How to Sew a Button on a Suit

Last Updated: November 28, 2022 Tested

If your suit is missing a button, don't worry! In this article, we'll explain the easiest way to sew a missing button back on so your suit looks perfect again. Keep reading for our complete guide!

Steps

1
Choose a button that suits your suit. Make sure the button is the right shape, length and colour. If a button has just fallen off, you can sew it back on again. If you can't find the missing button, choose a button matches the others.^{[1]
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2
Mark the place where you need to sew the button. Use a light pen or pencil. Mark a cross about three quarters of the size of your button.^{[2]
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3
Choose your thread. Find something the same colour as the suit. Also make sure that it is the same thickness as the rest of the thread on the suit.
4
Get a needle and thread it with your thread.
5
Sew a couple of times through the cross to secure it.
6
Put a button hole through the needle and sew.
7
Sew through each hole several times to secure the button.
8
Tie a knot at the underside of the suit.
9
Cut off any remaining threads.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I sew a button on a post?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

Buttons on a post cannot be sewn back on. Most post buttons are a form of rivet that is mechanically punched through the fabric. Putting in a replacement requires a new rivet or repair adjustment of the hole in order to sew on a regular button. Check with a local tailor for help.