Save Your Five Dollars

Many of my friends can't sew. No judgement, they just never cared to learn. In fact, many of the people in my area take garments to the dry cleaners for sewing. This is a great resource for hemming, alterations, and garment repair in general.

When I found out that the dry cleaners charges five dollars to sew on ONE button....I had to share this quick refresher with you. Case in point, my husband's blazer


That has one loose shank button. A shank button is raised with that metal loop under it. It is super easy to sew because....you can't see the stitches when you are done!


Here is what you will need


Scissors, a needle and thread (if you want it to go super fast, use upholstery thread). Cut off the button, remove the old threads, and thread the needle


Here is my time-saving tip, I double the thread BEFORE I thread the needle. That way, there are 4 strands of thread....fewer stitches, extra strength. Don't forget to knot the end of the thread


Starting from the top-side of the garment (everything will be covered by the button when you are finished), Push the needle into and then back out of the small perforated holes from before


Pull the thread all the way through until the knot stops you. Then, slip the needle through the shank (make sure the image on the button, if there is one, is facing the correct direction) and repeat the first step going along side of your previous stitches


Pull the thread to secure


Repeat once or twice more.....now THIS is how you get your button to stand proud and not fall over...wind your thread around your stitches several times...like you were winding a yo-yo...and then lock that in by slipping the needle into the winding threads and back through that huge loop to make a knot...one more knot for good luck!


Your shank button should stand at attention! Now go get a pumpkin spice late with the five dollars you saved!


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Upholstery 101 (week 9)

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A Basement Series...Really?