3 Ways to Sew a Button By Machine

How to sew on a button 1200 x 800

Sewing buttons on by machine is faster and more secure than hand sewing, and almost all sewing machines can do it! There are different ways depending on the machine, but with all of them remember two things: drop the feed dog and place the button under a foot designed to hold it in place while you stitch, such as Button Sew-on Foot #18.

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Here are three ways to sew a button by machine:

Zigzag Stitch: Any zigzag machine can do this. Set the stitch width the same distance as the space between the holes. Sew 6-8 stitches, pull the thread tails to the back, and tie off to secure.

Universal Stitch: Very secure, as the stitch is locked every time it sews the three little side stitches (remember, the feed dog is dropped so the stitches are sewing in place).

Button Sew-On Program: Easy, easy, easy! Many computerized machines have a button sew-on program; check your owner’s manual to find out if yours does. Sew until the machine stops; the machine sews on the button and automatically ties off the stitches. If you have the option, this is a great place to use the On/Off button rather than the foot control to power your machine. Just push the button and the machine will sew, stopping automatically when the program is complete.

One more thing: If your machine is equipped with automatic tie-off and scissors, this is a great place to use them – no more clipping threads from the buttons. Especially handy when sewing lots of buttons!

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6 comments on “3 Ways to Sew a Button By Machine”

  • Remember not to touch your little button to cut the thread! I have on my idea/lessons board a button with a sewing machine needle permanently embedded in it. Yes, I know better. Yes, did it anyway. Fortunately I did not damage my machine. I cannot say the same for the needle nor the button!

  • I’ve done this without the foot by taping the button down and resting an awl between the two holes. I must say using a foot is quicker tho!

  • you will still need to “hand wheel” the first couple of stitches to insure you have the holes in your button lined up correctly. But it is a great time saver. I recently used this function to attach 72 buttons to a snowman quilt.

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