How to Sew a 4-Hole Button: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Sew a 4-Hole Button: A Step-by-Step Guide
(Perfect for Clothing Repair and DIY Crafts)
Materials Needed

4-hole button (e.g., Premium Resin Buttons or Vintage Metal Buttons)
Needle (size 3–5 for standard fabrics)
Thread (match fabric color)
Scissors
Fabric marker or chalk
Thimble (optional for tough fabrics like denim)

Step 1: Position the Button

Mark the placement on your fabric using a fabric marker.
Pro Tip: For tailored garments, check the original button’s position. For new projects, use a button size chart to match button diameter to fabric weight.

Step 2: Thread the Needle

Cut 18–24 inches of thread. Double it for durability.
Tie a knot at the end.

Step 3: Sewing Patterns for 4 Holes
Choose a stitching style based on fabric type:
A. Parallel Stitch (Best for Light Fabrics)

Pass the needle vertically through diagonal holes (e.g., top-left to bottom-right).
Repeat 4–6 times, creating two parallel lines.

B. Cross Stitch (For Heavy Fabrics)

Form an "X" by threading top-left → bottom-right → top-right → bottom-left.
Ideal for coats or denim jackets using tactical buttons.

C. Box Stitch (Decorative)

Stitch horizontally across the top pair of holes, then vertically across the side pair.
Use with luxury resin buttons for handbags.

Step 4: Create a Thread Shank

After securing stitches, lift the button slightly.
Wrap the thread tightly 3–5 times around the base.
Why? This prevents strain on thick fabrics and allows the button to lay flat.

Step 5: Secure and Finish

Push the needle to the fabric’s wrong side.
Tie a double knot against the fabric.
Trim excess thread.

Pro Tips from Fashion Designers

Prevent Fraying: Dab clear nail polish on thread ends.
Reinforce Stitches: Use heavy-duty polyester thread for outdoor gear buttons.
Fix Loose Buttons: Add a small reinforcement button on the fabric’s underside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using thread shorter than 18 inches (causes frequent rethreading).
❌ Skipping the shank step on thick fabrics (leads to broken stitches).
❌ Over-tightening stitches (distorts button alignment).