How to Replace a Tack Back Button for Jeans

Introduction

If you've ever had the button of your jeans come loose because the hole is compromised - making it difficult to keep your pants buttoned (and keeping you in a constant state of worry that your jeans will pop open at an unfortunate moment) - then this guide is for you.

Follow the 10 steps outlined here to learn how to remove the button from your jeans, patch the frayed or damaged stud buttonhole, and install a new button. If you're like the author and lack any sewing skills, be assured that needle and thread are not required for this fix.

The type of button required for this repair is a tack back or button pin.

What you need

Step 1 Stud Jean Button

How to Replace a Tack Back Button for Jeans, Stud Jean Button: step 1, image 1 of 3

How to Replace a Tack Back Button for Jeans, Stud Jean Button: step 1, image 2 of 3

How to Replace a Tack Back Button for Jeans, Stud Jean Button: step 1, image 3 of 3

Grip one side of the button with your hand and use the needle-nose pliers to pull on the other side to separate them.
If you have issues separating the two parts with the above technique, carefully wiggle the button out through the frayed stud hole.
You may need to cut it loose from attached threads.

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Step 2

Cut about an inch or so of adhesive tape—enough to cover the frayed hole but still big enough to work with easily.
The fabric adhesive tape used in this guide is the HeatnBond UltraHold Iron-On Adhesive (7/8 inch x 10 yards). This is similar to hemming tape but they are not the same product.
Make sure that the fabric tape you cut is long enough to cover the hole, with extra length so it's easy to manipulate.
If the size of the piece of tape you cut is too short, cut a new piece and try again. If the piece you cut is too long, shorten it accordingly.

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Step 3

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Place the piece of fabric tape on top of the denim swatch.
You could also use a pair of old jeans for this purpose instead of purchasing denim fabric.
Using the piece of fabric tape as a guide, cut out a similarly sized piece of fabric from the denim.

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Step 4

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Double-check that the sizes of the adhesive tape and denim piece match.
Plug in the clothing iron and wait for it to heat up. Set it to medium heat.
Do not use the steam function if your iron has that capability. It may make the tape wet and ruin the adhesive.
Apply the hot clothing iron to the fabric tape that is covering the frayed section of the jean stud buttonhole.
Hold your iron to the tape for approximately 10 seconds. If the tape is not sticking after you apply heat for 10 seconds, repeat this step.
Once finished, the tape should lie flat.

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Step 5

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Carefully lift the edge of the paper cover (without lifting the adhesive!) and pull the paper slowly away from the tape.
Only the clear adhesive tape should be left behind.

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Step 6

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Place the jean fabric piece you cut out on top of the adhesive tape.
Press down on the fabric and smooth it out over the tape so that no bumps exist and the edges are flat and aligned.
Apply the heated clothing iron to that section for approximately 10 seconds.
If the jean fabric and the adhesive tape are not sticking together or lying flat along the edges, apply heat for another 10 seconds and repeat as necessary.
Turn off and unplug your clothing iron once this step is complete!

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Step 7

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Align a screwdriver or another small, pointed object (such as scissors) with the original buttonhole to create a hole for the new button through the patched fabric.

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Step 8

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Your new button should have two parts: the button part and the stud part. They are depicted in the first photo - the button part is on the right, and the stud part is on the left.
Insert the stud piece from the back side of the new hole (the side that would be touching your skin if you were wearing the jeans).
You should be able to see the stud from the other side of the hole.
If you cannot fit the stud through, you may need to enlarge the hole.

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Step 9

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Insert the button part through the front of the hole.
Hold both button pieces together to connect them.
Using your screwdriver, screw the stud part into the button part until there is too much resistance to continue turning it.
The type of screwdriver you need will depend on the type of button you are working with. The one in this guide is a Phillips.