How to Replace a Jean Button

Co-authored by Mia Danilowicz

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

A missing jean button can make your favorite jeans unwearable. However, replacing a jean button is easier than you might think. You can use a replacement tool to snap a new button into place in a hurry, or you can sew on a new button. Learn how to replace a jean button so that you will know how to make this minor repair on jeans.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a Jean Button Replacement Tool

1
Gather your materials. Jean buttons are usually made of metal and they attach to the jeans with a stud. Therefore, you may be able to replace a jeans button without any sewing.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.} To do this, you will need:^{[2]
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- Replacement button
- Button tool
- Iron-on denim patch
- Hammer^{[3]
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2
Iron on the patch. A patch will help to reinforce the area where you will place your new button. Cut the patch as needed to ensure that it will fit into the space behind the button. Then, iron on the patch according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you can’t find an iron on denim patch, or do not wish to purchase one, then you can also get a piece of scrap denim and glue or sew it onto the area behind where you will place the new button.
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3
Insert the button pieces into the tool. Jean buttons come in two pieces. One piece is the button and the other is a backing piece with a stud that connects with the button.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.} Put the two pieces into the button replacement tool.^{[5]
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Research source}
- The button will go into the larger slot and the backing will go into the smaller slot.
4
Line up the button. Next, close the button tool partially and slide it over the jeans. The button side should be on the outer part of the jeans and the stud piece should be on the inside.^{[6]
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- Try to align the pieces so that they will be near the location of the old button, but so that the stud will go through the denim and the patch.
5
Hammer the button into place. After you have positioned the tool, close it as much as you can. Then, get the hammer and hit the tool to snap the two pieces together.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.}
- Just give the button replacement tool a gentle tap with the hammer at first and then increase the force if necessary.
- After the pieces are secured together, you can remove the tool. The new button should be secured and the jeans should be ready to wear!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Sewing on a New Button

1
Gather your materials. Sewing a button on in place of a missing button is another easy way to replace a missing jeans button. To sew on a button, you will need:
- Replacement button
- Needle
- Thread (use a heavy duty or denim thread)
- Scissors
- Small denim patch (optional)
2
Thread a needle. Insert the thread through the needle’s eye. Pull the thread through the eye so that about 18 inches of thread is hanging from the eye. Then, snip the thread to make the pieces even.^{[9]
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- You can buy pre-threaded needles if you don’t want to bother with threading a needle.
3
Position the denim patch. If your jeans are still intact where the old button was located, then you may not need to use a denim patch. However, if there is a gap, then adding a patch can help to stabilize the new thread.
- The patch does not need to be very big. Just large enough to cover the area behind where the button will go.
- You may iron on the patch if it has adhesive on the back, but this is not necessary. The thread will hold the patch in place.
4
Sew the button into place. Insert the thread through the back of the jeans where you have positioned the denim patch. Sew through the patch and the jeans a few times to secure the thread. Then, insert the needle through the button on the front side of the jeans. Next, push the needle back through the denim and patch.
- Continue to insert the needle through the button and back through the jeans several times until the button is secure. Then, snip the excess thread and tie it in a knot to help keep it secure.

Expert Q&A

Question

What do you do when your jean button falls off?

Mia Danilowicz
Master Tailor
Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.

Mia Danilowicz

Master Tailor

Expert Answer

Fortunately, you can replace the button to save your jeans! You can purchase 2-piece buttons for jeans online or at a sewing store.