How to fix a button on jeans.
I had to replace a jean button this week. How it came off and how the original button was lost, I'll never know. But, I do know that the jeans that fit my teen son cost about $29.00 on sale. I was looking for a permanent quick fix. Not a crazy quick fix like using a paper clip, staple, tape or twist tie.
The lack of a button wasn't going to be the end of these jeans. I took those jeans to a sewing store and asked them what to do. I'm not a sewer and was hoping for an easy solution. Success!! Inexpensive and easy. Couldn't ask for a better solution for a jean button replacement.
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How to replace a button on your jeans or pants
This is one of those fixes that does not require a needle and thread to fix a popped button on your favorite jeans. No sewing machine is required either.
I've heard these buttons called a rivit button, tack button, stud button or just plain old jean buttons.
A regular sewn on button does not work well with jeans.
Supplies needed for jeans button replacement
Here is what I purchased. It was just over $5.00 and has a few jean buttons in it. It is a Dritz no sew jean button kit. Or, you can buy the Dungaree button kit.
These look more like the fashion designer buttons you find on your denim.
I used a hammer, a screw, and a screwdriver.
Instructions and tips to using Dritz jean buttons
Of course, things never work easily for me. You should just be able to poke the little 'nail' they give you through the fabric. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't. It was difficult to get through because of the layers of fabric. But, I was working on my workbench and just grabbed a small screw and a screwdriver. I screwed the screw until it just poked out the other side and I had a small hole to poke the nail through.
I used a screw to poke a new hole into the jeans. It helped make just the right size and it was easy to do. Here is a quick tip. You can replace the location of the old button and either attach the new button so the jeans are just a little tighter or loser.
Once you have the hole made, poke through the little nail, and have the button part on the bottom. Make sure you are putting the buttons even with the buttonholes.
Make sure you are working on a hard flat surface. Give it a few taps with your hammer. That's how you join the two pieces together. It's not hard and it just takes a few taps.
Once you have tapped the little nail into the button, it is done! You know it's going to stay in place because you've used a hammer to do that! And, it's an actual jean button so it doesn't look 'funny'. Cause teen boys won't wear anything that 'looks funny'!
Love that I was able to rescue a pair of jeans and give them new life! This isn't a quick temporary fix, but a permanent repair. These jean buttons ended up being super simple replacements for the missing button!! Plus it was much cheaper than bringing these to a tailor or the dry cleaners to repair.
If you have discovered another easy no-sew way to save an item of clothing, please do let me know!!
What else can you fix with these no-sew buttons?
Do you have a favorite pair of Khakis, chinos, or other hardworking pair of pants? This works for them too. But, speaking of denim, these buttons can be used on denim jackets/shirts (as long as the buttons match).
UPDATE - new types of jean buttons you can buy
When I was updating the Amazon purchase link, I saw that there are a new type of jean button that can be screwed into place. I have not tried these and honestly, the back tack seems to stick out and looks to be uncomfortable. However, I'll leave it up to you to compare. Here is the link for the screw together type.
Pam
What if you have the button from the original jeans, it’s just about to fall off?
Maria
What’s a genius idea! Who knew! I’ll have to remember this next time I loose a Jean button
Rosemary Palmer
Great tips. Sometimes these everyday types of tips is the most helpful.
Anita Holland
Great tutorial, my husband has this issue a lot with his work jeans. I end up throwing them away. Thanks for sharing.
Brooke Fedigan
What a win win for all. It turned out perfect. Love when i see new things on your blog.
Sara
Great fix Susan! Is there anything that needs to be done with the old hole?
Michelle Leslie
This is a game-changer for me. I don't mind sewing but pushing a needle through denim plays havoc with my fingers. I would far rather the hammer does all the work.
imarancher
I had no idea that they even sold jean buttons. I have seen rivets so I should have assumed the buttons were around somewhere. I tend to get nervous in fabric stores, lol. I just grab the first batch of buttons that seem to be the right size and make do. Now I am going to look up one of those kits to have for the next emergency repair.
Not sure you are interested in this next paragraph but here it is. I finally had to get rid of my jean shorts that I have worn on the tractor for the last 40 years. Yes, at least once a week I was up on a tractor cutting grass on 10 or more acres. I also have a scrub top that I wear with this "outfit" and it is 15 years old. The last time I pulled on my jeans, my fingernail went through the material. I glued the hole shut and went out to cut grass. When I got home the phone was ringing. Apparently, on the walk back from parking the tractor I was showing my "spare parts" to the entire neighborhood! A good thing only 2 farms ring mine. I pulled off my beloved jeans and they were just shredding in my hands. It was pretty funny actually. It reminded me of the story of "The Hundred Year Old Carriage." The button fell off, the rivets have torn holes in the material but were hanging on by threads, just touching a new spot added a new hole which soon became a rip and then a tear and so on.
I guess I will have to invest in another pair. Unless you have a patch. . . ?
momcrieff
You're welcome. I was surprised too at how easy it is to replace a jean button. That's why I had to share!
Anonymous
Wow .....who knew it was so simple. Thank you for posting.
Lori
This will be good for those of us that need to move the button just a little bit to make room for the middle-aged-spread! 🙂
Anni
Problem with this is that if you attach the button so far from the original place, it won't support the zipper anymore. And you know how it is with zippers that won't stay up... ^.^