Attaching buttons

Sew through the holes or shank of the button several times. Take the needle through to the back of the button, then wind the yarn tightly around the stitches under the button, but still on the right side of the work. Next, poke the needle through to the wrong side of the work, and make a few little tight stitches into the knot formed when attaching the button. Cut the thread. That should keep the button in place for ever [pic 3].

3: This button is in place forever!

If the yarn used for the garment is very thick, the button should be attached with a little extension so that it will fit above the thickness of the fabric at the buttonhole. When you sew the button in place, pull it slightly away from the fabric as you stitch through the holes and then take the thread through to the back of the button. Wind it several times around the little shank that you have made, and then sew in the end on the back of the knitting [pic 4].

4: A shank is necessary when used on a garment made of thick yarn.

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Keep any spares in a special container. If a button does disappear, or break or split, you will find that matching old buttons is like a search for the Holy Grail.

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