Shank Button

Definition and Overview

A shank button is a button with a structure that passes sewing thread through a protruding shank on the back of the button body. Since no holes are visible on the front, it is well suited to designs that highlight the decorative surface, and it is also used for buttons with thickness or a raised feel.

Materials and Shank Structure

Materials include resin, shell, buffalo horn, metal, glass, and more. In addition to shanks molded integrally with the body, some buttons have a separate metal shank attached. Depending on the material and how the shank is joined to the body, strength, weight, and resistance to washing and cleaning differ.

Shank shapes include tunnel shanks, with a sideways passage for the thread; ring shanks, made by forming wire into a loop; and parachute shanks, which have multiple holes. The inner diameter of the shank, its orientation, and the thickness at the base are all points to confirm in relation to the thread and sewing method used.

• Tunnel shank: A shank with a tunnel-like space on the back through which the thread is passed.
• Ring shank: A shank made mainly from metal wire formed into a loop.
• Parachute shank: A shank with multiple thread-passing holes, making it easy to sew on securely.

How Size Is Expressed

Button size is generally expressed by the outer diameter in mm or ligne. Ligne is a traditional unit of measurement used for buttons, and in specifications and orders, it is helpful to include the mm equivalent as well as the ligne size to reduce misunderstandings.

For shank buttons, in addition to the outer diameter, the overall thickness and shank height are also important. If the shank is too high, the button may stand away from the textile too easily; if it is too low, it may not suit thick materials or the thickness of the buttonhole. Select it with the textile and placket thickness in mind.

Main Uses and How to Attach

They are used on jackets, coats, dresses, blouses, cardigans, and more, as front closures, sleeve cuff fasteners, or decoration. On thick materials, pile fabrics, and three-dimensional designs, the shank height makes it easier to adjust the fit around the buttonhole.

When sewing on, pass the thread through the shank hole and secure it to the textile. On areas subject to heavy stress or on thin fabrics, adding a backing button on the reverse side can distribute force on the stitches. The spacing between the button and the textile is determined by confirming that it can pass through the buttonhole without strain.

Handling and Differences from Similar Terms

Suitability for washing, dry cleaning, and ironing is determined mainly by the button material, coating or plating, and the way the shank is bonded or secured, rather than by the shank shape. Directly applying a hot iron may deform resin, discolor coatings, degrade adhesive parts, or crack glass, so follow the product care instructions.

Two-hole buttons and four-hole buttons are sewn by passing thread through holes on the front surface, whereas shank buttons are sewn through the shank on the back. Tunnel shank, ring shank, and parachute shank refer to specific shank structures found in shank buttons, and shank button is the broader category that includes them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should shank buttons be used differently from two-hole or four-hole buttons?

Shank buttons are suitable when you want to show the design on the front surface, or when the button is thick and it is difficult to make holes on the front. Two-hole and four-hole buttons are flat and easy to sew on securely, and are often used on casual shirts. Choose according to the fabric thickness, buttonhole, and sewing specifications.

Can shank buttons be machine washed or dry cleaned at home?

Whether this is possible cannot be determined by the fact that it is a shank button alone. Resistance differs depending on the material, such as resin, shell, metal, or glass, as well as whether it is coated or plated and how the shank is secured. Check the product care label and the handling conditions for the button, and basically avoid applying an iron directly.