Knowing how to use a button sewing foot is simple once you grasp a few key steps. This special foot is designed to hold your button steady while your machine does the work, making button sewing fast and neat. Sewing buttons by machine saves time and gives a strong, consistent stitch. This guide shows you how to attach button with sewing machine using simple methods. You can use your machine to sew button on fabric machine easily, whether it’s a flat button or a button with a shank. Let’s make sewing buttons easy!
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Why Sew Buttons with Your Machine?
Sewing buttons by hand takes time. It can be hard to make every button look the same. Using a sewing machine changes this.
- It is much faster than hand sewing.
- The stitches are strong and even.
- Every button looks neat and uniform.
- It is great for sewing many buttons, like on a shirt or coat.
Even if you only sew a few buttons, the machine gives a professional finish. It makes sewing buttons less of a chore.
Getting Ready: What You Need
To sew buttons with your machine, gather a few things. Having everything ready makes the job go smoothly.
Gathering Your Supplies
You won’t need many special tools. Most items you likely already have if you sew.
- Your sewing machine
- A special sewing machine button foot (if your machine has one)
- The button or buttons you want to sew
- Matching thread
- A sewing machine needle
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Scissors
- Optional: Seam ripper (just in case!)
Your Sewing Machine
Almost any modern sewing machine can sew buttons. You need a machine that can do a zigzag stitch. This stitch is key for sewing flat buttons.
Some machines have settings just for buttons. An automatic button sewing machine might even sense the button size. But you don’t need a fancy machine. A basic one with zigzag works fine.
Make sure your machine is clean and working well. Thread it correctly before you start.
Buttons
Buttons come in many types. The most common are flat buttons with holes. These are the easiest to attach button with sewing machine.
- Flat buttons: These lie flat against the fabric. They have 2 or 4 holes.
- Shank buttons: These have a loop or bar on the back. This creates a space between the button and the fabric. This space is called a shank. Sewing shank buttons is a little different.
Check your buttons. Make sure the holes are clear if sewing flat buttons.
Thread
Use good quality thread. Matching the thread color to your fabric or button is common. You can also use a contrasting color for a design effect.
Use the same type of thread in the bobbin as on top. For extra strong buttons, you can use thicker thread or sew over the stitches a couple of times. But standard sewing thread is usually fine.
Needles
Choose the right needle for your fabric. A universal needle works for most projects. If sewing on thick denim or canvas, use a stronger needle like a denim needle.
Make sure the needle is not bent or dull. A bad needle can skip stitches or break.
The Special Foot: The Sewing Machine Button Foot
This foot is your best friend for sewing flat buttons. How to use a button sewing foot is simple.
- It has a small plate or bar that grips the button. This holds the button still while the needle goes up and down through the holes.
- It usually has a space or window so you can see the button holes.
- Some button feet have a piece that helps create a thread shank (a small post of thread under the button).
Grasping how this foot works is important. It stops the button from moving as the needle swings back and forth in a zigzag pattern. Without this foot, holding the button steady while the machine stitches can be tricky.
To use it, you first need to remove the standard presser foot. Most machines have a lever or button to release the foot. Then, line up the button foot with the presser bar and snap or screw it into place. Always check your machine’s manual for exact steps.
Getting Fabric and Machine Ready
Before you sew button on fabric machine, you need to prepare your work. This includes marking where buttons go and setting up your machine.
Marking Button Placement
Knowing exactly where each button should go is key.
- Check your pattern or garment for button positions.
- Use a fabric marker or chalk to make small marks on your fabric. Mark the center of where the button should sit.
- If sewing a flat button, you might also mark lines for the holes.
- Make sure marks are straight and evenly spaced.
Accurate marking helps keep your buttons lined up nicely on your finished item.
Threading the Machine
Thread your machine like you normally would for sewing.
- Put the thread on the spool pin.
- Follow the threading path guides on your machine.
- Go through the tension discs.
- Thread the take-up lever.
- Thread the needle.
- Make sure the bobbin is in correctly and threaded up through the needle plate.
Using the right thread tension is important. Too tight, and stitches might break. Too loose, and they won’t hold the button well. A medium tension setting is usually a good start.
Choosing the Right Machine Stitch for Buttons
For flat buttons, the machine stitch for buttons is almost always the zigzag stitch button sewing.
- The zigzag stitch goes side to side.
- You need to set the stitch width so the needle swings exactly over the holes in your button.
- The stitch length should be set to zero or almost zero. This means the fabric doesn’t move forward while the needle stitches in place over the button holes.
Setting the stitch width is very important. The needle must enter each hole without hitting the button itself. Hitting the button will break your needle. You will adjust this width using your machine’s stitch width dial or buttons.
Some machines also have a specific button-sewing program. This might be a picture of a button on the stitch selector. This program automatically sets the stitch length to zero and often tells you to set the width.
