Think about the fabric between
When fastened, a button holds another layer of fabric beneath its face. On a thicker garment, sewing the button completely flat can make fastening awkward. The clearance should suit the actual fabric and closure.
What a spacer does
Prym’s button gauge sits under a flat button while it is sewn. Once the gauge is removed, thread can be wrapped around the stitches beneath the button and secured on the reverse. The maker’s instructions describe the tool’s use and weight options.
Built-in and made-from-thread
A shank button already has a loop beneath the face. A thread shank is formed beneath a sew-through button. Record which one you are matching so that you do not assume the two undersides are interchangeable.
Check the finished closure
Compare the result with neighbouring buttons. Look for enough clearance to fasten without pulling, while keeping the attachment secure. Do your first experiment on a scrap using the same fabric layers.
Further learning
Technical details checked against these resources on 9 October 2026. Our planning advice and project layouts are original.
Reviewed 9 October 2026 · Suggest a correction
