Yes, you can sew buttons with a sewing machine. It is a fast way to attach buttons. It makes stitches that are strong. It is great for flat buttons with two or four holes. Learning how to sew on buttons with a sewing machine saves time. It gives a neat, even look to your sewing projects.
Image Source: i.ytimg.com
Why Sew Buttons By Machine?
Sewing buttons by hand takes a lot of time. It can also be hard to make every button look the same. Using your sewing machine changes that. You can attach buttons much faster. The machine makes each stitch the same. This means your buttons look tidy and strong. It is a great skill for making clothes or fixing items. The machine button sewing technique gives a professional finish.
What You Need To Start
To sew buttons by machine, you need a few things. Gather these before you begin.
Tools For Sewing Buttons
- Your sewing machine
- A special part called a sewing machine button foot
- The buttons you want to attach
- Thread that matches your fabric or button
- Fabric or the item you are adding buttons to
- Marker or chalk for fabric
- Hand needle (sometimes needed for a thread shank)
- Small scissors
Choosing The Right Needle
You do not usually need a special sewing machine needle for buttons. A standard needle for your fabric type works fine. Make sure the needle is sharp. A dull needle can harm your fabric. Use the right size needle for your fabric weight. For example, use a small needle for light fabric. Use a bigger needle for heavy fabric.
The Special Button Foot
Many sewing machines come with a special foot. This is the sewing machine button foot. It helps hold the button in place. This foot usually has a grippy surface underneath. This surface keeps the button from moving while you sew. It also often has a space for the needle to swing side to side. This makes the zigzag stitch button attachment possible.
How The Button Foot Works
The button foot sits on top of the button. It holds it steady. This is very important. Without the foot, the button would move. The needle would not go into the holes correctly. Some button feet have a slot in front. This slot is for the thread shank. We will talk about the thread shank later. This special foot is key to the machine button sewing technique.
Getting Your Machine Ready
Before you start sewing, you need to set up your machine. Adjusting sewing machine for buttons is simple. You will make small changes to settings.
Lowering The Feed Dogs
Most sewing machines have feed dogs. These are little teeth under the presser foot. They move the fabric along as you sew. When you sew buttons, you do not want the fabric to move. You want it to stay in one spot. So, you need to lower the feed dogs.
How to lower feed dogs:
* Find the switch or lever on your machine.
* It is often on the back or side.
* Flip the switch or push the lever.
* The feed dogs will drop below the plate.
* Check your machine manual if you cannot find it.
If your machine cannot lower feed dogs, do not worry. Some older machines do not have this option. You can use a special plate cover. This cover goes over the feed dogs. It makes the surface flat so the fabric does not move.
Setting Up The Stitch
You will use a zigzag stitch. This stitch goes side to side. It is perfect for sewing buttons. The needle swings from one side to the other. It goes into the buttonholes.
Settings to check:
* Set your machine to a zigzag stitch.
* Set the stitch length to zero. This is very important. A zero stitch length means the fabric does not move forward. The machine just stitches in one place.
* Set the stitch width. This is how wide the zigzag is. It needs to match the distance between your button’s holes.
Adjusting Stitch Width
This is the most important adjustment. The stitch width must be correct.
* Look at your button.
* Measure the distance between the holes.
* Your stitch width must match this distance.
* Put the button under the needle.
* Turn the machine handwheel slowly.
* Watch the needle.
* The left swing must go into the left hole.
* The right swing must go into the right hole.
* Adjust the stitch width dial on your machine.
* Test it until the needle lands perfectly in both holes.
It is best to test on scrap fabric first. Use the same type of fabric as your project. This helps you get the settings just right before working on your good piece. This makes the zigzag stitch button attachment work well.
Attaching Flat Buttons By Machine Step-By-Step
Here is how to sew flat buttons by machine. This method works for buttons with two or four holes.
Step 1: Mark Button Placement
- Know where you want the button to go.
- Use fabric chalk or a washable marker.
- Mark the exact spot on your fabric. This spot is usually where the center of the button will be.
Step 2: Prepare Your Machine
- Thread your machine. Match the thread color to your button or fabric.
- Lower the feed dogs.
- Attach the sewing machine button foot.
- Set your stitch to zigzag.
- Set stitch length to zero.
- Set stitch width to match your button’s hole distance. Test and adjust.
Step 3: Position The Button
- Place the button on the marked spot on your fabric.
- Lower the sewing machine button foot onto the button.
- Make sure the button is centered under the foot. The holes should be right under the needle path.
Step 4: Start Sewing
- Lower the needle into the fabric.
- Turn the handwheel one full turn slowly. Watch the needle.
- Make sure the needle goes into the first hole on the left swing.
- Make sure it goes into the second hole on the right swing.
