Once you learn how to sew a button on clothing you’ll be self sufficient. You’ll never need to rely on someone else to keep your clothing in tip-top shape.

The Button
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have a matching button or the missing button on hand. If you can’t find the lost button, and can’t find matching buttons, you may need to remove all of the buttons from the shirt in question, and sew all new buttons on.

Threading the Needle
Start by threading your needle with color coordinated thread. Thread the needle by pushing the thread through the eyehole and pulling the thread until you have about ten inches of thread on either side. Cut the thread from the spool and loop the ends together in a knot. Secure the end by looping a second knot over the first.

Sewing a Button on a Shirt
Place the button on the shirt in the spot it should be attached. Starting on the inside of the shirt, insert the needle through the fabric and into one of the holes in the button. Pull until the knot reaches the fabric of the shirt. Tug the needle so that the thread is tight and push the needle back through the opposite hole in the button and back through the fabric. Continue moving the needle back and forth through the fabric and button holes, tugging slightly after each loop, until the button is securely attached. Make sure the button is not fastened too tightly against the shirt, however, as you will need some slack in order to button the shirt properly.

Finish off the thread on the inside. Cut the thread and tie it in a double knot.

The great thing about learning how to sew a button on a shirt is that it gets easier each time you do it.