Button Sewing Thread

Definition and Overview

Button sewing thread is thread used when attaching two-hole, four-hole, and shank buttons to garments. Because it is used in areas that are repeatedly stressed during putting on and taking off, it is often made with greater thickness and abrasion resistance than ordinary hand-sewing thread.

In addition to being handled as a dedicated thread for button sewing, thicker hand-sewing thread may also be used for button attachment. Since thread thickness, material, and finish vary by product, it is important not to judge performance solely from the name.

Materials, Twist, and Structure

Materials include cotton, polyester, and silk. Cotton blends easily with a natural look and feel, while polyester may be chosen for garments that must withstand friction and washing. Silk is used for attachment methods that make use of its sheen and softness.

A structure made by twisting multiple threads together, or using a relatively strong twist, helps reduce thread breakage and fuzzing and makes it easier to hold buttons securely. However, thread with a strong, stiff twist may cause puckering in lightweight fabrics.

How Thickness Is Expressed

Thread thickness is indicated by count or nominal count. Count is a unit that expresses thread thickness, and the way the number is read differs depending on the notation system used. Nominal count may be shown as a practical thickness classification set by the manufacturer or by application.

Based on the number alone, threads with different materials, ply counts, or notation systems cannot be compared simply. Specifications should list the material, count or nominal count, ply count, and color together, and the actual thickness and sewn appearance should be checked with the real product before mass production.

Main Applications and Differences from Similar Terms

The main application is button attachment for shirts, blouses, jackets, coats, pants, and similar garments. The thread thickness, number of plies, and whether a shank wrap is used are determined according to the number and diameter of the button holes, the button thickness, the fabric thickness, and the frequency of use.

Button thread often refers to thicker hand-sewing thread used for buttonhole stitching or decorative stitching and has uses and properties similar to button sewing thread. However, how the terms are used and distinguished varies by supplier and workplace, so the application and specifications should be confirmed.

Machine sewing thread is thread intended mainly for machine stitching, and for the task of firmly securing buttons by hand, it is common to choose a dedicated hand-sewing thread or one with a thickness suitable for the application.

How to Choose and Sewing Precautions

When matching the fabric and button colors, check how the thread appears against the fabric color or button color. Even when using color contrast as an accent, consider the position where the stitches will show on the front, any color differences after washing, and harmony with surrounding stitching.

For thick fabrics or heavy buttons, choose thread with sufficient strength. On the other hand, using thread that is too thick on lightweight or delicate fabrics can make the needle holes noticeable and cause wrinkling or puckering. Use a needle suited to the fabric and, if necessary, use a button shank to distribute the load.

Shank wrapping, which leaves a suitable amount of space between the button and the fabric, is a method that makes buttons easier to fasten on plackets and other thick areas. The length of the shank wrap and the number of wraps are adjusted according to the fabric thickness, the buttonhole thickness, and the button shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are button sewing thread and button thread the same?

They are sometimes used for similar purposes, and the names may overlap in sales and sewing settings. However, button thread can refer to thread intended for buttonhole stitching and decorative stitching as well. Do not decide by the name alone; check the material, thickness, and recommended applications before choosing.

How many strands are used for button sewing thread?

The required number of strands varies depending on thread thickness, button size and weight, fabric thickness, and the strength required. Thick dedicated thread may be used as a single strand, but thinner thread may also be used with multiple strands. The decision should be made after testing the attachment strength and appearance before mass production.