How to Sew a Button Onto a Piece of Clothing

Buttons falling off and rips in clothing are a common problem that plagues us all. Knowing how to sew and personally fix an article of your own clothes is an extremely important skill. Because this is such a valuable skill to know, if you follow the directions below, you will be able to master sewing a button onto any piece of clothing. Remember that to do these steps, you will have to use a sewing needle. While the needle isn't particularly sharp, it is important to understand to be cautious around it, as you could poke yourself or others.

1. Button with four holes (any shape, size, or color)
2. Thread (any color but preferably similar to button)
3. Sewing needle
4. Scissors
5. Piece of clothing

Gather all materials listed above and place them onto a hard surface.

1. Spread your arms out wide
2. Trace the length of your wingspan with the thread of your choosing
3. Cut the thread once the thread reaches the length of your wingspan

1. Take one end of the thread and cut the tip at a diagonal
2. Take the diagonal end and put it through the small hole at the end of the needle
3. Pull the thread through to make two equal lengths of thread

1. Take the two equal threads and cross them over
2. Pull one side under the opposite thread
3. Repeat steps with the upper thread and pull hard
4. Do these steps twice/three times to make a stronger knot

1. Place the button where you would like it to be on the piece of clothing
2. Make sure to avoid placing it too close to other buttons or the stitch line

1. Stick the needle from the back of the button through one of the four holes
2. Bring the needle down through the opposite hole
3. Bring the needle back up through one of the holes not used and repeat, bringing it down through the opposite hole
4. Do these steps multiple times (preferably 5)

1. Place the needle going down through one of the holes, and stick through until underneath the button, but above the clothing
2. Circle the thread at least 10 times around the button's core

1. Place the needle going down through the fabric and poke through the clothing
2. Cut the strings close to the needle after you stick the needle out of the back of the clothing

1. Make the strings form a knot twice, and pull taut as close to the shirt as possible
2. Cut off loose strings close to the shirt

1. Pull on the button to make sure it does not move
2. Unstitch the button and re-follow steps 1-10, focusing on step 7 if the button is loose

By following these steps, you have successfully taught yourself how to fix and/or decorate your own clothes. This is a vital skill you should continue practicing in case of an emergency!