Shank buttons

@jillhill (37354)
United States
February 4, 2008 5:33pm CST
Does anyone know a trick for keeping shank buttons on my coat? It seems like I have to constantly resew them on and I am getting tired of doing it every other week. I would appreciate any way to amend this problem! Thanks ahead of time!
1 person likes this
4 responses
@pergammano (7682)
• Canada
21 Feb 08
Your fabric/sewing store sells waxed thread, I am sure! This is what I use and/or upholstery thread. You will need to pick up a needle with a larger eye as the cirumference of this thread is greater than normal thread.
• Canada
22 Feb 08
Guess I'm just lazy at heart, but I do keep a supply of waxed thread on hand and always use it on my hi-traffic clothes. I have found one draw back with using a safety pen, when the item is dry-cleaned or washed, the finish is destroyed and you end up with rust, (it happened to me) leaching thru. Course, it only happens on your favourite piece.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
21 Feb 08
Yup..I am going to do that! I am sick of sewing the darn things on!
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
5 Feb 08
Went on a little mission and found this site. Hope it helps since I don't know the difference between a shank button and a shoe..lol http://sewing.about.com/od/beginner1/ht/htshankbutton.htm
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
5 Feb 08
Thanks Carol!! A shank button is one that has a metal loop that you sew on....and it cuts the thread all the time. I've been putting a saftey pin behind it so I don't lose it but there has got to be a way to fasten it so they don't fall off all the time! Thanks again!
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
5 Feb 08
Oh, I knew that. Was testing to see if you knew.....lol You passed test. I didn't know the name of the button but know what they look like. Sewing has never been my "bag" but neither was cooking, cleaning, baking, laundry.
• United States
6 Feb 08
A winter coat? Lined? You might use 1 or 2 strands of crochet thread or several strands of sewing thread or embroidery floss ... there is also a "Buttonhole / Topstitch" type available that is stronger than regular sewing thread, and the hand-quilting threads are sometimes stronger. If you use more strands, you don't have to put so many needleholes in your fabric. Additionally, you may want to put a stabilizer between the fabric & lining (if you can get to it) to help hold. Not knowing what type of fabric you're dealing with & whether the fabric is worn in that spot makes it difficult to add more.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
6 Feb 08
Thanks a million....I have crochet thread here so I'll give it a try!
@KarenLO (238)
• United States
5 Feb 08
Come over and I will give you some upholstery thread...it will never break. Regular sewing thread isn't strong enough.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
6 Feb 08
I'll have to do that! I am sick and tired of sewing them on!