ZJ Humbach

Sewing Buttons Quickly and Easily

ZJ Humbach
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Duration:   10  mins

Description

No matter what your sewing level may be, at some point or another, you’ll have to sew on a button. Whether this is multiple buttons on a new garment or simply replacing a button on something off the rack, ZJ Humbach shares several tips that make sewing buttons quicker and easier.

Types of Buttons

There are several different types of buttons available on the market today. In this video ZJ demonstrates how to sew on two types of buttons, two-hole and shank buttons, but the same techniques can be used for other button types as well. Two-hole, as well as four-hole buttons, are commonly found on shirts, whereas shank buttons are more commonly found on jackets or pants where the fabric tends to be thicker.

Thread

Thread is very important when it comes to sewing buttons, as that’s what holds the button securely in place. When doing hand sewing, many people work with a double strand of thread, as this is stronger than a single strand. ZJ shares her tip on how she likes to double the thread before threading the needle, which gives her a quadruple strand of thread to sew with. This means that a button can be held in place by simply going through the holes one time, making the process much quicker and easier. It can also be helpful to use a thread conditioner when doing any kind of hand sewing, including sewing buttons. This will help keep the thread strong and keep it from tangling while sewing. There are several different thread conditioners available and ZJ shares her favorite.

Shank Buttons

Shank buttons are great for jackets or pants with thicker fabrics or for use with bound buttonholes. However, if you do not have a shank button, you can make one. ZJ demonstrates how the shank portion of a button can be easily made using thread. She also shows a tool that can be used that helps make creating a shank quick and easy.