2torial #0521: Learn2 Sew a Button (Continued) Attach the button There are two basic ways to attach the button: either flat against the garment (for a decorative button) or leaving a "shank," so that there's room for buttoned fabric to fasten smoothly. For a flat, decorative button: Start off by placing the button over those first few stitches that you made.   Bring the needle up from the back, through one of the holes in the button.   Bring the needle back down through another hole, through the fabric, and up again from the back. Pull tight after each stroke. If the button has four holes, alternate holes, but cross over when the needle is behind the fabric so that the front looks neatly sewn.   After about six stitches, leave the last two slightly loose in back, then pass the needle through those stitches once or twice. Use that as the start of your finishing knot in back. Cut off the remaining thread. For a shanked button: The one you'll probably use most. First place the button over those first few stitches that you made.   Place the other needle/toothpick/wooden match on top of the button, so that your stitches will pass over the top of it before going back down.   Bring the needle up from the back, through one of the holes in the button. Pass the thread over the other needle/toothpick/wooden match that's sitting on top of the button.   Bring the needle back down through another hole, through the fabric, and up again from the back. If the button has four holes, alternate holes, but cross over when the needle is behind the fabric so that the front looks neatly sewn.   After about six stitches, take away the other needle/ toothpick/ wooden match, and pull the button away from the fabric so that the stitches are taut.   Wind the needle and thread around those stitches. This forms the "shank" that creates room for fabric to be buttoned underneath. Turn the needle back into the windings, and tie a knot. Be careful not to make the shank too thick with the knot. -end- Learn More! or All steps at once (printable version)