- If it does not, lift the foot, move the button slightly, and test again.
- Once the needle is aligned with the holes, you can start sewing.
Step 5: Sew The Button
- Sew slowly at first.
- Let the machine make about 10-15 zigzag stitches.
- The needle will go back and forth, in and out of the buttonholes.
- This creates strong stitches holding the button down.
Step 6: Finish Sewing
- Stop sewing after 10-15 stitches.
- Keep the needle in the down position.
- Lift the presser foot.
- Carefully pull the fabric and button away from the machine. Cut the threads.
- Leave thread tails about 4-5 inches long.
Step 7: Secure The Threads
- You have thread tails on the top and bottom.
- Pull the top threads to the back of the fabric.
- Tie the top threads and bobbin threads together.
- Tie them in a secure knot, close to the fabric.
- Trim the extra thread tails.
- This makes sure the stitches do not come undone.
You have just learned how to sew flat buttons by machine! This machine button sewing technique is fast once you practice it.
Sewing Four-Hole Buttons
For a four-hole button, you sew it in two steps.
* First, line up two holes under the needle.
* Sew those two holes with about 10-15 stitches.
* Stop. Lift the foot.
* Gently turn the fabric and button. Line up the other two holes under the needle.
* Lower the foot.
* Sew those two holes with 10-15 stitches.
* Finish and tie off threads as you did for a two-hole button.
Some people like to make an X shape. Sew two holes. Turn the button. Sew the other two holes. This gives an X pattern of threads on the button. Some like a parallel pattern. Sew two holes. Turn the button. Sew the same two holes again or the opposite two. It depends on how you turn it. Just make sure the holes line up with the needle swing.
Sewing Buttons With A Zigzag Machine Setting
Using the zigzag setting is key. The width of the zigzag is most important. It must exactly match the distance between the buttonholes.
Adjusting The Zigzag Width
- Place button under the foot.
- Lower the foot.
- Turn the handwheel slowly.
- Watch the needle go left and right.
- If the needle hits the button instead of the hole, change the stitch width.
- Make the width smaller if the needle goes past the hole.
- Make the width wider if the needle does not reach the hole.
- Keep testing with the handwheel until the needle enters both holes cleanly.
- Once set, do not change the width until you sew a different button size.
Remember to always set stitch length to zero when sewing buttons. This keeps the stitch in place.
Making A Thread Shank With A Sewing Machine
Sometimes you need space under the button. This space is called a shank. It allows fabric thickness underneath, like when buttoning through thick fabric or a placket. You can make a thread shank with a sewing machine.
Why Use A Shank?
Imagine buttoning a shirt. The button needs to sit a little bit away from the fabric. This makes it easy to put the shirt fabric through the buttonhole. Without a shank, the button sits flat on the fabric. It would be hard to button the shirt. A thread shank is a small column of thread under the button. It lifts the button up.
How To Make A Machine Shank
Some sewing machine button feet have a small bar or pin at the front or back. This is for making a shank.
Steps:
1. Sew the button as described before. Do about 10-15 stitches.
2. Do not cut the threads yet.
3. Stop sewing. Lift the presser foot.
4. Place a pin, a toothpick, or the shank bar from your button foot under the button. Put it between the button and the fabric.
5. Lift the needle out of the fabric if it is down.
6. Set your stitch type to a narrow zigzag stitch or a bar tack stitch. Stitch length is still zero.
7. Move the fabric so the narrow zigzag stitches sew over the threads connecting the button to the fabric. Sew about 5-10 stitches over these threads. The pin or bar helps keep the threads lifted.
8. Stop sewing. Cut the threads.
9. Remove the pin or toothpick.
10. Pull the threads to the back and tie them off tightly.
This method wraps thread around the stitches holding the button. This creates the thread shank. If your button foot does not have a shank bar, a regular pin works just as well. This technique for making a thread shank with a sewing machine is great for thicker materials.
An Easier Shank Method (Partial Hand)
You can sew the button on by machine without the pin first.
1. Sew the button with a zigzag stitch, zero length, correct width. Do not make the stitches too tight. Use only 5-8 stitches. Leave long thread tails.
2. Remove from machine.
3. Insert a hand needle through the fabric from the back, bringing it up under the button.
4. Wrap the long thread tails tightly around the stitches under the button. Do this about 5-10 times. This forms the shank.
5. Push the hand needle with the remaining thread back down through the fabric near the base of the shank.
6. Tie off the thread tails on the back.
This is a bit of a mix, but it uses the machine for the first part. It ensures the stitches through the buttonholes are neat and even.
Troubleshooting Machine Button Sewing
Sometimes things go wrong when sewing buttons by machine. Here are common problems and how to fix them. This is troubleshooting machine button sewing.
