How to sew a button in 6
straightforward steps

Knowing how to sew on a button is a simple, yet valuable skill that can rescue your favourite garments and knits. All our shirts and cardigans come with a matching spare button and a handy repair kit, so you can use this essential technique time and time again to keep your favourite clothes for longer.

Sewing on a button may seem like a small act, but it's a big step towards embracing the principles of slow fashion. By nurturing and caring for your clothes you extend their life, reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future. Plus, you'll discover the joy that comes from mastering a valuable skill. So dust off your sewing kit and let’s get started.

You will need..

A needle that fits through the holes in the button
Thread that matches the fabric of your garment
The button you want to attach
Small scissors (you can use nail scissors)
A pin or toothpick
A thimble (optional, but handy)

Step 1: Thread & Tie Your Needle

Cut a length of thread (about 45cm) and thread your needle. If you're having trouble, try wetting the tip of the thread or use a needle threader – a nifty tool that can be a lifesaver. Use double thread and tie both ends together in a small knot.

Step 1: Thread & Tie Your Needle

Cut a length of thread (about 45cm) and thread your needle. If you're having trouble, try wetting the tip of the thread or use a needle threader – a nifty tool that can be a lifesaver. Use double thread and tie both ends together in a small knot.

Step 2: Position the Button

Make sure the area around the buttonhole is ready by removing any remaining bits of thread or a broken button. Next, decide where you want your button to go. Place a pin through the fabric where you want the centre of the button to be. This will help you maintain the proper spacing and prevent sewing the button on too tightly. Use a toothpick for a knitted garment.

Step 3: Start Stitching

Begin sewing from the inside of your garment, so the knot is hidden. Pull the needle through and leave a small tail of thread on the inside (about 3cm).

Step 4: Sew the Button

Look for versatile pieces that can be styled in multiple ways depending on the time of year or the occasion. A soft lambswool jumper, for example, can transition easily from casual errands with jeans to a sophisticated dinner party with a skirt, heels and jewellery. Or a classic dress can be worn on its own in the summer and with a soft jersey base layer or cosy cardigan in winter. Think timeless rather than trends by blending new pieces with ageless classics.

Step 5: Secure the Button

Make sure the area around the buttonhole is ready by removing any remaining bits of thread or a broken button. Next, decide where you want your button to go. Place a pin through the fabric where you want the centre of the button to be. This will help you maintain the proper spacing and prevent sewing the button on too tightly. Use a toothpick for a knitted garment.

Step 6: Knot and Trim

To finish, tie a secure knot with the two loose ends of thread. Trim any excess thread, leaving a small tail for extra security

Step 2: Position the Button

Make sure the area around the buttonhole is ready by removing any remaining bits of thread or a broken button. Next, decide where you want your button to go. Place a pin through the fabric where you want the centre of the button to be. This will help you maintain the proper spacing and prevent sewing the button on too tightly. Use a toothpick for a knitted garment.

Step 3: Start Stitching

Begin sewing from the inside of your garment, so the knot is hidden. Pull the needle through and leave a small tail of thread on the inside (about 3cm).

Step 4: Sew the Button

Now for the fun bit! Pass the needle up through one of the buttonholes. If your button has four holes, sew diagonally across to the opposite hole, then come back up and repeat. Or, if you prefer, you can sew your button using parallel lines. Check the other buttons on your garment to see what direction the thread goes. For a two-hole button, simply pass the needle back and forth.

Step 5: Secure the Button

Once your button is in place, pass the needle to the inside of your garment. Make a few small stitches on the underside of the fabric to secure the thread. This will help keep your button from popping off again.

Step 6: Knot and Trim

To finish, tie a secure knot with the two loose ends of thread. Trim any excess thread, leaving a small tail for extra security.

Sewing Buttons - Top Tips

● If your button is especially thick or your fabric is heavy, you can reinforce it by wrapping the thread around the button's shank (the small raised area on the underside of the button) a few times before continuing to sew through the holes.

● If you're sewing a button on a coat or something that will endure a lot of use, consider using dental floss or a thicker thread for added strength. You can always double up the thread for a stronger fix, too. Use a thimble to protect your fingers when pushing the needle through tough fabrics.

● f your button is very loose or the fabric is thick, give the button a little platform or small square of fabric on the underside. Known as a thread shank, it raises the button so it stands away from the material, allowing thicker fabrics to fit around the button without straining.

● Always check the care label of your clothing to ensure you're using the correct thread and needle type. If the thread easily slips out of the needle, you can always tie a knot by the eyelet with the tail end to secure it. You will be cutting this bit off at the end anyway.

● If you are sewing on a 4 hole button, match how you stitch to the other buttons on the garment.

Knowing how to sew a button doesn’t have to be just about fixing your item, it’s also an opportunity to get creative. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can use your new skill to customise an old faithful and breathe new life into a favourite jumper or shirt.

Customise An Old Favourite

If you have a best-loved WoolOvers wool or cashmere cardigan, the good news is that with the right care, you can wear it year after year. But sometimes we all crave something new. Rather than swap out the garment, why not swap the buttons to give it a new lease of life? Add vintage buttons to modern pieces, pick different colours and styles, or use different coloured threads. If you’re feeling creative add buttons to the shoulders or wrists for a smart instant update. You can do this seasonally and make a fresh fashion statement every few months.

How to sew buttons on your
WoolOvers jumpers without it showing

All our knitwear, from jumpers to cardigans, comes with a repair kit that includes a spare button and extra yarn. This ensures the colour matches as well as the thickness of the type of yarn, enabling you to create an invisible mend.