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How to Make Singleton Buttons

How to Use Buttons to Close a Seam

Jennifer Stern, contributor

7 users recommend

I think the button detail along this seam is really interesting.

Jen Stern

Here's a close-up of the buttons. Check out how easy it is to sew them on by machine! 

Jen Stern

Here is my trusty Simflex ruler. I use it anytime I have to space small stuff apart accurately.

Jen Stern

I think the button detail along this seam is really interesting.

Photo: Jen Stern

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Add interesting detail to a plain tee or tank by using buttons to close the side seams. I was working on my tank with "holes filled with buttons" that I started for a post a couple of weeks ago, and I decided to try something fun with the rest of the red buttons I had piled up on my cutting board. Instead of sewing a traditional seam, I decided to use the buttons as a closure for one of the side seams. I think it pulls the whole design together. As I worked on my tank, it occurred to me that this would be a great way to update any tee or tank...especially the ones that are a little boxy or loose. You can add a little waistline shaping to the side seams before you close them back up with the buttons!

Here's what you'll need:

• A tee or tank top with side seams that can be cut apart
• Steam-A-Seam 1/4-inch fusible webbing
• A ruler or a Simflex ruler if you've got one (if you don't have a Simflex and you do a lot of garment sewing, you may consider getting one after you see how easy it is to accurately space things like buttons and their holes!)
• Pins
• Buttons
• Thread that matches or contrasts your buttons

If you're working with a tee or tank from your closet, try it on to check how it fits. If it's too loose, here's your opportunity to give it some shape—put it on inside out and take in the side seams to get a more stylish fit. Use pins to mark the new side seams. Draw a new side seam through all the pin markings, then cut the side seams apart along the line. Use 1/4-inch double-stick fusible tape (such as Steam-A-Seam) to turn the raw edges under to the wrong side.

I love Steam-A-Seam because you only have to press it once at the end. (It sticks to the fabric just by pressing on it!)

Stick a piece along the raw edge on the wrong side of the fabric.

Remove the paper backing.

Fold the edge over and finger-press it in place. Use an iron to fuse the edge permanently in place.

If you don't have any Steam-A-Seam, you can press the edge over with the iron and topstitch it in place.

Use a Simflex ruler (or regular ruler) to mark the placement for the buttons. Keep in mind that the farther apart you place them, the longer the holes along the seam allowance will be. I spaced my buttons about 1-3/4 inches apart.

I like to use the Simflex for stuff like this because I can visually see how much space there is between each point. I expand or contract the points until I get spacing I like.

Stick a pin in to mark each point.

Set your sewing machine for a three-step zigzag at the widest that your machine will stitch. Butt the two folded edges together, and zigzag over the edges to hold them. If you are working with lightweight fabric, use the regular zigzag because the three-step zigzag might eat the fabric up.

Because the three-step zigzag takes three stitches each time it zigs and zags, it really does a good job of holding the folded edges together on substantial-weight knits.

"Tacking" the fabric together before adding the buttons makes the seam strong so it will hold up.

Here's what my row of bar tack look like. Trim all the thread before you tack the buttons on.

Now it's time to add the buttons.

To make it super-easy to sew the button in place, use Scotch tape to keep it from slipping. Position the button over the bar tack, and center a pin between the holes. Put a piece of Scotch tape over the button and the pin...it's amazing how useful Scotch tape can be in sewing!

The pin creates some wiggle room so that the button is not sewn too tightly to the fabric. (Not necessary for this technique, but it makes getting buttons through their holes much easier when you're using buttons as a traditional closure.)

If you don't have a "sew on a button" foot, use the open toe foot so you can see the holes in the button. Center the button under the foot and walk the needle up and down to make sure that it lines up with the holes in the button (adjust the position of the button if necessary). Stitch back and forth five or six times to secure the button. If you have an auto knot feature, use it to secure the thread. When you're finished, remove the pin and tape and trim your threads.

If you're working with heavy fabrics, you can set the shank end of a machine needle between the holes in the button to give the button more "play" to get through the hole.

Here is how my button-embellished side seam looks. I'm thinking about using small shell buttons to close the side seams on a lightweight linen top I'm working on!

This can have a "fun and funky" look or an elegant look depending on the size and style buttons you choose—this look is definitely fun and funky!

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Comments (5)

Rooty_Tooty writes: What a cute idea! This could also be used for an interesting touch to side seams on skirts or pants, too. However, I think you might need to keep the buttons below the hipline. I'm not sure this technique would hold up to the added strain in the hip area caused by sitting & movement in general. Then again, with a little experimentation, I'm sure a suitable way to reinforce this area could be found.

Also, this could be a nice solution for those too high slits in some skirts. Again, though, I think this would require some additional reininforcement. It seems that slits in skirts have a tendency to grow longer due to the strain caused by movement.
Posted: 3:50 pm on March 15th

Toffy writes: Well done instructions and a Sassy Closure for the side seam.
About the "auto knot feature"....Be aware that when sewing on buttons with a machine...(I do it all the time) I learned the hard way, that you must stitch in one hole several times to lock the stitch before you zig-zag (buttonhole stitch) the button, and end in the opposite hole and do the same again to lock the threads. I then end in the first hole, and lock one more time. I will then tie off the cut threads, on the back of the button, after pulling them thru to the wrong side of the garment. Using the machine to sew on buttons is great and fast, but if not done correctly they will unravel and fall off in just a couple of wearings.
Found a used Simflex Ruler at a Garage Sale for a buck some years back...it is a must have ladies.
Posted: 11:13 am on March 15th

Sister_Diane writes: Oooooh... I clearly need a Simflex ruler.
Posted: 6:45 pm on March 14th

TheArtfulDogger writes: Thanks for the detailed how-to! I really appreciate the thorough descriptions and tips, and the introduction to a new tool—the Simflex ruler. Gotta get one now.
Posted: 12:38 pm on March 14th

Paws2 writes: HI...Love the look!! Many of the techniques I have used in different projects and forgotten about....I will definitly try the buttons on the side plus use the triple zigzag tac and look for the Simflex Ruler. I also have the Steam a seam on hand and will make use of it. It's funny that you have these items on hand and forget how useful they can be! Thanks for the ideas!!
Posted: 8:35 am on March 14th

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