How to sew on hooks and eyes

Hooks and eyes are hidden fasteners that hold two finished edges together, for example at a neckline or waist above a zip. Use a straight eye where the edges overlap and a round (loop) eye where they just meet.

Pinny's tip

What you'll need

• Hooks and eyes: small sizes for lightweight fabrics, larger ones for heavier fabrics.
• Hand-sewing needle and thread: knot the two ends of one thread together for a double thread.

Step by step

1. Choose a spot where the hook and eye won't show, about 3mm (1/8in) from the edge. Put the hook on the overlap and pin it in place.
2. Hide the knot by making your first stitch under the hook, then take two stitches across its neck.
3. Stitch closely round each wire loop with overhand (whip) or buttonhole stitches, catching only a few fabric threads so nothing shows on the right side.
4. Add about three wrapped stitches over the hook's bill to hold it down.
5. Sew the eye to the other edge with small stitches over each loop. On a round eye, add a few wrap stitches either side of the U so it doesn't swing.
6. Finish each piece with two or three tiny stitches close to it.

Common mistakes

• Stitches showing. Check the outside of the garment as you sew.
• Wrong eye type. A straight eye is for lapped edges and a round eye for edges that meet.
• A wide opening. Use two sets of hooks and eyes.

Watch it done

• Place and Sew Hooks and Eyes Correctly by Threads Sewing on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• How to Sew a Hook and Eye | Sew Anastasia by Sew Anastasia on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Prym: How to Sew On Hooks & Eyes (PDF)
2. New Mexico State University Extension: Fasteners Made Easy (C-232)
3. YouTube: Place and Sew Hooks and Eyes Correctly (Threads Sewing)
4. YouTube: How to Sew a Hook and Eye | Sew Anastasia (Sew Anastasia)