Expert: Mark H. Miller - 12/25/2008

Question
Hello,
One of the 5 buttons that go across the back of my couch has fallen off.  These are directly on the couch, not on pillows.  The couch is about 6 inches thick at that point.  Is there any way I can repair this?  I'm fairly good with my hands, and needle and thread.  I still have the button.
Thanks for any leads.

Answer
Hi,  to replace the button is a fairly simple procedure and can easily be done by someone who is handy.  The challenge is to get the special tool you will need to do the job.  

You need a tool called a German needle,  or German button needle.  Unfortunately they are fairly expensive and very fragile.  

The German needle looks like a hypodermic needle,  the needle will slide a metal clip into the back of the padding and anchor there, attached to that clip has to be a very strong twine called tufting twine,  sometimes it takes several attempts but once the clip is firmly anchored in place in back of the padding the twine extends to the front of the sofa where the button used to be.  It is then simply a matter of tying the button with several ordinary knots,  cutting off the end and the job is done.  

The German needle is available from any upholstery supply house such as Beverly Upholstery Supply in Los Angeles.  Then you need the clips and a spool of the twine.  The needle is a hollow aluminum tube and if you push the wrong way and bend it the needle is ruined so be very careful pushing it in.  If you should go through the expense of buying the needle, clips and twine I recommend that you practice the job on an ordinary pillow so that you can clearly see how it works before replacing the actual button.  

I hope this is the information you were looking for,  please don't hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.  Good luck,  and since to day is...   Merry Christmas.

Mark Miller.