Clothing Ribbon Button Replacement

Introduction

Let's suppose that one of your garments has lost a button. This would normally not be a matter of major concern, except for the fact that this particular button was not like other buttons: this button was sewn on with a ribbon. Luckily, a ribbon button such as yours can in fact be replaced, and this is how.

In this guide we are using contrasting thread for visibility. When it comes time to do your actual project, you will want to use thread and that matches the color of your ribbon.

If you don't have a sewing machine, you can still complete this guide by hand sewing.

For replacement parts or further assistance, contact Patagonia Customer Service.

What you need

Step 1 Ribbon Button

Clothing Ribbon Button Replacement, Ribbon Button: step 1, image 1 of 2

Clothing Ribbon Button Replacement, Ribbon Button: step 1, image 2 of 2

Examine the garment where your ribbon button came off. There should be a little pocket where the ribbon came out.
Stitch rip the seam around the little pocket until it is large enough to easily slide the ribbon in.

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Step 2

Tuck one end of the ribbon into the pocket, inserting the ribbon past the missing seam.
If you are are using a ribbon that has an obvious front and back, insert the ribbon so that the back is facing out.

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Step 3

Clothing Ribbon Button Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

Holding the ribbon in place, slide the garment into the sewing machine, aligning the presser foot with the place you want the button to sit.
Do not sew the pocket with the ribbon end in it closed.
Sew the ribbon in place.

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Step 4

Clothing Ribbon Button Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

Backstitch to hold the stitches in place.
Lift the presser foot and remove the garment from the sewing machine.
Clip any threads.

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Step 5

Clothing Ribbon Button Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

Thread the ribbon through the button coming up from behind, over the spoke in the middle, and back down through the second hole.

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Step 6

Clothing Ribbon Button Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Pull the ribbon taught.
The button should be facing with the backside out.
Fold the button and ribbon back over, so that the other side of the button is facing out.
Leave just enough ribbon to tuck into the little pocket. Clip all excess ribbon.

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Step 7

Fold the free end of the ribbon, tucking it into the little pocket, in the same manner as the first.
Overlap the two ends of the ribbon so that they sit directly on top of one another.
Sew directly over the seam, closing the little pocket.
This seam should catch both ends of the ribbon between the two layers of the pocket.