An all-purpose, cotton-wrapped polyester thread is durable enough for most fabrics.
1. Holding button in place, and with a 9-inch length of double-knotted thread, pass a needle from inside to outside and up through one hole in the button.
2. Hold button in place, and lay a toothpick across its center to create some space (A). Bring needle down, over toothpick and through second hole (if using a four-hole button, continue back up and down through third and fourth holes). Repeat four to six times, ending with the needle and thread between the button and the fabric. Remove toothpick.
3. To create a shank that will allow room for fabric to close around button, lift button slightly, and wrap thread tightly around the shank several times (B). Slip the needle through one of the stitches and pull tight to secure. Trim thread.
Tip
Keep an assortment of buttons in your sewing kit, so you’re always prepared when a replacement is needed.
Reinforce a buttonhole
This how-to calls for a stitch that’s similar to a blanket stitch (see page 189), only with the stitches right next to one another rather than spaced apart.
1. Thread a needle with a 9-inch length of double-knotted thread. With the outside of garment facing you and buttonhole positioned horizontally, pass needle from inside to outside, just below original stitching and about ⅛ inch below slit. Pass needle down through slit (A) and back up next to where you started, keeping the thread under tip of needle and holding it with your thumb as you pull thread gently until it lies flat. Continue stitching until you reach the end of the buttonhole.
2. To stitch the ends, shift the garment so the buttonhole is vertical. Create a horizontal stitch (perpendicular to slit) by passing the needle from right to left 3 times. Then stitch vertically until horizontal stitches are completely covered (B).
3. Shift garment so buttonhole is horizontal; repeat steps 1 and 2 to stitch the other side.
