Anybody here know anything about buttons?

[Fritz The Cat]

Specifically how to sew them back on a shirt. I have a pile of shirts with missing buttons that I'd like to put back in commission but I don't quite know how to proceed. I've tried manually sewing them back on with needle and thread and that was a freaking joke, they fell back off the first time I wore them.

I've asked several people whether or not all sewing machines were capable of sewing buttons back on shirts and the 2 most common answers I get are.

1. They make button holders for sewing machines. (this does not answer the question.)

2. Yes, they'll all sew button holes. (The holes are just fine, thank you.)

I've researched sewing machines on Amazon and have yet to find any mention of sewing buttons on. I would buy one if I could find one. I do know someone who will gladly sew them back on for me but I hate imposing on her and would rather do it myself.

Somebody help a single guy out here. 

[Russell Rice]

I learned how to sew when I joined the Marine Corps I have sewed tons of buttons back on my uniforms and  civilian clothes. I still sew the rips and tears in my work clothes today because I am to tight to pay cash for new clothes. 
Now I know this did not answer your question,sorry. 

[fudgie]

I just go in and out of the holes a few times and make some knots.

[Red Diamond]

I remember years ago, my mother had a sewing machine that could be set to sew buttons on, but that would be an expensive way to sew them on shirts you could replace with new ones for far less money.
     On the other hand, I learned to sew and make shirts from my Mother, along with sewing on buttons. You can do it by hand in two or three ways.
1) Stitch them diagonally, sew as many loops as you like in an "X" fashion.
2) Stitch them in a square pattern, sew as many loops as you like from one hole to the other and so on until you connect all the holes in the button in a square.
3) Stitch them in a combination of the other two.
I'll attempt to draw a diagram.

[Fritz The Cat]

I learned how to sew when I joined the Marine Corps I have sewed tons of buttons back on my uniforms and  civilian clothes. I still sew the rips and tears in my work clothes today because I am to tight to pay cash for new clothes. 
Now I know this did not answer your question,sorry. 

My son is in the Corp. He'll be home on leave in August. Maybe I'll ask him to sew them on. 

[Fritz The Cat]

I remember years ago, my mother had a sewing machine that could be set to sew buttons on, but that would be an expensive way to sew them on shirts you could replace with new ones for far less money.
     On the other hand, I learned to sew and make shirts from my Mother, along with sewing on buttons. You can do it by hand in two or three ways.
1) Stitch them diagonally, sew as many loops as you like in an "X" fashion.
2) Stitch them in a square pattern, sew as many loops as you like from one hole to the other and so on until you connect all the holes in the button in a square.
3) Stitch them in a combination of the other two.
I'll attempt to draw a diagram.

I've tried these many times and can't get them to stay on more than a day. They loosen up and then fall off. 

[Red Diamond]

Your son will probably tell you, you need to sew more than a few loops and also to leave about 3 inches hanging at the beginning to tie them off when you are finish. Tkat way they won't come apart. Be patient.

[donaldcc]

  I can do my own, but if you are a clutz drop them off at the cleaners with the button, problem solved.

[Chrisj CMA]

start inside the shirt....out through a hole back through different hole  repeat 6 to 8 times but dont make it tight to the shirt leave it a 1/16" or so loose, the from the inside poke the needle at the center of the button but bring it out to the side and then wind it around that 1/16 loose part then back inside and tie the end to the beginning, now that button will be there when the shirt biodegrates  

[R J]

I learned how to sew when I joined the Marine Corps I have sewed tons of buttons back on my uniforms and  civilian clothes. I still sew the rips and tears in my work clothes today because I am to tight to pay cash for new clothes.  
Now I know this did not answer your question,sorry.  

My son is in the Corp. He'll be home on leave in August. Maybe I'll ask him to sew them on.  

Fritz the cat, it is Corps.

To do it manually, stick the needle in the shirt from the back side, stick the needle through the button, cross over to another button hole and stick it through button and shirt, come back through shirt into a different hole and just keep that up till you think it is enough to hold.   It takes a little practice.   Oh yes, when you are done, turn the shirt to the backside of the button and stick the needle cross ways in the thread for your button, DO NOT, pull it tight yet, there will be a little loop, stick the needle through that loop and pull it tight, now do it again about 3 or 4 times.    What you are doing is locking the stitching.

