Can you sew a button with a sewing machine? Yes, absolutely! Many modern sewing machines have a special foot and settings just for this task. What is the sewing machine button attaching foot? It’s a small presser foot designed to hold a flat button steady while the machine stitches over its holes, making sewing buttons much faster and more secure than doing it by hand. This guide will show you how simple it is to attach flat buttons using your sewing machine.
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Why Use a Sewing Machine for Buttons?
Sewing on buttons by hand takes time. It can also be hard to get them all looking the same. Using a sewing machine is fast. It makes buttons strong and neat. This is very helpful if you have many buttons to sew. Think of shirts, coats, or pillows. The machine does the hard work for you. It makes sewing buttons easy.
What You Need
You don’t need many things. Here is a simple list:
- Your sewing machine
- A flat button (with 2 or 4 holes)
- Matching thread (Choosing thread for machine button sewing is key for a strong stitch)
- The sewing machine button attaching foot
- Sometimes, a sewing machine button sewing plate or cover
- A pin or toothpick (if you need a thread shank)
- Fabric or the item you want to sew the button onto
- A fabric marker or chalk
Getting Ready: Set Up Your Machine
Before you start, you need to get your sewing machine ready. This means putting on the right foot. It also means changing some settings.
Attaching the Special Foot
First, turn off your sewing machine. It is safer this way. Take off the regular presser foot. Each machine is a little different. Check your machine’s manual. It will show you how to do this. Now, put on the sewing machine button attaching foot. This foot looks different from others. It usually has a bar or space in the front. This is where the button sits. Make sure it snaps into place well.
Adding the Button Sewing Plate
Some machines need a special plate. This plate covers the ‘feed dogs’. Feed dogs are the little teeth that move the fabric. When sewing a button, you do not want the fabric to move. The button stays in one spot. The sewing machine button sewing plate makes this happen. It stops the feed dogs from working. If your machine needs one, put it on now. Again, check your manual. Some machines have a setting to drop the feed dogs instead. Find out how your machine works.
Choosing Thread
Choosing thread for machine button sewing is simple. Use good quality thread. Polyester thread is strong. It works well for most fabrics and buttons. Match the thread color to your fabric or button. You can use slightly thicker thread if you want. But make sure it fits through your needle easily. Do not use hand-sewing thread. It can be too thick for your machine.
Sewing Machine Settings for Buttons
Getting the right settings is very important. This makes sure the needle goes into the button holes. It also makes a strong stitch.
Stitch Type
You need a zigzag stitch for button sewing. A zigzag stitch moves from side to side. It does not just go straight. This is perfect for buttons. The needle goes down into one button hole. Then it moves to the other hole. It goes down again. This makes the thread go across the top of the button.
Stitch Length
Set your stitch length to zero. When sewing a button, the fabric should not move forward or backward. The machine needs to stitch in the same spot. A stitch length of zero tells the machine to do this.
Adjusting Stitch Width Button Sewing Machine
This is the most important setting. The stitch width tells the zigzag stitch how wide to be. It needs to match the distance between the holes on your button. You need to measure this. Or you can test it first.
- How to set the width: Put your button under the sewing machine button attaching foot. Lower the foot onto the button.
- Check the needle position: Slowly turn the handwheel on your machine. Watch the needle. It should go down into the left hole of the button.
- Adjust: Raise the needle. Now, turn the handwheel more. The needle will move to the right. It should go into the right hole of the button.
- Fine-tune: If the needle hits the button instead of going into the hole, change the stitch width. Make it wider or narrower. Keep testing until the needle goes into each hole perfectly. This takes a little practice. Make sure the machine needle position for button sewing is right. It must go in the holes.
Needle Position
Usually, the machine needle position for button sewing is centered. But the zigzag stitch moves it left and right. Make sure your machine is set to a center needle position before you start the zigzag. Then adjust the width. Some machines might start the zigzag from the left or right. Check your manual. The key is that the needle goes into the button holes.
Thread Tension
The thread tension is usually the normal setting for your machine. You don’t often need to change it for buttons. The stitch should look the same on the top and bottom. If the thread looks loose or too tight, check your manual for how to adjust tension.
How to Machine Sew a Flat Button: Step-by-Step
Now you are ready to sew! Here are the simple steps to attach a flat button with your machine.
Step 1: Mark the Spot
First, mark where you want the button. Use fabric chalk or a pen that washes away. Make a small mark or line where the center of the button should be.
Step 2: Position the Fabric and Button
Place your fabric under the sewing machine button attaching foot. Put the button on the mark you made. Center the button under the foot. The bar or space in the foot should be over the top of the button.
Step 3: Lower the Foot
Carefully lower the sewing machine button attaching foot onto the button. The foot will hold the button steady. Make sure the button stays centered.
Step 4: Check Needle Position Again
This is important! Before you press the pedal, turn the handwheel slowly by hand. Watch the needle. Make sure it goes into the left hole. Then turn the handwheel more. Make sure it goes into the right hole. Adjust the stitch width if you need to. Make sure the machine needle position for button sewing is correct for your button. This check stops you from breaking your needle on the button.
