Friday Fun Fact: Sewing a button

We're going back to basics here today - sewing a button on!

I recently made this shirt for my kiddo and it was a great opportunity to show them - and all of you! - how to sew buttons on the best way.

You'll need your buttons, needles, scissors, pins, beeswax, and thread. Cotton thread is always easier to handsew with as it doesn't shred and tangle. Why beeswax? Read more here!

I always use a single thread while sewing, except when attaching buttons. Use a doubled thread here to make it go faster!

Run your thread through the beeswax and then scrape it with your fingernail to smooth it out. The beeswax helps the thread stay tangle-free, and makes it easier to thread your needle! 

Secure your thread and come up where you want your button to be.

Here's the part that's often overlooked: hold a pin or other spacer on top of the button and sew over it. This creates space in the stitches that keep the button from puckering and give it room to lie flat.

Match the spacer to the fabric - for a thin shirting cotton like this, a small pin is enough. For a thick wool coat, use a knitting needle, wooden match, or even a chopstick.

Stitch through each pair of holes 4-6 times.

Then come up under your button, remove the spacer, and use the working thread to wrap the thread stem under the button a few times.

After that, you can secure with a knot and bury your thread tail. Admire your perfectly sewn buttons!

Check out all our Friday Fun Facts in the archive here!