Problem 1: Needle Hits Button
- Issue: The stitch width is too wide. The needle is hitting the side of the button instead of going into the hole.
- Fix: Stop immediately. Lower the stitch width setting on your machine. Test slowly with the handwheel until the needle swings cleanly into both holes.
Problem 2: Needle Misses Buttonholes
- Issue: The stitch width is too narrow. The needle is stitching inside the buttonholes but not reaching the edges, or it is stitching outside the holes.
- Fix: Stop. Increase the stitch width setting. Test with the handwheel until the needle swings to the outer edge of one hole and the outer edge of the other hole.
Problem 3: Fabric Moves
- Issue: The fabric is shifting while sewing the button. This makes the stitches messy.
- Fix: Make sure the feed dogs are lowered. If your machine does not lower them, use a feed dog cover plate. Ensure your stitch length is set to zero. Check that the button is held firmly by the sewing machine button foot.
Problem 4: Stitches Are Loose
- Issue: The thread tension is not correct. The stitches on the back might look loose or loopy.
- Fix: Check your thread tension settings. For button sewing, slightly tighter tension is often better. Make sure the upper thread is threaded correctly through all guides. Check that the bobbin is wound evenly and inserted correctly.
Problem 5: Thread Breaks
- Issue: The thread keeps snapping while sewing.
- Fix: Check the needle. Is it bent or dull? Change it. Check the thread path. Is the thread getting caught anywhere? Re-thread the machine carefully. Use good quality thread. Is the stitch width correct? If the needle hits the button, it can break the thread or the needle.
Problem 6: Button Moves Under Foot
- Issue: The button is sliding while sewing.
- Fix: Ensure you are using the correct sewing machine button foot. Make sure it is lowered properly and holding the button steady. Sometimes placing a small piece of fabric stabilizer underneath the main fabric can help keep everything in place.
Adjusting Sewing Machine For Buttons Summary
Getting the settings right is key.
* Feed dogs down.
* Stitch type: Zigzag.
* Stitch length: Zero.
* Stitch width: Matches buttonhole distance.
* Tension: Often slightly tighter than normal sewing.
* Foot: Use the sewing machine button foot.
Practice on scraps. This helps you find the right settings for your machine and your buttons before sewing on your final project.
Detailed Attaching Buttons By Machine Step-By-Step
Let’s go over attaching buttons by machine step-by-step again, in more detail. This covers the full process from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Fabric: Mark the exact spot for each button using tailor’s chalk or a washable marker. Make sure the marks are visible but easy to remove later.
- Gather Supplies: Have your machine ready, thread, buttons, button foot, and any shank material (pin, toothpick) if needed.
- Install Button Foot: Attach the special sewing machine button foot to your machine.
- Lower Feed Dogs: Locate the feed dog control and lower them. This prevents the fabric from moving automatically.
- Select Zigzag Stitch: Choose the zigzag stitch on your machine.
- Set Stitch Length: Set the stitch length control to ‘0’. This makes the machine stitch in place.
- Position Button: Place the button on the marked spot on your fabric.
- Position Fabric & Button Foot: Slide the fabric and button under the needle. Lower the button foot so it rests on the button, holding it steady.
- Align Needle: This is critical for attaching buttons by machine step-by-step. Turn the machine’s handwheel slowly by hand. Watch the needle swing left and right.
- Check if the left swing of the needle goes into the left buttonhole.
- Check if the right swing of the needle goes into the right buttonhole.
- Adjust Stitch Width: If the needle does not go into the holes cleanly, adjust the stitch width dial. Increase width if the needle doesn’t reach the holes. Decrease width if the needle hits the button edge. Keep testing with the handwheel until it’s perfect.
- Check Tension: Do a test sew on scrap fabric. The stitches should look good on both the top and bottom. Adjust tension slightly if needed.
- Begin Sewing: With settings correct and needle aligned, start the machine slowly. Let it make 10-15 zigzag stitches directly into the buttonholes. This is the core machine button sewing technique. For four-hole buttons, sew two holes, then turn and sew the other two.
- Create Shank (If Needed): If you need a shank, stop after the initial 10-15 stitches. Do not cut the thread. Place a pin or toothpick under the button, between the button and fabric. Set your machine to a narrow zigzag or bar tack stitch. Sew 5-10 stitches over the threads wrapped around the pin. This forms the shank.
- Finish Sewing: Stop the machine. Lift the presser foot. Do not pull hard on the fabric or button yet.
- Cut Threads: Gently slide the fabric and button away from the machine. Cut the threads, leaving tails a few inches long.
- Secure Threads: Pull the top thread tails through to the back of the fabric. Tie the top and bobbin threads together tightly on the back. Trim excess thread close to the knot.
- Repeat: Move to the next button location and repeat the process.
