How to Sew Buttons onto a Throw Pillow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 22/02/2025

Throw pillows add a touch of personality and comfort to any room, but what happens when those beloved buttons start to pop off? A loose button can instantly diminish the aesthetic appeal of your favorite pillow, turning a cozy accent into a slightly frustrating detail. Fortunately, fixing this common issue is easier than you might think! Reattaching buttons is a simple sewing project, perfect for beginners and a great way to refresh your home décor without breaking the bank. Even if you consider yourself a sewing novice, don't worry—this task is manageable with just a few basic supplies.

This guide provides a clear and concise step-by-step process for securely sewing buttons onto your throw pillow, ensuring a professional-looking finish. Whether you need to replace a missing button or reinforce a wobbly one, get ready to learn the techniques you need to restore your throw pillow to its former glory. Let's dive into the straightforward steps that will have your pillow looking perfectly put together in no time.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Throw pillow
  • Heavy-duty needle
  • Heavy-duty button thread
  • Button(s) with various shank types (e.g., four-hole, two-hole, shank with hook)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a needle appropriate for your fabric and thread. Avoid using needles that are too thick or sharp, which can damage your pillow cover.
  • Before sewing, test your stitch on a scrap of fabric to ensure you're happy with the tension and appearance. This prevents mistakes on your finished pillow.
  • If working with a delicate fabric or using very fine thread, consider using a thimble to protect your fingers from needle pricks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare and Secure Starting Point

    • Find the center point of your pillow, pinch it towards the back, and push your needle through. Secure the thread on the back to prevent it from pulling through.
    Find the center point of your pillow, pinch it towards the back, and push your needle through. Secure the thread on the back to prevent it from pulling through.
    Prepare and Secure Starting Point

  2. Attach the First Button

    • Add your button (using a four-hole shank button as an example). Go through the first hole, pull it down, and ensure you're still at the center point.
    • Go through another hole of the button, ensuring you go back down into the same location you started from. Use a thimble to protect your finger.
    • Pull the needle up through the back, securing the thread. Knot your thread to ensure a firm grip. Push the needle through again up through the back side.
    • Go into one of the other button holes. Push the needle through to the other side, repeating this a couple of times to secure the loop.
    Go into one of the other button holes. Push the needle through to the other side, repeating this a couple of times to secure the loop.Go into one of the other button holes. Push the needle through to the other side, repeating this a couple of times to secure the loop.Go into one of the other button holes. Push the needle through to the other side, repeating this a couple of times to secure the loop.Go into one of the other button holes. Push the needle through to the other side, repeating this a couple of times to secure the loop.
    Attach the First Button
    • Wrap the thread around the thread legs to secure the button better. Repeat this process for the other side of the button.
    Wrap the thread around the thread legs to secure the button better. Repeat this process for the other side of the button.
    Attach the First Button

  3. Attach a Second Button (Optional)

    • For a more decorative look, add another button on the opposite side of the pillow, repeating the process of going through each hole and wrapping the thread around the legs.
    For a more decorative look, add another button on the opposite side of the pillow, repeating the process of going through each hole and wrapping the thread around the legs.
    Attach a Second Button (Optional)

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Tips

  • Use a heavy-duty needle and thread to easily pierce the pillow filling.
  • Secure your thread on the back side to prevent it from pulling through the front.
  • Use a thimble to prevent poking yourself with the needle.
  • Wrapping the thread around the legs of the thread creates a more secure and decorative finish.
  • Adding buttons on both sides creates a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong needle and thread

Reason: Using a needle too fine for the fabric or thread too flimsy will cause the stitches to break easily, leading to button loss.
Solution: Choose a sturdy needle appropriate for your fabric and a strong thread that matches the button and fabric color.

2. Pulling the thread too tightly

Reason: Over-tightening the thread can cause puckering of the fabric around the button and weaken the stitches, ultimately resulting in the button falling off.
Solution: Maintain gentle, even tension while sewing to avoid fabric puckering and ensure secure stitches.

FAQs

What kind of needle and thread should I use?
Use a needle appropriate for your fabric (a medium-sized sharp needle works well for most pillow fabrics). Choose a thread that matches your button and pillow cover as closely as possible for the best results. A strong thread, like polyester, is recommended.
How many stitches should I use per button?
Aim for at least 4-6 stitches per button to ensure a secure hold. More stitches are better for heavier buttons or areas subject to more wear and tear. X-shaped stitching is strong and neat.
What if my button is too big for the existing holes?
If your button is significantly larger than the existing holes, you might need to create new holes, sew the button on in a different location, or replace it with a more appropriately sized button. If you only need slightly larger holes, use a seam ripper to carefully enlarge them.