Whether it's your best work slacks or a pair of old, well-fitting trousers, a pants button can fall off, even the best-made pair with enough use.You can sew the button back on at home, instead of tossing them and getting new pants or going to an expensive tailor for a simple fix.The fabric of most pants is thicker than shirts and there are a few different ways to sew a shirt button back on.If you're replacing a button on a pair of jeans, there are special techniques you might want to try.You will be able to put those pants back on once you have the sewing skills.
Step 1: The old button and thread need to be removed.
Clear the way if you want to attach a new button or replace the thread on a pair of pants.If the old material is still attached, remove it with scissors in order to begin.Be sure to keep the button on hand if you reuse it.
Step 2: You can find thread to match the color of the pants.
The thread above the button should match the fabric of your pants or else the stitching will stick out.Simple solid color that is close to the fabric is sufficient.It doesn't have to be perfect.
Step 3: Attach the needle with 1 foot to 2 feet of thread.
Threading a needle can be a challenge on its own, but once you succeed, focus on getting an even amount of thread sticking out each end of the needle's eye by holding it out in front of you and eyeballing the distance.
Step 4: Attach a knot at the end of the thread.
Before attempting to sew, it is important to tie off the thread.You can make a small knot by rolling the ends of the thread around between your fingers.
Step 5: The fabric can be marked on hard-to- find holes.
If the pants are hard to see, use bright lighting to track them down and mark them with a writing tool.It will be easier to align the button on the pants.There are marks on both sides of the fabric where the button will sit.If you feel confident about your sewing abilities, you can place an 'X' in the spot where the button will be.
Step 6: You can match other buttons with a 2-hole button.
For a pair of pants that center a lot of pressure on the pants, a 4-hole button is preferable, even if there is only one.It will do the job if the rest of the buttons are 2-hole buttons.
Step 7: Pull the fabric through the holes.
To begin stitching the button, you need to pierce through the underside and pull the needle upward.The pant fabric is strong and thick.You may have to use a lot of force to break through the fabric, so be careful not to puncture your skin.There is a way to keep the needle from hurting you.
Step 8: The opposite buttonhole has a needle in it.
A stitch is continued by piercing the fabric through the buttonhole that the needle did not come up through.
Step 9: The stitching process can be repeated several times.
Continue to thread the needle upward through the one button hole.
Step 10: The button has a needle below it.
If you miss the button holes on your last repetition of the up-down cycle, you will have to create ashank out of thread.Try not to move to the side of the button.
Step 11: The thread has to be wrapped around the button.
The more loops you make around the button, the better the stitch will be.Keeping the loops tight will help you reinforce the button.
Step 12: Pull the needle downward.
Pull the needle through the fabric below the button on the opposite side if you missed the buttons.
Step 13: Make a loop by tying the button off.
The excess thread can be used to make a loop below the button and then tie a knot with the thread.This process can be repeated many times to make the button feel secure.To avoid undoing the knot, trim the thread directly above it.
Step 14: If you want a sturdier hold, choose a 4-hole button.
4-hole buttons are a stronger choice as you can use an 'X' pattern to keep them firmly attached to your pants.
Step 15: The 'X' pattern can be used when stitching.
If you pierce the fabric behind the button hole, you can catch the needle on the other side.Place the needle through the buttonhole diagonal to the one you came up through.After stitching in the same direction 4 to 5 times, switch to the other diagonal pair of holes.If there are other buttons that use a stitch that looks like two letter 'I's next to one another, called 'II' stitches, you can match them by not crossing over to the diagonal hole.Go straight across the hole.
Step 16: There is enough room if you place a spacer below the button.
If it is sewn on too tightly, it can be difficult to fit it through the buttonhole.You can avoid this by using a piece of paper thin cardboard with a 1 inch wide 'V' cut into it and placing it below the button.The button's edge should sit above the fabric and not be blocked by the spacer.
Step 17: The thread should be created a thread shank.
The button can be strengthened by following the instructions above.When you miss the button on your last upward stitch, wrap it around it before piercing it back down to the underside of the pants.
Step 18: The knot should be below the button.
A knot is needed to keep the button from falling off the pants, because the security of the 4-hole button makes it feel as though it doesn't need extra support.Cut the fabric the same way you would a 2-hole button.