I’ve been making a lot of covered buttons lately, to turn into adoption fundraiser earrings. Today I wanted to share with you a basic tutorial on how to make fabric covered buttons. It’s so easy to do as long as you have the right tools!
Supplies:
Dritz and Maxant are two companies that specialize in cover button kits. When purchasing a kit, make sure you pay attention to the size of the buttons (size 18-60, typically). You’ll also want to buy a kit with the mold and pusher (the white and blue pieces), and not just refill buttons.
The buttons I’m making here are size 20, and they are about a half inch in diameter. Sizes 24 through 45 are common in craft stores and quilt shops, but you will likely need to shop online for other sizes. Take note of the button style, as there are two main types: flat buttons and half-ball buttons, which are rounder like pearl buttons. I’m making flat buttons.
Gather some scraps of fabric. I’m using a thick linen/cotton blend, but you can also use regular quilting fabric to cover buttons. If you discover that your fabric is too thin, you may want to first iron on some fusible interfacing to the back side of the fabric so the shiny aluminum buttons don’t show through.
You’ll need a pair of scissors, which you may use to cut the pattern piece of the appropriate size from the cardboard back of the button kit. Don’t throw this away; I recommend storing all spare button parts along with your kit in separate baggies labeled with the size.
Covering Buttons
1. Cut a circle of fabric to the size of template on back of button kit box. You’ll want to choose a print that’s the right size for your button. 2. Place printed side of fabric face down on top of button mold. 3. Place button upside down on top of fabric circle. 4. Use blue pusher to move button and fabric deep into the mold, as far as possible.
5 and 6. Remove pusher and use your fingers to fold edges of fabric down. Make sure all sides are even. If not, fabric will poke out the edges of the finished button. If your fabric is uneven, just pop out the button and try again. 7. Once fabric is pressed to the center of the button, place button back on top of the button mold with the loop side facing up. 8. Use the pusher to secure button back to the button.
9. Use your fingers to bend the button mold, and your covered button should easily pop out. Repeat with the remaining buttons.
You can use these fabric buttons to decorate clothing and accessories or change out the button backs to make jewelry, push pins, and lots more. If making jewelry, you’ll want to find buttons with flat backs, or else you’ll have to remove the button loop with pliers before gluing on your earring posts, bobby pins, push pins, and so forth. Have fun!
19 comments
So FUN! 🙂 Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday and have a great week!
Very cute! It’s fun to see the different looks you can get from one fabric!
I just love covered buttons for so many things! And it is great that it only takes just a tiny bit of fabric!
Great little tutorial! Making covered buttons is on my to do list!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
https://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
These are soo cute! I’ve seen lots of stuff using these. I MUST buy some! Thanks for sharing!
Yay! I’m keeping this tutorial – I’ve never made fabric buttons but I want to! I think I even have the kit somewhere in my house…
Oh the ideas for these are endless! I never knew they were so easy to make, I defiantly want to try them now! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I LOVE these! Will definitely be using this tutorial, thanks!
I pinned this- I love how you have the pin it button on the bottom of your post- I will have to steal this for my blog!
Karen, check out the Pin It Button for websites easy form at https://pinterest.com/about/goodies/. You have to create one for each post, but it’s pretty easy to do!
What a GREAT tutorial…thanks for the inspiration!
Deborah (happily visiting from
https://upcyclingmylife.blogspot.com)
I love the fabrics you chose. I really should get a kit, they turn out lovely! Thanks for linking up with DIY under $5!
Thank you for linking up at bacon time. I love covered button earrings and have a kit to make them. I love the fabric you used for these. Good luck with your fundraiser. Hope you will join us each week the linky.
They are super cute!
Eva
We are featuring your project at the start of another What I Made Wednesday Party! Come and join us & grab a button!
Alisa
Sweet Peas and Bumblebees
love these. too cute!
pleas i will like to know how i can buy your mould in large quantitypls get back to asap
Great tutorial and your fabrics are so cute!! Where do you get your fabrics from?