How to Attach a Button Pin Without Damaging Your Clothes

By Holly Bones Art & Design | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to securely attach a button pin to fabric without leaving holes or stains. Simple steps for worry-free pinning.

Quick answer

Choose a pin with a secure clasp, place it on a sturdy part of the fabric, and use a backing or locking pin for extra hold.

Why Fabric Choice Matters

Delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, or thin knits are more prone to permanent holes or runs from pin backs. Sturdier fabrics like denim, canvas, or woven cotton hold a pin better and hide small puncture marks. If you must pin a delicate fabric, consider attaching the pin to a small felt patch or a magnetic backing first.

When to Use a Magnet Instead

Some pins come with a magnet option, which avoids fabric damage entirely. For example, the "Back To Haunt You" artwork is available as either a pin-back button or a magnet. The magnet works on any magnetic surface, including refrigerators or a thin metal sheet sewn inside a bag, but it won't hold on non-magnetic fabrics.

How to Attach a Button Pin Without Damage

Choose the right spot: Select a seam, hem, collar, or other reinforced area. Avoid thin, stretchy, or loosely woven fabric that may tear or stretch out of shape. A seam or collar is stronger than the middle of a garment.
Check the pin back: Inspect the pin's clasp or butterfly back. It should close firmly and not wobble. If it feels loose, tighten it gently with pliers or replace the backing. A loose clasp can fall off and get lost, or snag the fabric.
Insert the pin carefully: Push the pin through the fabric at a slight angle, not straight in. This reduces the size of the puncture and helps the pin lie flat. Pushing straight in creates a larger hole and may bend the pin.
Secure with a locking back: Use a rubber or metal locking pin back (available at craft stores) over the existing clasp. This prevents the pin from rotating or popping open. Locking backs add security for active wear or heavy fabrics.
Remove carefully: Unclasp the pin and pull it out in the reverse direction you inserted it. Don't yank or twist, as that can stretch the fabric hole. If the hole looks enlarged, dab a tiny drop of clear fabric glue on the inside to seal it.

Product Facts

"Back To Haunt You" Magnet or Button: This button or magnet features hand-pressed artwork and comes in a pin-back or magnet option. Choosing the magnet version eliminates the risk of fabric damage entirely, while the pin-back option is best for sturdy fabrics.
"Back To Haunt You" Magnet or Button