This step-by-step process ensures each button is attached securely and neatly using the zigzag stitch button attachment method.
Tips For Machine Button Sewing
- Practice: Always practice on scrap fabric first. Use the same type and layers of fabric as your project. This helps you get the feel for it and set the correct stitch width and tension.
- Thread: Use good quality thread. Stronger thread like topstitching thread can work, but regular all-purpose thread is usually fine. Using polyester thread is often best as it has some stretch and strength.
- Needle: A universal needle is usually okay. If sewing on thick fabric, use a stronger needle (like a denim needle). Ensure it is not bent or dull. A bent sewing machine needle for buttons can cause skipped stitches or break.
- Speed: Sew slowly, especially when starting. This gives you control and lets you see if the needle is going into the holes correctly.
- Shank Height: If using a pin for the shank, the thickness of the pin controls the shank height. A thicker pin makes a taller shank.
- Tension: Slightly tighter top tension can help pull the bobbin thread up. This makes the stitches look neater on the top side of the button holes. But not too tight, or the thread will break.
Comparing Machine vs. Hand Sewing Buttons
Let’s look at the pros and cons in a table.
| Feature | Machine Sewing Buttons | Hand Sewing Buttons |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very fast once set up | Slow |
| Strength | Generally very strong stitches | Can be strong, but relies on technique |
| Appearance | Very neat and even stitches | Varies based on skill, can be less uniform |
| Effort | Requires machine setup, then easy stitching | Requires manual dexterity and time |
| Shank Creation | Can be done with special foot/pin or hybrid | Easy and standard technique |
| Button Types | Best for flat 2- or 4-hole buttons | Can sew all types (shank, toggle, etc.) |
| Thread Control | Machine controls loops | You manually control loops and wrapping |
| Requires | Sewing machine, button foot | Needle, thread |
As you can see, machine sewing is great for speed and a consistent look, especially for flat buttons. Hand sewing offers more flexibility for different button types and detailed shank creation if you do not have a special foot. But for speed and strength on standard buttons, the machine button sewing technique is hard to beat.
Common Questions About Sewing Buttons By Machine
h4 What if my machine does not have a zero stitch length setting?
Some older or basic machines might not have a specific ‘0’ stitch length. In this case, look for a ‘button sew’ setting. If there is no such setting, you might not be able to sew buttons reliably by machine because the fabric will move. Always check your machine manual.
h4 Can I sew shank buttons by machine?
It is difficult to sew shank buttons directly by machine through the shank hole. Machine sewing is designed for flat buttons where the needle goes through holes on the button face. You can use your machine to secure the base of the shank to the fabric with a bar tack or dense zigzag, but you typically attach the shank button by hand.
h4 Is a button foot necessary?
While you can try without one, it is very hard to get good results. The sewing machine button foot holds the button securely. It makes it much easier for the needle to go into the holes correctly. It is highly recommended to use the proper foot for reliable results with the machine button sewing technique.
h4 How much thread should I use?
You don’t need a lot of thread in the machine. Make sure you have enough on the bobbin and spool for all the buttons you plan to sew. Using good quality thread prevents breakage.
h4 How many stitches are needed?
10 to 15 zigzag stitches is usually enough for a strong hold on flat buttons. For thicker fabrics or buttons that will get heavy use, you might do slightly more, maybe up to 20.
h4 Why are my button stitches not neat?
Check your stitch width – it might not match the holes perfectly. Check your thread tension. Make sure the button is held steady by the foot and the feed dogs are lowered. Practice helps make stitches neater.
h4 Can I sew buttons on thick fabric?
Yes, but you might need a stronger needle (like a denim or topstitching needle) and possibly a slightly longer stitch count for extra security. Creating a thread shank (making a thread post under the button) is often necessary on thick fabric so the button sits correctly when buttoned. Remember making a thread shank with a sewing machine using a pin or special foot part.
h4 What is a bar tack stitch?
A bar tack stitch is a very short, dense set of stitches, often a wide, short zigzag. Machines sometimes use this for reinforcing areas like pockets or belt loops. It is also used in the machine method for creating a thread shank.
Conclusion
Sewing buttons with a sewing machine is a valuable skill. It saves time and gives a clean, strong finish. By using the right sewing machine button foot and adjusting your settings, you can quickly attach flat buttons. Remember to lower the feed dogs, set a zero stitch length, and adjust the zigzag width to match the buttonholes. Practicing the machine button sewing technique on scrap fabric first is a good idea. Whether you are using the standard zigzag stitch button attachment or making a thread shank with a sewing machine, your machine can handle the job. If you run into problems, troubleshooting machine button sewing steps like checking tension, needle, and settings will help. Attaching buttons by machine step-by-step becomes easy and fast with practice. Give it a try on your next project!