Securely Sewing Buttons On Fur Coats

Sewing buttons on a fur coat is a simple task that can be completed in a matter of minutes. To sew a button on a fur coat, you will need a button, thread, a needle, and a toothpick or a pin. First, cut your thread to the desired length and insert the freshly-cut end through the eye of the needle. Next, tie a knot to secure the two ends of the thread together. Then, mark the location of the button on the coat with a pin or chalk. Insert the needle into the fabric next to the pin and pull it through. Remove the pin and insert the end of the needle through one of the button holes. Place a toothpick over the button to provide some slack in the thread. Bring the needle back down through the opposite button hole and repeat the process. Finally, wrap the thread around the base of the button and cut off any excess thread.

Choosing the right thread and needle

When sewing a button on a fur coat, it is important to select the right thread and needle for the job.

Firstly, you should select a needle that is appropriate for the weight and type of fabric. The basic rule is that the thicker the fabric, the bigger and thicker the needle. Conversely, lightweight fabrics require thin needles. For fur, a needle with a sharp tip is best. A universal needle is a good multi-purpose option, but a microtex/sharp needle is even finer and sharper, making it perfect for densely woven materials like fur.

Next, you need to select the right thread. Consider the weight, fibre content, and colour of the fabric. For fur, a strong and durable thread is required. 100% polyester thread is a good option as it is strong and will keep buttons secure. The thread should also match the colour of the fabric.

Finally, you can further reinforce the button by using button backing. This provides extra security and ensures the button doesn't become loose.

Threading the needle

Threading a needle can be tricky, but it is an essential step in sewing a button onto a fur coat. Here is a detailed guide to help you with this process:

Firstly, cut your thread to the desired length. For sewing buttons, an 18-inch (46 cm) length of thread is recommended. You can use scissors to cut the thread. Once you have the desired length, it is time to thread the needle. Take the freshly cut end of the thread and insert it through the eye of the needle. Gently pull the thread all the way through until both ends are even.

Once the thread is through the eye, you will need to tie a knot to secure the two ends together. You can do this by wrapping the thread around your finger, then rolling and tightening it. Now you are ready to start sewing your button onto the fur coat!

If you are using a thicker thread, such as waxed dental floss, you may find it easier to use a needle with a larger eye. Leather needles, for example, typically have larger eyes and can accommodate multiple strands of thread. Additionally, you can use a metal threader to assist in pulling the thread through the eye of the needle.

Knotting the thread

To knot the thread for sewing a button on a fur coat, start by cutting a length of thread that is around 18 inches (46 cm) long. Then, thread the needle so that you have a double thickness of thread. You can do this by inserting the freshly-cut end of the thread through the eye of the needle and pulling it through until the ends are even.

Now, it's time to tie a knot. One way to do this is to wrap the thread around your finger, then roll the thread between your fingers and pull it tight. If you're using a double thickness of thread, be sure to tie the ends together. Leave a long tail of thread, whether you're using a single or double thread.

Here's another method for tying a knot:

• Take all four threads and tie them together.
• Make a loop with the thread.
• Wrap the thread around the needle 3-4 times.
• Pinch the knot between your fingers and slide it down the needle, pulling gently as you go.
• If you're using waxed thread, pull until the circle closes and you have a perfect knot.
• Cut off any excess thread with scissors.

Positioning the button

Firstly, find the spot on your fur coat where you want to sew the button. This could be to replace an old button or to add a new one. If you are replacing a button, you should see a mark where the old threads came out. Use a pin to mark the spot by pushing it through the coat fabric from the front to the back. Alternatively, you can use chalk to mark the spot on the front and back of the fabric.

Once you have located the position, it is time to thread the needle. Cut your thread so that it is 18 inches (46 cm) long. Then, insert one end of the thread through the eye of the needle. Pull it through until the ends are even, and tie a double knot to secure the two ends together. Make sure to choose a thread that matches the colour of your coat or button.

Now that your needle is ready, push it up through the back of the coat, right next to the pin or chalk mark. Pull the needle all the way through, ensuring the thread is taut, and the knot is snug against the back of the coat fabric.

At this point, you can remove the pin. Hold the button in place with your thumb, and insert the needle through one of the buttonholes. Push the needle up through the hole until the button is pressed against the coat fabric.

To ensure you do not sew the button on too tightly, which could make it difficult to button your coat, use a toothpick, matchstick, or wooden skewer to create some slack in the thread. Lay the toothpick across the top of the button, positioning it so that you will have to sew over it to reach the next buttonhole.

With the toothpick in place, you are now ready to continue sewing the button onto the coat by bringing the needle back down through the opposite buttonhole. For four-hole buttons, check the other buttons on the coat to see how the stitches are oriented, and follow the same pattern.

Securing the button

Once you have attached the button by sewing through the buttonholes several times, it's time to secure it in place. Push the needle back up through the fabric from the backside, but this time, avoid bringing it up through a buttonhole. Instead, bring the needle up through the fabric next to the button. Pull the needle until the thread is taut.

Now, it's time to create the shank. Wrap the thread around the base of the button three times in a counterclockwise motion. Keep the thread taut as you wrap it to ensure a secure shank. This shank will provide extra support and make it easier to fasten the button.

After wrapping the thread around the button, insert the needle back down through the fabric, right next to where you brought it out. Pull the thread tautly.

Finally, cut the thread close to the eye of the needle and tie a secure knot with the two strands. Trim any excess thread, leaving about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) from the knot.

Your button is now securely attached! Repeat this process for any additional buttons you need to sew onto your fur coat.

Tips for Securing the Button:

• Use a toothpick or a pin to create some slack in the thread before sewing through the buttonholes. This ensures that the button is not sewn on too tightly, allowing ease of fastening.
• For thick fabrics, consider using waxed dental floss or button thread, which is thicker and stronger than regular thread.
• If you're using a two-hole button, sew through one hole and then the other, repeating this process several times to strengthen the button.
• For four-hole buttons, you can create an "X" pattern or a square pattern by alternating between opposing pairs of holes.

Frequently asked questions