What is the shank on a button?

Shank buttons have a hollow protrusion on the back through which thread is sewn to attach the button. Button shanks may be a separate piece added to the back of a button, or be carved or moulded directly onto the back of the button, in which case the button is referred to by collectors as having a ‘self-shank’.

Where are shank buttons used?

Shank buttons are often used to help a garment hang and drape in a more attractive fashion. One common use of buttons with shanks is making high quality winter coats. These garments often have a special shank on the bottom button as well as an additional shankless button used on the underside of the fabric.

Why does a button need a shank?

A shank is a device for providing a small amount of space in between a garment and a button. Shanks are necessary to provide space for fabric to sit in between the button and the garment when the garment is buttoned. Shanks also allow a garment to hang and drape nicely.

Why would you sew a thread shank when sewing on a sew through button?

A thread shank is something you create to elevate the button above the fabric so that when you button your garment, the fabric underneath the button lays flat and doesn’t look puckered when it is buttoned. So, let’s look at how to sew on a button with a thread shank.

How many times do you wrap the thread around to create the shank?

You may want to do this step if your button needs a little more room to be fastened or if the other buttons on your garment have it. To create a “shank,” bring the needle back up the through cloth. Wrap the thread around the base of the button 3 times and push the needle back down through the fabric.