In a world where fast fashion dominates, the art of sewing has become somewhat of a lost skill. However, learning to mend your clothes not only saves you money but also reduces waste and promotes sustainability. One of the simplest yet most valuable sewing techniques is sewing on a button. In this guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of sewing on a button, empowering you to tackle minor clothing repairs with confidence.
Sustainability in Australian Fashion
Australians discard over 500,000 tonnes of textiles each year.
Sustainability in the fashion industry is a pressing concern, especially in the face of fast fashion's rapid production and consumption cycles. As consumers, our choices have a significant impact on the environment, from the extraction of raw materials to the disposal of garments. In Australia, the fashion industry is the second-largest polluter of water, following agriculture1. Additionally, Australians discard over 500,000 tonnes of textiles each year, with only a fraction being recycled or repurposed2. It's estimated that the average Australian purchases 27 kilograms of new clothing annually, contributing to the growing problem of textile waste3.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the practical steps, let's familiarise ourselves with the essential tools and materials you'll need:
- Needle: Opt for a fine sewing needle with a sharp point for precise stitching.
- Thread: Choose a thread that matches the colour of your garment for seamless repairs.
- Button: Select a replacement button that matches the size and style of the original.
- Scissors: Ensure you have a pair of sharp scissors for cutting the thread cleanly.
- Seam Ripper (Optional): Useful for removing the old button or cutting through stitches.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing on a Button
- Choose the Right Thread: Cut a length of thread approximately 45 centimetres long. Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end, securing it in place.
- Position the Button: Identify the placement of the button on your garment. If there are any existing thread remnants from the previous button, remove them using a seam ripper.
- Secure the Thread: Begin by anchoring the thread on the inside of the fabric, underneath where the button will sit. Insert the needle from the wrong side to the right side of the fabric and pull it through, leaving a small tail of thread inside.
- Position the Button: Place the button on top of the fabric, aligning it with the previous buttonhole or marking. Hold it in place with your thumb or a pin to prevent it from shifting.
- Stitching Technique: Starting from the underside of the fabric, insert the needle through one of the buttonholes and pull it through until the knot catches on the fabric.
- Buttonhole Stitch: Create a series of parallel stitches between the button and the fabric, forming a secure anchor. For added durability, pass the needle through the buttonholes multiple times, alternating between diagonal and vertical stitches.
- Reinforce the Button: After completing several stitches, angle the needle towards the fabric and wrap the thread around the stitches to create a shank. This elevates the button slightly, allowing space for the fabric underneath when the garment is buttoned.
- Secure the Thread: Once you're satisfied with the stitching, insert the needle through to the wrong side of the fabric and tie a knot with the tail of thread left from the beginning. Trim any excess thread with scissors.
- Finishing Touches: To reinforce the button further, consider applying a small dab of clear nail polish or fabric glue to the thread knots, preventing them from unravelling over time.
The average Australian purchases 27 kilograms of new clothing annually.
Resources for Further Learning
Congratulations! You've mastered the art of sewing on a button. By learning this essential sewing skill, you've equipped yourself with the tools to tackle minor clothing repairs and extend the lifespan of your garments. Embrace the satisfaction of mending your clothes and contribute to a more sustainable fashion future, one stitch at a time.
(Sources: 1. ABC News - "The True Cost of Fast Fashion: The Grim Reality of Low-cost Clothing"; 2. Planet Ark - "Fast Fashion: What's the Problem?"; 3. SBS - "Australians Are the Second-largest Consumers of New Textiles in the World and It's Time We All Do Our Bit to Reduce Waste")