Sewing on a button / Sewing on buttons

Dear users, dear authors,
Do you have any tips for sewing on buttons?

It depends on what the button is for, because there are different ways to sew on a button. First, a simple shirt button can be sewn on by hand in no time at all. Then there are laundry buttons, like those on bedding—I sew those on with a sewing machine whenever possible; I have a special program for that, and it’s done in no time too. A coat button should be sewn on with what’s called a “shank.” That means pulling the thread through the button once, then holding the button slightly raised while continuing to sew it on, and finally wrapping the thread tightly around the *shank* a few times and securing it well. This makes it easier to button up a thicker winter coat.

Best regards, Inge

To make sure the "collar" turns out right, I place a matchstick over the button. When I pull the matchstick out, I immediately get an even distance between the fabric and the button. Then I wrap the thread around it, weave in the ends—and I’m done!

I do it the same way as ruthk, but with a toothpick.
Especially when I’m sewing a button onto something crocheted or knitted. Basically, for anything where the material is thicker or bulkier. The only exception is shirts and blouses.

Oh, and when the button has 4 holes, I sew it on in an X shape.
You can also sew them on decoratively, so that it looks like a little tulip, for example.
Or sometimes with a “backing button,” e.g., on very delicate blouses, so the stitch doesn’t come undone.

Well, I really don't like these backing buttons at all because I can never find the right hole...

Could you explain the part about the backing button in more detail?

For delicate and sensitive fabrics such as silk or batiste, you sew on what is known as a backing button as well. It is meant to prevent the fabric from tearing or being damaged when buttoning, etc. It also prevents the button from hanging awkwardly; instead, the counterpressure from underneath keeps it sitting nice and straight on the fabric.

Best regards, Inge

So that means two buttons in the same spot—one on the left side of the fabric and one on the right? But the inner button has to be small and inconspicuous so it doesn’t get in the way, right?

Yes, exactly—it’s usually transparent, smaller, and relatively thin.

I have a blouse and a dress where there’s a small piece of fabric between the back of the fabric and the backing button. I guess it’s there to protect the fabric.