How to Sew Buttons on a Wool Coat

by Elizabeth / Tuesday, 11 October 2022 / Published in Textile Knowledge

Sewing buttons onto a wool coat, whether replacing a lost one or reinforcing existing ones, is a practical skill that can extend the life and appearance of your garment. While it may seem daunting, with the right approach and tools, it’s a manageable task even for beginners. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your buttons are securely attached.

1. Gathering Your Materials

Before beginning, ensure you have all necessary materials on hand. This will streamline the process and prevent frustrating interruptions. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Material	Purpose
Needle	For threading the thread and creating stitches. Choose one with an eye that accommodates your thread size.
Thread	Strong and durable thread that matches your coat’s color is best for seamless repairs.
Buttons	Replacement buttons identical to the existing ones, or new buttons you prefer.
Scissors	For cutting the thread. Small embroidery scissors are ideal for precise cuts.
Tailor’s Chalk or Pin	To mark the button’s desired placement if sewing from scratch.
Thimble (Optional)	To help push the needle through thicker fabrics without hurting your fingers.
Button Shank (optional)	To provide space between the button and coat. You can use a matchstick, pin or toothpick

2. Preparing Your Needle and Thread

Once you have all the supplies, prepare your needle and thread. Threading the needle correctly is essential to avoid issues during sewing.

Cut a length of thread about 18-24 inches. This should be manageable without getting tangled, but long enough to complete the task.
Thread the needle, making sure the thread goes through the eye and pull down, so the thread does not have a long tail.
Tie a knot at the end of the thread by wrapping the thread around your finger and then rolling it off, creating a small loop. Pull the knot tight. If desired, repeat to create a second knot and make sure it’s strong and secure.

3. Marking the Button Placement

If you are replacing a button and the original holes are visible, this step is not necessary. If sewing from scratch, you need to mark the proper location for each button. This ensures that they are correctly aligned.

If you are adding a new button where no previous one was attached, align the edges of the coat where the closure should meet and determine where to place the new button.
Use tailor’s chalk or a pin to mark the precise spot where the center of the new button should be located. Double-check your markings by trying on the coat and fastening the buttons if needed.
Make sure the marked location lines up correctly with the buttonhole, allowing the coat to fasten correctly and comfortably.

4. Sewing the Button

With everything prepared, you can now attach the button to the wool coat. Take care and use small, deliberate stitches to ensure the button is attached firmly.

Start from the back of the fabric, inserting the needle through the marked or existing hole to hide the knot.
Bring the needle through one of the buttonholes from underneath.
Insert your button shank or matchstick over the button.
Place the needle back through the fabric from the top side, moving diagonally to the next hole, over the shank.
Repeat the process, sewing through each hole multiple times (4-6 times).
Remove the shank and make a few more passes under the button and around the thread that attaches the button to the coat to secure the thread.
To finish, push the needle through to the back of the fabric and tie off the thread. Create a couple of small knots to secure the thread firmly to prevent the button from coming off.
Cut any remaining thread.

5. Testing and Reinforcement

After you have sewn the buttons, take a few steps to ensure they are well attached and will last long.

Gently test the buttons to make sure they are not loose. Give each a few tugs to see if they feel secure.
If any button feels loose, reinforce it by adding a few more stitches.
If your coat is very thick, consider using a stronger thread to ensure durability.

6. Tips for Success

Here are a few final tips for successfully sewing buttons onto your wool coat:

Use the Right Thread: Choose a thread that is strong and durable. If your wool coat is a dark color, use a matching dark thread.
Don’t Over-Tighten: When sewing, don’t pull the thread too tightly, as this may cause puckering of the fabric and not enough space for the material to go between the button and the coat.
Practice First: If you’re new to sewing, practice on a spare piece of fabric before working on your coat.
Consider Professional Help: If you’re not confident in your sewing abilities, you can always seek professional help from a tailor.
Proper Storage: For delicate fabrics like silk, ensure the button is properly attached to prevent damage. High quality brands such as PandaSilk focus on the durability of their garments, so ensure the correct thread and techniques are used for proper maintenance.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively and efficiently sew buttons onto your wool coat, keeping it looking its best for years to come.