How much thread do I need to sew on a button?

University of Florida Extension says to cut about 16 inches of thread, thread the needle, pull both tails even and knot them together, so you sew with a doubled thread.

Why put a toothpick under the button?

UF Extension uses a toothpick or needle under the stitches to create a thread shank, so the button sits a little above the fabric and fits through the buttonhole. You then wrap the thread around the stitches under the button to finish the shank.

Should I sew a 4-hole button in an X or two lines?

UF Extension says either works; it's personal preference. It notes 4-hole buttons are meant for spots that get more wear.

How to Sew a Button by Hand: 2-Hole, 4-Hole and Shank Buttons

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Quick answerThread a needle with about 16 inches of thread, pull the tails even and knot them together. Come up from the back, sew through the holes several times with a toothpick under the stitches to make a little shank, then remove the toothpick, wrap the thread around the stitches under the button a few times, and knot it off on the inside. That's University of Florida Extension's method.

Here's the method from University of Florida IFAS Extension.

What you need

Thread, a hand-sewing needle, the button and scissors. A needle threader and thimble are optional, per UF Extension. A small kit covers all of it.

Needles, thread, thimbles

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Threads are #402 general-purpose polyester, 100 yd each

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Two kinds of buttons

Flat buttons have 2 or 4 holes. UF Extension says 4-hole buttons are meant for places that get more wear and tear.
Shank buttons have a loop on the back and can only be sewn by hand.

The point of a shank, built-in or made from thread, is to raise the button so it sits above the fabric and through the buttonhole.

Prepare the thread

Cut about 16 inches of thread and thread the needle. Pull both tails even and tie a knot. UF Extension says a single thread normally isn't strong enough unless the thread is thick.

2-hole button

Start from the wrong side of the fabric and come up through one hole.
Go down through the opposite hole.
To make a shank, place a toothpick or a needle under the thread on top of the button. Stitch a few more times over it.
Remove the toothpick. Bring the needle up under the button (between button and fabric).
Wrap the thread around the stitches a few times, tightly.
Pass the needle to the inside and knot off.

4-hole button

Same steps, but stitch diagonally to make an X, or in two parallel bars. UF Extension says either is fine. Use the toothpick shank here too.

Shank button

Use doubled thread, stitch through the shank several times, and knot off on the inside. UF's steps for shank buttons don't use a toothpick.

FAQ

How much thread?

About 16 inches, doubled and knotted.

Why the toothpick?

It makes a thread shank so the button fits through the buttonhole.

X or two lines on a 4-hole button?

Either, per UF Extension.

Sources

University of Florida IFAS Extension 4H414: Sewing on a button