For shank buttons, you might use a straight stitch or sew them by hand after marking with the machine. More on that later.
Sewing a Flat Button (The Common Type)
This is the most common way to attach button with sewing machine. It works for buttons with 2 or 4 holes.
Setting Up for a Flat Button Sewing Machine
First, prepare your machine and fabric as described above.
- Put the correct needle in your machine.
- Thread the machine with your chosen thread.
- Put the sewing machine button foot on your machine. Remove the regular foot first.
- Set your machine to a zigzag stitch.
- Set the stitch length to zero or very close to zero.
- Set the stitch width to a medium setting for now. You will fine-tune this.
- Place your fabric under the foot. Line up the mark you made on the fabric with the needle.
Using the Button Foot
Place the button on the fabric where you made your mark. Position the button so its holes are under the opening in the button foot. The foot’s grip or bar should hold the button steady.
Lower the button foot. The button is now held in place.
Steps for Zigzag Stitch Button Sewing
Now you are ready to zigzag stitch button sewing. This process involves careful setup to match the stitch width to your button’s holes.
- Align the Button: Place the button under the foot. Make sure the holes are lined up so the needle can swing into them.
- Lower the Foot: Bring the presser foot down to hold the button firmly on the fabric.
- Test the Stitch Width: This is a crucial step to avoid breaking your needle.
- Turn your machine’s handwheel slowly by hand. Watch the needle.
- As the needle swings to the left, see if it enters the first hole of the button.
- Turn the handwheel so the needle swings to the right. See if it enters the second hole.
- Adjust your zigzag stitch width setting until the needle enters both holes perfectly without touching the button edges between the holes.
- Do this test several times, turning the wheel slowly, before you press the foot pedal. Getting the width right is key for a successful flat button sewing machine process.
- Start Sewing: Once the width is perfect, you can start stitching.
- Begin slowly. Sew about 6-10 stitches. The machine will stitch in place because the stitch length is zero.
- The stitches will go back and forth between the two holes. This secures the button.
Creating a Thread Shank (Optional)
For buttons on coats or jackets, you sometimes want a little extra space under the button. This makes buttoning easier, especially on thick fabric. You can create a simple thread shank with your machine.
- Some button feet have a small plastic bar at the back.
- After sewing your 6-10 stitches, lift the presser foot slightly.
- Slide the button and fabric forward so the plastic bar is under the back of the button.
- Lower the foot again.
- Sew a few more stitches (about 4-6). The needle will now stitch over the plastic bar, creating slightly longer loops of thread.
- Stop sewing.
- Lift the foot and move the button and fabric forward off the plastic bar.
- Now, set your machine to a wide zigzag or an overlock stitch if you have one. Set the stitch length to a very small number, like 0.5mm or 1mm.
- Sew a few stitches over the thread ‘post’ that connects the button to the fabric. This wraps thread around the ‘post’, making it strong and neat.
- Some people skip the plastic bar step and just sew the required number of stitches, then manually lift the button up slightly while wrapping the thread post with a wide zigzag. Practice to see what works for you.
Not all button feet have the shank bar. If yours doesn’t, you can skip this machine step and create a shank by hand after machine sewing, or just sew without one if it’s not needed for the garment.
Sewing a 4-Hole Button
If your button has 4 holes, you have two main ways to sew it with a machine:
- Sewing Two Sets of Holes:
- Sew across the first two holes (A and B) as described above (6-10 stitches).
- Stop sewing.
- Lift the presser foot.
- Slide the fabric and button slightly to line up the other two holes (C and D) under the needle.
- Lower the foot.
- Test the stitch width again (it should be the same).
- Sew across the second pair of holes (6-10 stitches).
- This creates two parallel lines of stitching on the back.
- Sewing in a Cross Pattern:
- Sew across the first two holes (A and B) (6-10 stitches).
- Stop sewing.
- Lift the presser foot.
- Rotate the fabric and button 90 degrees.
- Lower the foot.
- Adjust the stitch width slightly if needed to match the spacing of the rotated holes (this spacing might be different).
- Sew across the remaining two holes (C and D) (6-10 stitches).
- This creates an ‘X’ pattern of stitching on the back.
Choose the method you like best or that matches the button’s design. Both create a strong hold.
Finishing and Securing
After sewing the needed stitches (6-10 stitches per pair of holes is usually enough), you need to secure the thread ends.
- Stop sewing.
- Use your machine’s backstitch or tie-off function if it has one. Sew 2-3 stitches in reverse over the last few stitches. This locks the thread.
- If your machine doesn’t have a reverse stitch for this mode (stitch length is zero), you can:
- Lift the needle to its highest point.
- Raise the presser foot.
