Button repair on shorts

[caryrae]

I have never sewn anything in my life and need to replace a couple buttons on some shorts. Is there some easy fix out there? I have seen lots of products to easily fix those metal buttons like on jeans but not sure how that would work on shorts that aren't denim. It seems with those plastic buttons the middle part with the holes breaks out a lot. Not sure if they get weakened from the heat from drying in the dryer.

[Kenny1113]

Actually sewing a button is not that bad. It's the one thing I can sew. ;) What would I have done without Home Ec.
Check out you tube. I'm sure someone has a video on how to do it. Or ehow...

[caryrae]

I'll have to check out youtube. I could probably do it, just don't know how at the end to tie off the thread.

[VWL Mom]

Easiest way is when you're done, bring the needle to the backside of the fabric. Take the needle under the button threads you see there and hold a bit of a loop, bring the needle through the loop and pull tight to knot it. Sounds a lot more confusing than it is.

[HollyB]

For people inexperienced in sewing, it is often easier to double the thread (for a button, pull about a yard of thread through the eye of the needle and tie the two ends together). Start with the thread on the back side of where you want to place the button, so the knot catches on the back of the material. Go up and down through the holes (buttons usually have two or four holes, if four be sure to go through both sets) several times to secure the button. When you are done, make sure you are on the back side again. Clip the thread near the needle so you have two loose ends. Tie off the ends with a square knot (or a double square knot) close to the material. Clips the ends again close so you don't have too much excess and voila! button fixed.

[DizneyRox]

For people inexperienced in sewing, it is often easier to double the thread (for a button, pull about a yard of thread through the eye of the needle and tie the two ends together). Start with the thread on the back side of where you want to place the button, so the knot catches on the back of the material. Go up and down through the holes (buttons usually have two or four holes, if four be sure to go through both sets) several times to secure the button. When you are done, make sure you are on the back side again. Clip the thread near the needle so you have two loose ends. Tie off the ends with a square knot (or a double square knot) close to the material. Clips the ends again close so you don't have too much excess and voila! button fixed.
Similar...

I finish off by ending between the button and the fabric. I wrap the thread around the thread between the button and the fabric several times (like you're winding a fishing reel). I tie it off and then route about two/three inches of thread into the wasteband and then back out, then cut the thread. That way there are no loose ends to unravel, etc.

[DisneyDog]

I can't sew either. The only reason I passed home ec is because I can cook. We did a little bit of each. I would take the clothing item to a dry cleaner with a tailor and let them do it. Sometimes it's worth it to pay and get it done right. :secret:

[caryrae]

Thanks for all the help. I did it so we'll see how long it lasts.