SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/button-pin-space

When sewing on a flat button, why put a pin under the first stitch?

It leaves working space so the button is not sewn too tightly.

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  1. To sharpen the needle
  2. To choose the button's color
  3. To keep the button from being too tight ✔

Why: Place a pin beneath the first stitch, then sew several stitches over it. Removing the pin leaves a little space under the button. That space helps the button pass through its buttonhole.

Huh, didn't know that: Wrapping thread around the stitches beneath a flat button makes a small thread shank.

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Why was the robot angry? Someone kept pressing his buttons!
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References

Answer: To keep the button from being too tight. Place a pin beneath the first stitch, then sew several stitches over it. Removing the pin leaves a little space under the button. That space helps the button pass through its buttonhole.

  1. Mini 4-H Sewing extension.purdue.edu/county/johnson/_docs/johnson-county-4-h-docs/johnson-county-mini-4-h-documents/Mini-Sewing-2020.pdf
    After you have made your first stitch place a pin underneath the stitch.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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