How to Sew a One Hole Button

What are Shank Buttons?
One Hole Button Video Tutorial
How to Sew a One Hole Button
Free Printable Infographic
 

Unlike other buttons, shank buttons have only one hole, usually on the back. This is why they are also commonly referred to as one hole buttons. However, we asked the AllFreeSewing community what they call these buttons and heard lots of names for them! Some other names include:

  - Self-shanks
  - Mushroom buttons
  - Wobblies
  - Coat buttons
  - Neck buttons
  - Unternähknöpfe (in German!)

No matter what you call them, they all have one thing in common: one hole. Now, there are a few different kinds of one hole buttons. The types that are described as self-shanks have a protruding loop on the back, like the first image below.

There are also one hole buttons that have a flatter hole in the back, like the second image below. This type is usually more decorative and doesn't stick out as much.

Each type one one hole button has a purpose. Many coat buttons are self-shank buttons because they allow for more fabric to be held in between the button and the fabric it is attached to. That is one of the most important purposes of a shank button.

Because of the space it allows, it is great for buttonholes. Since coats tend to use thicker fabric, they need shank buttons. Other buttons will have to be sewn very loosely to work, which makes them less secure.

One-hole buttons also tend to be more decorative than multiple-hole buttons. Since there is no hole on the front, jewels, intricate designs, and odd shapes can be used.

Example of self-shank buttons:

Example of a one-hole button:

Click the play button on the video and watch our quick how-to on sewing shank buttons. This quick walk-through will show you the movements. It's always easier to visualize when you can see it in action.
 

Also known as how to sew a shank button, this tutorial will walk you through it. This how-to is most appropriate for the self-shank type of one-hole button but most of these steps can be used for any type of button that has one hole. 

  - 1-hole button / shank button
  - Thread
  - Needle
  - Scissors
  - Needle threader (optional)
  - Ruler (optional)

Project Type: Learn a Technique
Time to Complete: Under an hour
Sewn by: Hand
Skill Level: Beginner
 

1. Thread your needle. Doubling your thread will help you sew the button more securely. Cut the thread tail, leaving about 10-15 inches to work with. Knot the end of your thread two to three times.

2. Measure the location of where you want to sew the button, keeping in mind any buttonholes that need to be aligned. Hold the button in place with your non-sewing hand.

3. Push the thread up through the fabric to the back of the button you are holding in place.

4. Push the needle and thread through the loop of the button and push down through to the other side and to the back of the fabric. Make sure you are not pushing the needle into the same hole you made while coming up.

5. Repeat the process of pushing the needle and thread up through the fabric, across the button loop and to the back of the fabric at least 5 times or until the button seems secure. You can tug on the button to test its strength.

6. Create a thread shank: Doing this helps the strength of the button. To make a thread shank, you will push the needle and thread up the back as you have done previously.
   
   But, instead of going through the loop, you will wrap the thread around the loop. Do this at least 3 times. Then push the needle down as you did previously.

7. To finish: On the back of the fabric, push your needle and thread across some of the thread pieces you have attached to the fabric. You can also catch a little of the fabric to help keep it stable.
   
   Once you have done this 2 to 3 times, you can remove the needle and tie off the thread. Then cut and your button is complete!

We also put together a helpful printable PDF guide to keep handy. It's a helpful little visual with the basic steps. Give a copy to your kids or keep it in your home's sewing box.