- Pull the fabric and button out from under the foot, leaving long thread tails (about 4-6 inches).
- Cut the threads.
- Pull the bobbin thread tail to bring the top thread tail through to the back of the fabric.
- Tie the thread tails together on the back using a square knot (right over left, then left over right). Tie it close to the fabric surface.
- Trim the thread tails short.
Checking the back of your work shows the securing stitches. This prevents the button from coming loose.
Sewing a Shank Button
Sewing a shank button sewing machine style is a bit different. These buttons don’t have holes on the top. They have a loop on the back.
Why Shank Buttons are Different
Because the holes are on the back, the needle can’t swing back and forth through the button like with a flat button. The shank itself lifts the button off the fabric.
Most button feet are designed for flat buttons. You might not use the special button foot for shank buttons, or you might use a different general-purpose foot.
The Process for Shank Buttons
There are a few ways to attach button with sewing machine when it has a shank:
-
Straight Stitch Method (Simple):
- Mark the button placement on your fabric.
- Set your machine to a straight stitch.
- Set the stitch length to a normal length (like 2.0mm or 2.5mm).
- Place the button on the mark. The button will likely sit slightly under the presser foot due to its shank.
- Carefully lower the presser foot next to the button shank, not on top of it.
- Stitch a few stitches (4-6) in one direction, going through the fabric right where the shank will rest.
- Backstitch a few stitches to secure.
- Lift the foot. Move the fabric slightly.
- Stitch a few stitches in another direction, maybe making an ‘X’ or ‘+’ shape right at the button mark.
- Backstitch to secure.
- This method involves sewing stitches under where the shank sits, providing a point for the shank to attach to. It’s not sewing through the button.
- Pull threads to the back and tie off.
-
Zigzag Method (Simulating Hand Stitch):
- Mark the button spot.
- Place the button on the mark.
- Set your machine to a wide zigzag stitch (maybe 4-5mm).
- Set the stitch length to zero.
- Carefully lower the presser foot so the needle area is around the button shank. The foot likely won’t sit flat. You might need to gently hold the button in place.
- Turn the handwheel slowly by hand to check if the needle swings just outside of where the shank base is on the fabric. The goal is to have the needle stitch right next to the shank on either side.
- Adjust zigzag width until the needle stitches next to the shank.
- Sew slowly, about 6-8 stitches. The stitches will form a small bar over the fabric right where the shank attaches.
- Backstitch if possible, or pull threads to the back and tie off.
- This method mimics the base stitches of a hand-sewn shank button.
-
Hand Sewing After Machine Marking:
- Mark the button placement using the straight stitch method described first, stitching an ‘X’ or ‘+’ where the button will go. Secure well.
- Then, hand sew the shank button onto this marked spot using a needle and strong thread, going through the machine stitches you made. This combines machine marking for placement with hand sewing for a custom shank finish.
For most garments, the straight stitch method or the zigzag ‘bar tack’ method is sufficient to attach button with sewing machine when working with shank buttons.
Special Thoughts and Tips
There are a few extra things to keep in mind when you sew button on fabric machine.
Reinforce Button Machine Sewing
Sometimes you need extra strong buttons. Think about buttoning up jeans or a thick coat. You can reinforce button machine sewing.
- More Stitches: Sew more than the usual 6-10 stitches. Go for 12-15 stitches per pair of holes.
- Stronger Thread: Use heavy-duty thread or buttonhole twist thread. You might need a larger needle. Test this first on scrap fabric.
- Double Thread: Thread your machine with two strands of regular thread together. This makes a thicker, stronger stitch. Again, test first.
- Interfacing: Put a small piece of interfacing (a stiff fabric layer) on the back of the fabric where the button will go. This makes the fabric stronger and helps the button stay put. Sew through the fabric and the interfacing layer.
Using these methods makes your machine-sewn buttons very secure.
Sewing on Thick Fabric
Thick fabrics like denim, canvas, or multiple layers can make sewing buttons harder.
- Use a strong needle, like a denim or topstitch needle.
- Go slowly, especially when testing the stitch width.
- Make sure your feed dogs are engaged if needed (usually they are, but check your manual).
- Increase your machine’s presser foot pressure if possible (check manual). This helps the foot hold down thick layers.
- If the layers are very thick, you might need to try the shank button method even on a flat button, sewing the base stitches and then finishing by hand.
Sewing Small Buttons
Tiny buttons can be tricky.
- Make sure the holes are clean and large enough for the needle to pass through.
- You might need to use a smaller needle.
- Adjust the stitch width very carefully. Small buttons have holes closer together.
- Some button feet have different sizes or adjustable parts for various button sizes. Use the right foot for the button.
- Turn the handwheel extra slowly for testing the width.
Automatic Button Sewing Machine Features
Some higher-end sewing machines have features that make sewing buttons even easier.
