Make do and mend

Replacing buttons

The fabric may be torn beneath the button, in which case mend the tear first. Press an iron-on patch on to the wrong side to hold the edges together or use doublesided fusible fleece or hemming web to press a piece of lightweight fabric onto the wrong side.

Sew small running stitches backwards and forwards across the tear.Sew on flat buttons with a thread shank so the fabric lies smoothly when the garment is fastened. The thicker the fabric, the longer the shank should be.

Using double sewing thread, sew on the button quite loosely, stitching in the same direction as the rest of the buttons. Wind the thread around these stitches between the button and the fabric to form a shank. Finish the stitching securely on the wrong side of the garment.

Use strong button thread for jackets and coats or if sewing on metal buttons, as these can cut through the thread.