: For heavy materials like coats and jackets, make a longer thread shank. Thick fabrics need more space between the button and fabric so they can close properly. Without enough space, the button will pull and might break again.

3. Use a Spacer While Sewing: Place a pin or toothpick between the button and fabric while sewing. This automatically creates the perfect space for your shank. When you finish sewing, remove the pin, and your button will have just the right amount of looseness.

4. Copy the Original Pattern: If you're replacing a button, look at how other buttons on the garment are sewn. Then follow the same pattern for your repair. This keeps all buttons on your clothing looking the same and maintains the original design of the garment.

5. Reinforce Buttons Under Stress: For buttons that receive heavy use, like on pants or jackets, add an extra layer of stitching. This makes the button stronger and less likely to come off again. A few extra minutes of sewing now can prevent future repairs.

6. Strengthen Children's Buttons: When sewing buttons on children's clothing, make extra passes with the thread. Children are active and hard on their clothes, so their buttons need to be especially secure. These reinforced buttons will last longer during play and frequent washing.