- Button Sewing Programs: Select a button icon, and the machine sets the stitch length to zero and selects a zigzag. You only need to adjust the width.
- Button Sensor Feet: Some feet have a place to put the button. The machine reads the button size and automatically sets the stitch width! You just put the button in the foot and press go. This is a truly automatic button sewing machine feature for flat buttons.
- Tie-Off Function: Machines with this feature automatically sew a few stitches in place at the end, locking the thread without needing to tie by hand.
Check your machine manual to see what special button features it offers.
How to Prepare the Fabric Before Sewing
Preparing the fabric well saves trouble later.
- Always press the fabric flat.
- If the button area will get a lot of stress, add a piece of interfacing to the back of the fabric. This adds strength and prevents the fabric from tearing around the button.
- Mark the button location clearly. Mark exactly where the needle should go through.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly when you attach button with sewing machine. Here are fixes for common problems.
Button Doesn’t Stay Put
- Cause: Not enough stitches.
- Fix: Sew more stitches (10-15 per pair of holes).
- Cause: Thread came undone.
- Fix: Make sure you secured the thread ends properly by backstitching or tying off neatly on the back.
- Cause: Fabric is weak.
- Fix: Add interfacing behind the fabric where the button is sewn.
Stitches Are Uneven
- Cause: Stitch width is not set correctly.
- Fix: Re-test the stitch width by turning the handwheel slowly. Make sure the needle goes into the holes evenly.
- Cause: Button is moving.
- Fix: Ensure the button foot is holding the button firmly. If using a universal foot, hold the button very steady with your fingers (carefully keeping them away from the needle!).
- Cause: Thread tension is off.
- Fix: Adjust the thread tension. Sew test stitches on scrap fabric to find the right setting.
Needle Breaks
- Cause: Needle is hitting the button.
- Fix: Stop immediately! The zigzag stitch width is wrong. Re-test the width very slowly using the handwheel. Adjust the width so the needle swings cleanly into each hole without touching the button between the holes. This is the most common cause of needle breaks when sewing buttons.
- Cause: Needle is bent or wrong type.
- Fix: Put in a new, sharp needle of the correct type for your fabric.
- Cause: Sewing too fast.
- Fix: Slow down! Stitch button holes at a medium or slow speed.
More Tips for Success
Mastering how to machine stitch for buttons takes a little practice.
Practice Makes Perfect
Before sewing on your final project, practice on a scrap piece of the same fabric. Use the same button you plan to use. This lets you:
- Check your stitch width setting.
- Check your thread tension.
- Get a feel for using the button foot.
- Practice securing the thread ends.
Sewing several practice buttons saves you from mistakes on your garment.
Always Test First
Every button might have slightly different hole spacing. Every fabric is different. Always test the stitch width for each button type and fabric you use.
Check Your Settings
Double-check your machine settings before you start sewing each button:
- Is the stitch set to zigzag?
- Is the stitch length set to zero?
- Is the stitch width set correctly for the button holes?
- Is the button foot on?
Taking a moment to check prevents errors.
FAQ: Questions People Ask
Let’s answer some common questions about sewing buttons with a machine.
Can I sew buttons on any fabric?
Yes, you can sew buttons on most fabrics using a machine. However, very delicate fabrics might need extra care or a different method. Very thick fabrics might need a stronger needle and potentially interfacing for support. Test on scraps first.
Do I need a special foot?
For sewing flat buttons with your machine, a sewing machine button foot is highly recommended. It makes the job much easier, faster, and safer (less chance of breaking a needle). While it’s possible to sew flat buttons without one by carefully holding the button and using a zigzag stitch, the special foot holds the button steady, allowing you to focus on guiding the fabric. For shank buttons, you typically do not use the standard button foot.
How do I sew a button with 4 holes?
To sew a 4-hole button using a machine, you sew it in two steps. First, align the first pair of holes (e.g., top two) under the needle and sew 6-10 zero-length zigzag stitches. Then, lift the foot, reposition the button to align the second pair of holes (e.g., bottom two or side two for an ‘X’ pattern), lower the foot, and sew another 6-10 stitches. Secure the thread ends.
What if my machine doesn’t have a zigzag stitch?
If your machine only does straight stitches, you cannot sew flat buttons by machine through the holes. The zigzag stitch is needed for the needle to swing side to side into the holes. You would need to sew flat buttons by hand. However, you might still be able to use the straight stitch method described for shank buttons to create a base stitch on the fabric for a shank button. Most modern machines designed for garment sewing will have a zigzag stitch.
Sewing buttons by machine is a useful skill. With a little practice, you can quickly and strongly sew button on fabric machine, giving your projects a finished look. Follow these simple steps, take your time setting up, and you’ll be adding buttons like a pro!