Button jointing is a quick, easy and effective way of attaching limbs to your stuffed animals.  One of the benefits of this sewing technique is that it makes the limbs movable while remaining secure.  Using decorative buttons can also add visual appeal to your new stuffie.

If you are making your toy for a small child, eliminate the button, as they can be a choking hazard.  Simply follow the same steps without the buttons.

To attach limbs using the button jointing method, use the following steps and supplies.

Button jointing supplies:

1. long dollmaker's needle

2. buttons

3. six-strand embroidery floss (in a color matching your button)

Button jointing steps:

1. Take the dollmaker's needle and thread it with embroidery floss. Tie a double knot in the end of the length of thread and trim close to the knot.

2. Start by threading the needle through one side seam of the toy's body at the desired location, right through the body and out the other side seam at the same limb level.

3. Thread the needle through one of the limbs, about 3/4 inch down from the top limb edge, through one of your buttons and then back through all the layers again to the other side. Here, thread the needle through your remaining limb and button and return again, through the body, to the other side.

4. Continue in the same way, taking the needle through all the layers a few times, until you have achieved a strong attachment. Tie off your thread and sink the knot into the limb.