Make Your Own Covered Buttons with a Modern Press, or the Hand Sewn Method

Hi Sis,

After hearing failed reports from others, and reading negative reviews on amazon, I bought my first silk covered buttons from Button Barron. They were beautiful, and I really really like fabric covered buttons now.

But, alas it is me we are dealing with. I wanted to make my own covered buttons. Why would I mail fabric somewhere, pay, and wait for them… when, I want them now!!!

I bought a legit button covering machine press. It was about $80.00 on amazon.  I figured with all the clothing we make it would pay for itself in about a year or two. 

I was sorely disappointed. It arrived with the wrong molds, it said it came with a 18, 25, and 30. (I like size 20 buttons, but figured 18 would do… it came with size 30, 40, and 48!!! Like seriously who needs a size 48 button? Thats a flipping pin)

Anyway, it also had the screws crocked and sent me cheap buttons, and I sent that back to where it came… just like the others before me. The box it came looked like it had been tapped up and shipped about 10 times.

Okay, now on with the good stuff. How to make your own silk covered buttons

First, buy your materials. You will need to get a kit the the button mold and press… if you don’t have one. Your choices are

  • pad back buttons – these are flatter buttons. Personally, I prefer these.
  • shank buttons 
  • various sizes. I used a size 20.

Other supplies, include your fabric and some kind of pad to help save your hand. I used a piece of felt folded up.

Step 1: Cut out your pattern. Cut it a bit larger actually then the pattern given to you with your buttons. Also, cut two layers of fabric!!! Silk taffeta is not thick enough in one layer, to hold. 

Step 2: Press it down into the mold. Then take the press, and run it along the edges and press everything down towards the center.

Step 3: Actually, press the shank down with the press. Press it like you mean business. I recommended a hand pad for this reason

pressure made by making just one button. Multiple buttons will really make your hand/fingers sore.

There you go! Now you have buttons easy peasy.

Working with Wool or other Fabric that Frays? Use glue, take scissors and cut flat to get rid of any frays that are sticking out. 

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Hand Sewn (The Historical Way)

For some reason, I didn’t think to try the historical method. I saw a video on it recently, and thought, “Oh, that looks easy!” The press is a fidgety thing, and it hurts my hands. With this method I had my seven buttons in no time, with zero stress and happy hands! I also like the pad back. Shanks stick out, catch onto things, and press into you.

Step 1: Is to cut out your fabric a bit bigger than your button mold, and round the edges. Naturally, for historical purposes they didn’t have plastic buttons as molds! hehehehe But, I have those in abundance, so it happened.

Step 2: About 1/8 of an inch away run a running stitch around the edge of the circle. Pop in your button mold, and drawl it shut. Use your needle to sew it together, and yank taunt enough that your fabric is nice and smooth on the front side.

Enjoy your buttons! You can sew them directly on with the tail that you used to make the button. But, I do suggest securing it with a few knots first. That way it will not fall apart if you have to remove it from your garment. 




 

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