Step 5: Start Sewing
Once you are sure the needle goes into the holes, you can start sewing. Sew slowly at first. Let the machine make about 6-10 zigzag stitches. This is usually enough to make the button strong.
Step 6: Securing Thread When Machine Sewing Button
After you have sewn enough stitches, you need to secure the thread. This stops the stitches from coming undone.
- Method 1 (Backstitching): Some machines let you sew a few stitches backward. Or they have a secure stitch button. Check if your machine can do this. Sew 2-3 stitches back and forth in place at the end.
- Method 2 (Leaving Tails): Sew your last stitch. Lift the needle all the way up. Lift the presser foot. Pull the fabric and button away from the machine. Leave long thread tails (about 4-6 inches). Cut the threads. Turn your fabric over. Find the thread tails on the back. Tie them together in a knot. Tie a double knot to be sure. This is a very strong way to secure the thread.
Step 7: Cut Threads
If you used the knot method, cut the thread tails short after tying the knot. If your machine secured the stitch, just trim the threads close to the button on the top and back.
You have now used the sewing machine technique attach button! It’s simple and fast once you get the hang of it.
Sewing Machine Technique Attach Button: Adding a Thread Shank
Sometimes, for thicker fabrics or buttonholes, you need a thread shank. This is a small post of thread under the button. It lifts the button slightly away from the fabric. This gives space for the fabric edge under the button.
- How to make a shank: While you are sewing the button (after step 5 above), stop sewing but leave the button under the foot. Place a pin, a toothpick, or a small matchstick on top of the button, between the stitches you just made and the button itself. The pin should run parallel to the stitches (across the holes).
- Add more stitches: Sew 2-3 more zigzag stitches over the pin and the button holes. The pin lifts the thread a little.
- Finish sewing: Lift the needle and foot. Pull the fabric away. Cut the thread tails long. Remove the pin or toothpick.
- Wrap the shank: Turn the fabric over. Tie off the thread tails on the back firmly. Now, take one of the top threads near the button. Pull it gently to bring the knot up close to the fabric back. Thread this tail onto a hand sewing needle. Wrap the thread tightly around the stitches under the button 4-5 times. This wraps the thread post you created.
- Secure the wrapping: Push the needle through the back of the fabric near the button. Tie a knot on the back to secure the wrapping thread. Cut the thread ends.
This makes a strong shank. It helps the button sit nicely on thicker fabrics.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
What if things don’t go perfectly? Here are some common problems and what to do.
Needle Hits the Button
This is the most common problem. It can break your needle.
- Reason: The stitch width is wrong. It is wider than the distance between the button holes.
- Fix: Stop sewing right away. Check your stitch width setting. Put the button back under the foot. Slowly turn the handwheel. Watch the needle. Adjust the stitch width button sewing machine setting until the needle goes exactly into the holes. Test this carefully by hand before sewing with power.
Stitches Look Loose
The thread loops or looks messy.
- Reason: Thread tension might be wrong. Or the thread is not threaded correctly.
- Fix: Check your thread path. Make sure the thread is in all the guides. Make sure the presser foot is down when you thread the needle. Check your tension setting. Adjust it slightly. Test on a scrap piece first. Also, make sure the bobbin thread is correct and loaded right.
Button Moves While Sewing
The button shifts position.
- Reason: The button is not held steady. Maybe the button attaching foot is not right. Or the feed dogs are not covered or lowered.
- Fix: Make sure you are using the sewing machine button attaching foot. Make sure the button fits under it well. Check if your machine needs a sewing machine button sewing plate. Or check if the feed dogs are dropped. The fabric (and button) must not move during stitching.
Thread Breaks
The thread keeps snapping.
- Reason: The thread might be old or poor quality. The needle might be bent or wrong size. The tension might be too high. The needle might be hitting the button slightly.
- Fix: Try new thread. Change the needle. Make sure it is the right type and size for your fabric and thread. Check tension. Make sure the needle goes into the button holes when you turn the handwheel slowly.
Stitches Don’t Catch Button Holes
The stitches just go back and forth on the fabric next to the holes.
- Reason: The button is not centered under the foot. The stitch width is too narrow.
- Fix: Re-center the button perfectly under the sewing machine button attaching foot. Adjusting stitch width button sewing machine setting might be needed. Make it wider so the needle reaches the holes.
More Tips for Success
- Practice: If you are new to this, practice on a scrap piece of fabric first. Use the same type of fabric as your project. Use the exact button you plan to use. This lets you set the stitch width correctly. It helps you get the machine needle position for button sewing just right.
- Use the right needle: A universal needle works for most fabrics. But make sure it is sharp and not bent.
- Don’t rush: Sew slowly, especially when starting. This gives you time to stop if something is wrong.
- Check your manual: Every sewing machine is different. Your manual has the best details for your specific machine. It will show you how to attach the foot, set up the plate, and choose settings.
- Secure the thread well: Securing thread when machine sewing button is very important. A loose thread means the button will fall off later. Don’t skip this step. Tying knots on the back is often the most secure method.
