How To Sew A Shank Button – Beginner’s Guide

Sewing buttons is a basic but essential skill in any DIY or garment repair toolkit. Whether you’re fixing a coat or adding a decorative touch to a dress, learning how to sew a shank button is a smart place to start.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to sew a shank button by hand — no machine needed. It’s quick, easy, and beginner-approved.

What Is a Shank Button?

A shank button is a type of button with a small loop, or “shank,” on the back instead of holes on the front. This loop lifts the button slightly off the fabric, creating space for the material to sit comfortably underneath. It’s perfect for thicker materials or for creating a neat, finished look.

Why Use a Shank Button Instead of a Regular One?

Unlike flat or sew-through buttons, which have visible holes, shank buttons attach through that back loop. This gives them a cleaner look on the front — perfect for dresses, blazers, or decorative garments.

They also look more polished. That’s why many designers use decorative shank buttons on formal wear or outerwear. They’re functional, stylish, and built to last.

Quick Read:

How to Sew a Shank Button (Step-by-Step)

To sew a shank button:

Mark the spot where the button will go using chalk or a fabric marker.
Thread a needle with strong thread and knot the end.
Insert the needle from the underside of the fabric and make 2–3 stitches to anchor.
Slide the needle through the button’s shank and back into the fabric several times to secure.
Wrap the thread around the stitches under the button (optional) to create a thread shank for added strength.
Tie a knot on the underside and trim the excess thread.

Shank buttons are ideal for thick fabrics and garments needing a bit of space between the button and fabric.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Before you start sewing, make sure you have the right tools ready. Here’s a quick checklist:

Shank button – Choose the right size and style for your fabric.
Needle – A sharp hand-sewing needle works best for most fabrics.
Thread – Use a strong thread. Match the color to your fabric or button, or go for contrast.
Fabric or garment – This is where the button will go.
Scissors – For trimming thread cleanly.

Optional tools:

Thimble – Helps push the needle through thick fabric.
Beeswax – Strengthens your thread and prevents tangles.
Tailor’s chalk or fabric marker – For marking the button spot.

Having the right sewing tools for buttons makes the process faster, neater, and easier for beginners.

How to Sew a Shank Button: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Whether you hand sew or use a machine, this method works best by hand. It’s ideal for beginners and small projects.

Mark the Spot

Use tailor’s chalk or a fabric pen to mark where you want the button.
This ensures precise placement before you start sewing.

Thread the Needle & Knot the End

Cut a 12–18″ length of thread.
Fold it and tie a knot at the end for extra strength. (Tip: double thread for a stronger hold.)

Anchor Your First Stitches

Bring the needle up from the fabric’s underside at your mark.
Stitch down a couple of times to secure the thread.

Pass the Thread Through the Shank

Slide the needle through the button’s loop (shank).
Sew down into the fabric. Repeat 5–6 times to firmly attach the button.

Reinforce & Create a Thread Shank

Lift the button slightly.
Wrap the working thread around the stitches below the shank. This builds a sturdy “stem” that lets thick fabric drape naturally.

Secure with a Knot & Trim

Flip the fabric and tie a small knot right under the button.
Trim the excess thread close to the knot.

Tips for a Professional Finish

Want your button to stay strong and look neat? Use these simple but effective tips:

Create space with a matchstick or toothpick.

Place it under the shank while sewing. This gives the button room to move and helps the fabric drape naturally.

Use reinforcement fabric for heavy garments.

Add a small patch of interfacing or extra cloth behind the sewing spot. This keeps the fabric from tearing.

Double-check button placement.

Before sewing, test where the button sits. Make sure it lines up with the buttonhole and doesn’t pull the fabric.

Use a strong thread and secure your knot well.

This helps prevent the button from falling off after a few uses.

Keep your stitches tight but not too tight.

The button should feel firm but still flexible enough to move slightly when in use.

This beginner‑friendly sewing tutorial on attaching a shank button will keep your buttons secure and your garments looking polished.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a small mistake can make your button fall off or look messy. Here’s what to watch out for:

Sewing too tight
If your stitches are too tight, the fabric may pucker. This makes the garment look uneven and uncomfortable.
Using weak thread
Thin or low-quality thread breaks easily. Always use strong thread that matches your fabric weight.
Placing the button in the wrong spot
Double-check that your button lines up with the hole. A misaligned button will strain the fabric and look off.
Skipping reinforcement
For thick fabrics, skipping a backing fabric or extra stitching can cause tearing over time.
Not creating space under the shank
If you don’t leave space under the button, it can pull too hard on the fabric. Use a toothpick or matchstick while sewing.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your shank button stays secure, looks good, and works like it should — whether you’re repairing or making something new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most shank buttons already come with a built-in loop (shank) on the back. But if you’re using a flat button and want to create a thread shank:

Sew the button on loosely — leave a small gap between the button and fabric.
Insert a toothpick or matchstick under the button while sewing.
Once secure, remove the spacer.
Wrap the thread tightly around the stitches between the button and fabric.
Tie a knot on the back and trim.

This thread shank gives your button extra space to move, which prevents fabric from puckering.

A shank creates space between the button and fabric. This space allows the button to sit above thick or layered material. It helps the fabric drape better and reduces stress on the threads.
Without a shank, buttons can pull or cause puckering — especially on jackets, blazers, or heavy fabrics.

Sewing a spare button is simple and quick:

Mark the spot where the button goes.
Thread your needle and tie a knot.
Insert the needle from the back and anchor it with a few stitches.
Sew the button in place — either through the holes or through the shank.
Tie off the thread on the underside and trim.

Use strong thread and follow the same steps as with the original button.

To reinforce a shank button:

Use double thread when sewing.
Wrap the thread tightly through the shank multiple times.
Create a thread shank if sewing a flat button.
Add a small piece of interfacing or fabric behind the area for extra strength.
Finish with a tight knot on the back side.

This reinforcement helps prevent the button from falling off, even with regular use.

Yes, but it depends on your machine. Some models have a button-sewing foot, which works for flat buttons. However, sewing shank buttons by hand gives you more control, especially on thick fabrics or tricky spots.

Use strong, all-purpose polyester thread for most projects. For heavy fabrics like wool or denim, use extra-strong or button thread. Always match your thread strength to your fabric and button type.

Cut the old thread and remove the button. Then re-sew it using the step-by-step method above. Make sure you reinforce it with tight stitches and create a thread shank. This keeps it from coming loose again.

Conclusion: Master the Art of Sewing Shank Buttons

Sewing a button with a shank might seem small, but it makes a big difference in how your clothes look and last. When done right, it keeps buttons secure, improves the fabric drape, and gives your project a clean finish.

Whether you’re working on a quick garment repair or a new DIY sewing project, this simple skill will come in handy again and again.

Take a few minutes to practice on scrap fabric. The more you sew, the easier it gets. And before you know it, you’ll be confidently sewing shank buttons by hand like a pro.