PS:    Find a good Dry Cleaning company with an Asian worker.    They can put buttons on a shirt before you even get the thread in your needle.

[Willow]

ChrisJ and RJ are correct (for advice to klutzy bachelors  ).

I little trick for consistent slack:  Place a small fork (tableware) between the button and the shirt so you can feel free to pull each loop snug.

[Dave Ritsema]

Courtesy of RonCo, The Buttoneer!


Lose a button? Buttoneer Button Fastener will replace it in seconds. This handy device is great for those of us who go cross-eyed trying to thread needles and usually manage to gouge ourselves sewing simple stitches. Just load it and squeeze! Buttoneer Button Fastener nearly-invisible fasteners can even be used independently to repair hundreds of different fabric items. Buttoneer Button Fastener is great for crafters, travellers and klutzes!

http://www.buttonfastener.net/

[pc shaun]

ChrisJ and RJ are correct (for advice to klutzy bachelors  ).

I little trick for consistent slack:  Place a small fork (tableware) between the button and the shirt so you can feel free to pull each loop snug.

Either this or a toothpick or safety match.  I prefer a toothpick.  I also knot a couple of times between the shirt and the button when I am finished.

[Bonzo]

 Oh I am a great button poper! You need to get the thread through some good fabric on the shirt. Some times I cut a small piece of fabric and put it on the back side it gives it a little more to grab on to. I do a minimum of 4 x patterns and side to sides being mindful of  wear the needle is grabbing.

[sugerbear]

and try fishing line. about 8-10 lbs works well.

you do know how to tie a fishing knot ??? ??? ???

[john]

                      wear pull overs                 

[old2soon]

Specifically how to sew them back on a shirt. I have a pile of shirts with missing buttons that I'd like to put back in commission but I don't quite know how to proceed. I've tried manually sewing them back on with needle and thread and that was a freaking joke, they fell back off the first time I wore them.

I've asked several people whether or not all sewing machines were capable of sewing buttons back on shirts and the 2 most common answers I get are.

1. They make button holders for sewing machines. (this does not answer the question.)

2. Yes, they'll all sew button holes. (The holes are just fine, thank you.)

I've researched sewing machines on Amazon and have yet to find any mention of sewing buttons on. I would buy one if I could find one. I do know someone who will gladly sew them back on for me but I hate imposing on her and would rather do it myself.

Somebody help a single guy out here. 

  See if there is a widow lady on yer block what likes to sew. Barring that look in the local handi mart for people that offer sewing services. Or the local laundermat. Switch to western shirts with the snaps. When i was in the Navy i learned how to sew manually and with a machine. When i talk about ythe handi mart and the washateria look at the bulliten boards. RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

start inside the shirt....out through a hole back through different hole  repeat 6 to 8 times but dont make it tight to the shirt leave it a 1/16" or so loose, the from the inside poke the needle at the center of the button but bring it out to the side and then wind it around that 1/16 loose part then back inside and tie the end to the beginning, now that button will be there when the shirt biodegrates  

Bingo................ just like mom showed me years ago.

Without the center wrap, I'd get them so tight they wouldn't go thru the button hole.


True story:

I am prosecuting my first special court martial in the Air Force.  I have my one training ribbon and I am talking to the jury of senior officers with major combat awards and decs on their chests.  I am nervous, and I stop to take a deep breath, and pop, I shoot off one of my service dress (Class A) big brass buttons right into the jury box.  Talk about comic relief.  Everyone else laughed, I didn't.

So on break, of course there's no needle and thread, so I stab a paper clip thru the jacket the button and back thru and twist it tight.  I still have that uniform.... with three rows of ribbons, and that paper clip is still in there (cause that was never going to happen again).  LOL

[X Ring]

Never in my wildest thoughts did I ever think I would see this topic come up.  Is Willow going to have to start a home ec sub forum next?

Marty

[Chrisj CMA]

Never in my wildest thoughts did I ever think I would see this topic come up.  Is Willow going to have to start a home ec sub forum next?

Marty

dunno, but I do know...I aint makin no slide show about it!

[scoot]

they do make machines specific to sewing buttons on clothing. I have serviced a couple in some of my customer's dry cleaner's. Here is something that maybe a little more helpful

How to Sew on a Button	powered by Aeva

[old2soon]

Never in my wildest thoughts did I ever think I would see this topic come up.  Is Willow going to have to start a home ec sub forum next?

