February 19th, 2013

Tuesday’s Tip – Sewing on Shank Buttons and Making a Thread Shank on a Shankless Button

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Today’s tip comes from Heidi, one of our creative and talented store staff. She tells us about the benefits of shank buttons, and how to sew them on the right way so they stay put.

If sewn on properly, shank buttons are great for babies and children, because they are more “wiggle proof.” Any button with holes can be used as a shank button.

Here’s how to make a button with holes into a shank button: 

  • Start with a length of heavy duty thread about 24″ long.
  • Thread through the needle and knot the free ends together.
  • With the right side of garment facing you, pass the needle through to the wrong side. You want the knot on the right side next to where the button will go.
  • Pass the needle through to the right side and then through the button holes.
  • Pass the needle a few times through the holes and the knitted/crocheted fabric.You should leave a space between the button and the fabric so the button can still move and fit into the button hole.
  • On the right side of the fabric, wrap the thread around the the space between fabric and button until the button doesn’t move easily.
  • Pass through to the wrong side of the fabric, tie a knot then sew through some of the fabric, and then cut the thread.

Here’s how to sew on shank buttons: 

  • Start with a length of heavy duty thread about 24″ long.
  • Thread through the needle and knot the free ends together.
  • With the wrong side of the garment towards you, pass the needle through to the right side.
  • Thread the button onto the needle and pass the needle through to the wrong side.
  • Then thread the needle between the 2 strands of the knot and tighten.
  • Continue sewing button, passing through the shank of the button then pass through to the wrong side, pass through some of the fabric, and then cut and knot the thread.

 

Grace
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 at 8:00 am and is filed under Tips & Techniques. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

3 Responses to “Tuesday’s Tip – Sewing on Shank Buttons and Making a Thread Shank on a Shankless Button”

  1. Anastasia Vishnevsky Says:
    February 19th, 2013 at 10:29 am

    A more accurate title may be, “How to Sew On a *Thread* Shank Button”?

  2. marsha a Says:
    February 19th, 2013 at 11:32 am

    instructions very confusing. how about illustrations.

  3. Joetta Devore Says:
    February 21st, 2013 at 9:59 am

    I was taught when sewing on a button with no shank to put a straight pin in the first loop to loosen the thread and hold it while sowing the button. After 4 or 5 loops were completed, remove the straight pin and wrap the thread around the loose thread beneath the button. Good way to get consistent loose thread and a lot easier. I learned that in Home Economics class way back in 1959!

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