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A shank button requires being hand sewn. Some sewing machines can sew on a flat button, but it is often quicker to use hand sewing. Use button or carpet thread as these are stronger.

To sew on a shank button, you will make several anchoring stitches without the button, then sew six or more stitches through the shank of the button. Use a toothpick or pin to help you keep the stitches loose enough so the shank doesn't poke through the fabric.

For a flat button, start by sewing an "X" on the fabric where you want to place the button. Insert a pin or toothpick through the "X." Sew up and down through the holes in the button several times. On the final pass, bring your needle and thread only up under the button. Wrap the thread tightly around the base of the button a few times. Pass the needle through this bundle a time or two. Then bring the needle back to the backside of the fabric. Stitch through the stitches to form a loop and make a knot.