Marty

  Ya just don't never know where the NEXT topic up for discussion going to come from. I got a brither in law that do not think he needs to pull a dipstick on his car between services or use the tire gauge i bought him and showed him how to use it. RIDE SAFE.

[Fritz The Cat]

Courtesy of RonCo, The Buttoneer!


Lose a button? Buttoneer Button Fastener will replace it in seconds. This handy device is great for those of us who go cross-eyed trying to thread needles and usually manage to gouge ourselves sewing simple stitches. Just load it and squeeze! Buttoneer Button Fastener nearly-invisible fasteners can even be used independently to repair hundreds of different fabric items. Buttoneer Button Fastener is great for crafters, travellers and klutzes!

http://www.buttonfastener.net/

LOL, just read the reviews on this at Amazon. Absolutely horrible. Hard to believe this is actually on the market with the comments I read.

[Jess from VA]

In a pinch you can use this. Just line up the gun with the holes in the button.  But don't do the repair while wearing the shirt.

[fudgie]

In a pinch you can use this. Just line up the gun with the holes in the button.  But don't do the repair while wearing the shirt.

I've hemmed pants with a desk stapler before. Didnt last long.

[Russell Rice]

Inzane tech session 2012...... Button sewing. Because everyone needs to know how to do it

[jer0177]

Never in my wildest thoughts did I ever think I would see this topic come up.  Is Willow going to have to start a home ec sub forum next?

Marty

  Ya just don't never know where the NEXT topic up for discussion going to come from. I got a brither in law that do not think he needs to pull a dipstick on his car between services or use the tire gauge i bought him and showed him how to use it. RIDE SAFE.

My first speech for my public speaking class at college was an instructional speech.  I decided to teach the class (mostly nursing students) how to check oil and air pressure, and how to change a flat.

I provided a tri-fold brochure to keep in glove boxes, and during my speech, I stressed not putting any part of your body that you like underneath a car that was lifted with a jack. 

After my speech, my instructor actually said to me "That was great - I never thought about a car falling while it was on a jack!", and several of my classmates said that they had made copies of the brochure for all their roommates!

[junior]

here try this one

[Gavin_Sons]

 
I just go in and out of the holes a few times and make some knots.

 

[Robert]

Wow some of the posts are hilarious who would have thought.  Maybe this will be like the oil posts. My way is the x pattern but then you wrap the thread around the space between the button and the fabric a few times with the needle still on and then run it through the fabric to secure it. Has worked for me.

[old2soon]

I'm not blaming any parents here at all. My mother thought it was important that i know how to run a household-even being a male of the species. So i learned to cook wash clothes sweep mop dust wash dishes and sew. She even taught me to crochet-sadly a skill i haven't used in a very long time. My first wife was very surprised when she came home from the hoapital after our first child was born(a daughter)and everything was caught up. Told her ask my mom about it. I'm thankful to this day for what my Mother INSISTED-sometimes with great vigor- that i learn the lessons of life. Fact is i have to get my laundery out of the washer and into the dryer now. RIDE SAFE.

[CISE]

Shouldn't this be on the Tech board????

(in case you can't tell - I AM KIDDING)

[scoot]

See when you all were out playing football, and wrestling with each other you laughed at me for taking home ec. with all the girls in high school. Huh.... I guess  got the last laugh. I can sew a button.

[thumper]

Specifically how to sew them back on a shirt. I have a pile of shirts with missing buttons that I'd like to put back in commission but I don't quite know how to proceed. I've tried manually sewing them back on with needle and thread and that was a freaking joke, they fell back off the first time I wore them.

I've asked several people whether or not all sewing machines were capable of sewing buttons back on shirts and the 2 most common answers I get are.

1. They make button holders for sewing machines. (this does not answer the question.)

2. Yes, they'll all sew button holes. (The holes are just fine, thank you.)

I've researched sewing machines on Amazon and have yet to find any mention of sewing buttons on. I would buy one if I could find one. I do know someone who will gladly sew them back on for me but I hate imposing on her and would rather do it myself.

Somebody help a single guy out here. 

Ask Steamer...I guarantee he'll know.