I realized after all of the upcylcing topics I’ve covered, I have yet to give one of the more useful tutorials: how to sew on a button. You’ll want to know how, because factory-sewn buttons tend to fall off. Many times I have found fantastic designer pieces at Goodwill whose only flaw is a lost button. With just a few stiches you can make those great clothes wearable again. 

You will need:

-A button or a hook and eye closure (for pants)

-Thread

-Needle

-Great pieces of clothing from Goodwill that needs more buttons!

First thread your needle by placing the thread through the eye of the needle.  Pull the thread you passed through the eye until it meets the other end of thread and tie a knot (your thread will be doubled, and will be stronger this way).

Next position your button and pull your needle from the wrong side of the fabric to the right (the knot will catch in the back). Pierce the needle through the other hole in the button, pull until tight and place a pin under the loop (this will keep you from sewing the button on too tightly.)  Pull the thread back through the first hole and repeat going through both holes about five times. Next, remove the pin and wind the thread around the button six times to create a shank and give the button more lift. Pass your needle to the wrong side of the fabric and tie a knot. Done!

Now another common problem is a loose pants hook.  You can buy new ones at a fabric store if you’ve lost yours, or borrow one from something you don’t wear often. 

First, thread your needle and knot the end.  The hook piece typically goes on the fold over section of the pants, but in this case I’m using it for a jacket so it doesn’t matter where it goes. You can start anywhere, but I like to start on one edge and pull your needle from the wrong side of the fabric, to the outside of the hole and then pass the needle through the hole to return the wrong side of the fabric. Do this three-or-four times in each hole and then tunnel under your fabric (or, run your needle in between the layers of fabric) to the next hole.  Repeat three-or-four more stitches and tunnel to the final hole. Run the needle to the wrong side and tie a knot.
Use the same technique to attach the bar on the otherside of your garment.  If you’ve lined everything up properly you’ll be done! Enjoy getting to wear your clothes again!  And, next time don’t over look those great pieces at Goodwill that just need an extra button.