When to Sew by Hand
Machine sewing buttons is great for flat buttons. It is fast and strong. But some buttons are not flat.
- Buttons with shanks: These buttons have a loop on the back instead of holes on top. You cannot sew these with a machine this way. You must sew them by hand.
- Very delicate fabric: On some very fine or sheer fabrics, machine stitching might be too strong or might pucker the fabric. Hand sewing might be better.
- Just one button: If you only have one button to replace, setting up the machine might take longer than sewing it by hand.
For most projects with flat buttons, the sewing machine technique attach button is the way to go. It makes your finished item look professional. It saves you a lot of time and hand strain.
Reviewing the Process
Let’s quickly go over the main steps again:
- Gather supplies: Get your machine, button, thread, foot, and plate (if needed).
- Set up machine: Put on the button foot. Add the plate or drop feed dogs. Choosing thread for machine button sewing is your choice for color and strength.
- Set settings: Select zigzag stitch for button sewing. Stitch length zero. Adjusting stitch width button sewing machine setting is vital – test it! Check machine needle position for button sewing.
- Mark fabric: Show where the button goes.
- Place button: Put button on the mark under the foot.
- Check: Slowly turn handwheel. Make sure needle goes in both holes. Adjust width if needed.
- Sew: Stitch 6-10 times slowly.
- Secure: Securing thread when machine sewing button is a must. Use backstitching or tie tails on the back.
- Cut: Trim threads.
- Optional: Create a thread shank if needed.
This sewing machine technique attach button is easy once you do it a few times.
Different Types of Machines
Almost all modern sewing machines can sew buttons. Even basic machines usually have a zigzag stitch. Many come with a button attaching foot. If your machine doesn’t have one, you can often buy one. Check your machine’s brand and model. Look online or at sewing stores.
If your machine doesn’t have a zero stitch length setting, you might need to use the button sewing plate or drop the feed dogs. This stops the fabric from moving. The zigzag stitch will then stitch in place. The key is that the fabric must not move while the needle goes from one hole to the other.
The Benefits of Machine Button Sewing
- Speed: It is much faster than hand sewing, especially for many buttons.
- Strength: Machine stitches are usually stronger and more even than hand stitches. This means buttons stay on better.
- Uniformity: All your buttons will be sewn in the same way. They will look neat and professional.
- Less Hand Strain: No sore fingers from pushing needles through fabric and button holes!
Learning how to machine sew a flat button is a great skill. It saves you time and makes your projects look better. It is one of the most useful things your sewing machine can do.
Keeping Your Machine Ready
To keep your machine sewing buttons well, do these things:
- Keep your sewing machine clean. Dust and lint can cause problems.
- Change your needle often. A sharp needle works best.
- Use good quality thread. Cheap thread breaks easily.
- Read your manual. It has lots of helpful tips for your specific machine.
By following these steps, you can easily learn how to sew a button with a sewing machine. The sewing machine technique attach button is simple and quick. You will be sewing buttons like a pro in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I sew buttons with 4 holes using this method?
A: Yes. For a 4-hole button, you usually sew one pair of holes first (like the top two). Then you slide the fabric slightly to sew the other pair of holes (the bottom two). Some button feet are long enough to hold the button so you can sew both pairs without moving the button. You might need to adjust your stitch width slightly for the second pair depending on how far apart the holes are. Sew about 6-10 stitches for each pair of holes.
Q: What if my machine doesn’t have a button attaching foot?
A: You can often buy one that fits your machine’s brand and model. Look online or at sewing stores. If you cannot get one, it is very hard to sew buttons by machine well. The foot holds the button in place. Without it, the button will move. It is much easier to sew buttons by hand if you don’t have the right foot and the ability to keep the button from moving.
Q: Do I need special thread for buttons?
A: No, you don’t need special button thread for machine sewing. Regular good quality polyester sewing thread works fine. Choosing thread for machine button sewing is mostly about picking a strong one that fits your needle. Hand sewing button thread is thicker and won’t work in most machines.
Q: How many stitches are enough for a button?
A: About 6 to 10 zigzag stitches is usually plenty. This makes the button very secure. More stitches don’t necessarily make it stronger and can make it harder to unpick if needed. Securing thread when machine sewing button after stitching is more important than sewing many stitches.
Q: Why do I need to lower the feed dogs or use a plate?
A: The feed dogs move the fabric. When sewing a button, you want the fabric and button to stay in one exact spot under the needle. Lowering the feed dogs or covering them with a plate stops the fabric from moving. This lets the zigzag stitch happen in place over the button holes.
Q: My button is thick. Will this work?
A: This method works best for flat buttons. Very thick flat buttons can be sewn if they fit under the presser foot. If the button is very thick or shaped, it might not sit flat under the foot. Buttons with a loop on the back (called a shank button) must be sewn by hand. If you have a slightly thick flat button, using the thread shank technique (using a pin) is a good idea to give extra space.
This covers the steps and tips for machine sewing buttons. Give it a try! It will make your sewing projects quicker and your buttons more secure.