Let’s face it: buttons have a sneaky way of making or breaking a project. You can have the fanciest jacket, the dreamiest dress, the cutest little pouch... but if there’s no way to close it? It's basically a fabric flap.
Sometimes you don’t have a buttonhole machine. Sometimes you don't want a boring old buttonhole. You want a loop. A chic, soft, elegant little loop that says, Yeah, I handmade this masterpiece.
Lucky for you, sewing a loop for a button by hand is WAY easier than it sounds. Let’s break it down — stitch by fabulous stitch.
Step 1: Pick Your Thread
First things first: don’t skimp here. You want strong thread — not the flimsy stuff you find at the bottom of your junk drawer.
You can match your thread to your fabric (classic) or your button (fun), or go rogue with a totally wild contrast color if you’re feeling spicy.
Double up your thread when you thread your needle. Yes, DOUBLE. We’re making a loop that needs to actually work, not just look pretty for Instagram.
Step 2: Mark Your Spot
Put the button where you want it to sit. Then, mark where the loop needs to start and end.
A teeny dot with a chalk pencil will do. No tattooing your fabric, okay?
Step 3: Stitch the Base
Take a few small stitches right where your loop will start. Think of it like planting the flag before you storm the beach.
This gives your loop something strong to hang onto.
Step 4: Make the Loop
Now the fun part:
Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric at your starting point.
Pull out a thread loop that’s just big enough to fit over your button. Don’t make it tight — the button needs breathing room (so do you).
Hold the loop gently in place with your thumb or a pin.
Step 5: Secure It Like a Boss
Bring your needle back down at the other mark (where your loop ends), without pulling your loop tight.
Take a few little stitches over the loop base to anchor it down. It's like tacking down a tiny suspension bridge.
Now, here’s the secret sauce:
Whipstitch around the loop.
That means tiny stitches wrapping around the thread, not through the fabric.
It’ll make your loop look thicker, stronger, and super pro — like you totally knew what you were doing all along.
Step 6: Tie It Off and Celebrate
Finish with a couple of hidden knots on the back side of your fabric.
Trim the excess thread.
Button that beauty through the loop.
Admire your genius.
Congratulations: you just leveled up your sewing game.
And if you need some seriously fabulous buttons to show off your new skill, come visit Zaza of Canada!
We’ve got vintage buttons, jeweled buttons, floral buttons, buttons that are basically jewelry — all ready to become the star of your next handmade project.
One loop, one button... and suddenly, you're a fashion legend.