Learn to Sew on a Shirt Button While Traveling

I learned this skill in school, but it seems like fewer people know how to do this, so I thought I would do a quick tutorial.

There is nothing worse than being far from home only to realize that you are missing a button.

Unfortunately, clothes today are often not made as well as they used to be, meaning buttons are poorly sewn on and guaranteed to come off, usually in the dryer.

If you find yourself in a situation where a button falls off, you can follow this simple technique that has proven to keep buttons securely fastened.

Assembling Your Travel Sewing Kit

To be prepared for a lost button, you should put together a small travel sewing kit.

This kit can be easily stored in a small pill bag, which is useful for organizing small items.

Inside the bag, you will need a small spool of thread, and while you can include any colors you wish, black is typically the most universally useful shade.

You will also need some needles; it is helpful to place them on plastic backing, a piece of cardboard, or leather to prevent the needles from poking through the bag,.

Finally, you need something to cut the thread, such as a knife, although your teeth can work in a real pinch.

It's particularly helpful to use needles that have bigger eye holes, as this makes the threading process much easier, especially if you have poor eyesight,.

Preparing the Material

If you have lost the original button, you may be able to find a replacement button sewn onto the label inside the shirt.

If not, you can cut off an inconspicuous button, such as the one on the top collar that you never use, and use that to replace the lost button.

Before you sew on the new button, you must remove any existing thread left behind on the shirt.

A seam ripper makes this task easy, but if you do not have one, you can use a knife or another small sharp object.

Carefully use the point of the knife to get underneath the thread and pull it out from the front and back, ensuring you do not damage the shirt material.

Make sure all the old thread is completely removed.

Placement and Initial Threading

Next, you need to determine the correct location for the button.

On some shirts, there will be existing stitching lines that show you where the button should go.

If you cannot see the old holes, you can line up the button with others on the shirt to find the correct spot.

Once you have the location, orient the button holes so that they match the alignment of the other buttons on the garment.

You will need thread, a length of about three hand spans is likely too much, but it is better to have too much than not enough.

To prepare the needle, double over the thread and create a secure knot at the end.

It is important to create a big knot so that the thread does not pull back through the material while you are sewing.

Achieve this by looping the thread through the loop once, twice, and three times.

You should also leave a good amount of loose thread at the far end because you will use this piece to tie off the button later.

The Stitching Process

To begin sewing, hold the button in place and start from the back of the material, making sure the alignment is correct both up and down and side to side.

Push the needle through the back of the fabric and into one of the button's holes.

The knot should stick against the back of the material.

Go through the hole directly across from the first one, then push the needle back through the material, making sure to pull the thread all the way through so everything is tight.

Repeat this process through the first pair of holes a couple of times.

Next, repeat the same process with the remaining two holes.

Go through the back, up through the first of the remaining holes, and down through the opposite hole, back into the material.

Do this a couple of times, always checking that the button is lining up correctly.

Creating the Shank and Securing the Thread

The final step is crucial for making the button functional, as it creates space underneath the button, making it easier to button.

Once you have finished stitching through all four holes, go through a bottom hole one more time, without going through the material.

You should then wrap the thread around the base of the button four or five times.

After wrapping, go back through the bottom hole from the back, then the top hole from the front, and finally push the needle through the material all the way to the back.

To secure the button, simply take the remaining loose end of the thread you left earlier and tie two regular knots.

Tying the thread to itself like this makes the button nice and secure.

You can then use your knife to cut off the excess thread.

This simple process allows you to put a button back on quickly while camping or hiking and continue your journey.

Final Thoughts

That's about it.

Now you know how to reattach a button any time it falls off.

It's one of those skills that you don't think about until it's cold and you're missing a button.

Learn it now and you'll be ready.