Nothing is more frustrating than a missing button, a broken zipper - or hems falling down! That's why I've created The Repairment Series, simple fixes to everyday problems. For this edition, we'll be covering how to sew on a button.

How to sew on a button

If you haven't got a sewing kit, it is about time you pick one up. All you need is a sewing needle and thread which matches (or does not match, up to you) the garment you will be repairing. Embroidery scissors come in handy too!

A note on buttons:

The most common buttons are flat, and have 2-4 holes. At Color Vision we also love the shank button, typically used on outerwear and coats - the button is fastened through a loop underneath.

Let's get to it!

Grab your thread and pull out approx 40-50 cm. Get your needle and pull the thread through. Tricky? Suck on the thread end for a little to gather the filaments, then try again. Make the thread a double one and tie a knot at the end. 

If your button has ripped from the garment, you'll see a thread trace where you can make a new stitch. Make sure to remove old thread with a seam ripper. Secure the thread with a couple of stitches.

Pull needle through one of the holes. Center the middle of the button over the stitches.

Go through to the other side of the fabric with the needle, come back up - then go down the other hole. I like to repeat this more times than I should, just to make sure I don't loose any invaluable buttons!

Move over to one of the other holes from the underside of the fabric, and repeat previous step.

When you've completed the equal amount of rounds on the other side, finish with a knot or two between the button and the fabric - around one of thick threads.

Then you cut both thread ends of with the embroidery scissor - and voila! Now you're a mending champion!

Until next time!

xxx, Iben