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Can A Sewing Machine Sew Buttons? How? – Find Out Here!

The sewing machine is one of the most basic yet versatile tools in any home. If you can sew a button on a shirt or need to hem a pair of pants then you can probably benefit from owning a sewing machine.

As any fashion designer or sewer worth her salt will tell you, the most important thing about making something is the details—and that includes the buttons.  

Buttons can be made from a variety of material, including the classic fabric button you’ll find on the average blouse.

In fact, sewing buttons is as easy as sewing any other type of material. All you need is a machine that can sew buttons and a few simple tips to get started.

Introduction: Sew on a Button by Machine

When you’re in a hurry, sewing on a button is one of the quickest ways to fix a shirt or pants pocket.

But if you’re not comfortable with the hand-sewn approach, you can also sew on a button by machine.

There are three ways to use a sewing machine to sew on a button: a straight stitch, a buttonhole stitch, or a basting stitch. The straight stitch is the fastest and easiest method.

As important as the needle and thread is to the sewing process, it’s the buttons that give sewn items their final flair.  

The process of sewing buttons on to fabric is not complicated.  

But before you start, it’s important to prepare your thread and the fabric.  

Thread your needle, then cut a piece of thread 2-3 times the length you think you’ll need.  

Next, find the seam where you want to attach the button, and center the button over it.  

Take your threaded needle and run it through the opening in the button, then run it through the fabric next to the button.  

Pull it tight, then bring the needle up through the fabric on the opposite side

Step 1: Choosing Buttons

No matter what you’re making, buttons are a useful addition. But not all buttons are created equal. Choosing the right button for the job can make or break your sewing project.

Step 2: Button Feet

Button feet are another common attachment to use on a sewing machine when sewing clothes, such as jeans.

These are most commonly used to sew the waistband onto jeans, but can also be used to sew on other independent bottoms, such as skirts.

You can find button feet on the sewing machine accessories in your local sewing shop, online, or in large department stores.

There are a number of button feet available that you can use to sew on buttons, but they all have their own pros and cons.

Most of them are simply those you would use when sewing a button on a garment, but there are a few that are designed for a specific purpose.

Finger Button Foot  – This is a narrow foot with the same size holes as the number 8 sewing machine needle. It is used to make buttonholes and sew buttons on garments. This foot does not require a shank.

Buttonhole Foot  – This foot has a curved guide that is used to sew buttonholes. You can use this foot to sew buttons on garments. This foot will require a shank.  

Step 3: Setting Up Your Machine

If you’re new to sewing or have an older machine, you may be wondering how to set up your machine for button sewing.

It’s not hard, just follow the steps below:

  • Place the spool of thread on your spool pin and wind the thread around the pin clockwise, making sure you don’t leave any slack.
  • Place the bobbin in the bobbin case, with the thread tail facing to the back of the machine.
  • Place the bobbin case in the bobbin case holder. 
  • Slide the bobbin thread through the thread guide. Make sure it goes through the guide without any twists.
  • Slide the bobbin case holder into the machine. 
  • Thread the needle by passing the thread through the tension discs.

Step 4: Sew Your Button!

If you want to sew a button using your sewing machine and you don’t have a buttonhole foot, you can sew on a button using your zipper foot.

This is an easy, fast and effective way to sew a button using your sewing machine without a buttonhole foot.

Step 5: Tie Off Threads

Whether you’re mending a tear, sewing on a button, or closing up a zipper, there’s one step everyone should take after you’re done: tie off the thread.

Not only does it prevent the thread from unraveling, but it also avoids the problem of having the end of the thread stick out, and looks neater.

Basic rules in sewing a button

Sewing buttons is a very easy task, but do you know all the right steps to make it look professionally done? You may be surprised to learn that sewing on a button is simpler than you might think. 

Button sewing is a skill that you can use to create new clothes without having to buy brand new ones.

With it, you can also repair old clothes that you love to wear.  Sewing a button can be as simple as you like.  You can sew a button with a sewing needle without any materials.  

However, you will still need to get the thread and the button if you are going to have successful sewing.  You could also opt for a sewing machine.  

With it, you will get a more polished and professional look.  You will also need a buttonhole if your sewing machine can’t make the buttonhole for you.

In Conclusion

Sewing on a button is another basic sewing skill that everyone should know. You can sew the button on to a piece of clothing, piece of furniture, or anything else you can think of. A sewing machine is best for this task, but you can sew on a button by hand as well.

Sewing on a button is much simpler than you think, and once you get the hang of it, you will never have to go to the store to get a new button again.

Kirsten Carter

Kirsten Carter

Kirsten Carter is a freelance content writer who specialises in writing about travel, technology and health. When she's not traveling between her home of Tanzania and England, she writes for her blog Rightminded Travelling and features on a variety of different travel and technology sites.View Author posts

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