Ever wondered how to make covered buttons? They’re the perfect way to make a plain garment look fabulous. They’re really quick and easy to make and when you create them with Liberty Print fabric, especially, they look sensational!
Quick View of What You'll Find on This Page
The Excitement of Small Things
Over the last couple of months, my lovely boy and have been planning The Twinkles naming ceremony.
Given that we are non-religious types, it would have felt hypocritical to have them Christened in a church but, equally, we didn’t want to let their birth pass without marking it in some significant and special way.
A naming ceremony is the perfect thing. Just formal enough to give a real sense of occasion but without any reference having to be made to a third party, who plays no part in our lives — ie god/ the devil/the holy spirt/Jesus.
We’ve already met up with the celebrant who we’ve chosen to conduct the ceremony and, so far, from the examples of work he’s sent over for us to look at, the service is going to be absolutely beautiful. Very moving, very meaningful and very ‘us’.
Perfect.
I’ll write more about it, as it gets closer, and over the next few weeks I’m sure my diary entries will probably be full of plans and thoughts about the babies’ big day.
Self Cover Buttons
I have asked my sister’s mother-in-law — who is a wonderful seamstress — to make a couple of little shirts for the twins to wear on the day and as a finishing touch, I decided I’d like to buy some self cover buttons.
There were a couple of sellers on Etsy but, after doing a bit of research, decided that I would make my own.
After a bit of hunting, I found a great online haberdashery called MacCulloch and Wallis who had everything I needed.
The covered button maker tool is one of the most fantastic inventions of all time! Right up there with smart phones and Sonos.
A couple of little bits of plastic that slot together to enable you to create the most wonderful buttons! Who knew??!
I was in ‘crafty’ heaven! ;)
SO simple — fairly inexpensive — and very, very rewarding.
This is what I did.
How to Make Covered Buttons
1. I bought a metal button making kit and a Prym button maker tool.
The version of self cover button tool I chose can make 5 different sizes of button; 29mm, 23mm, 19mm, 15mm and 11mm.
2. The self cover buttons are supplied with backs and fronts.
You can buy plastic, as well as metal, versions.
3. The only other items you need are a pair of scissors and some lovely fabric.
I chose a Liberty print fabric — Tana Lawn — for the Twinkles shirt buttons.
4. Using the guide on the box, cut a circle to use as a template for your fabric. This is quite a bit larger than the diameter of the buttons.
5. Lay a button front on the wrong-side of the fabric circle.
6. Then pop it into the corresponding sized hole in the button maker mould. I had chosen the smallest size — 11mm.
7. Press it down and fold in all of the edges of the fabric to the middle of the button. I used a cotton bud to do this, because it was fairly fiddly to do by hand!
8. Next, you take the button back and position it over the button clasp.
9. Then place the other half of the button maker over the top of your button back.
10. Simply press down hard until you hear a click. Your button back will now be securely fastened to the front.
11. Pop your newly made button out of the maker.
12. Ta-daaaa! Beautiful fabric covered buttons.
13. Simple.
Make Covered Buttons
Learning how to make covered buttons with a button maker is so satisfying! You can give an outfit a totally new look — it's as easy as pie.
Materials
- Scraps of pretty fabric — I used my favourite Liberty print fabric
Tools
- Pack of self cover buttons
- Button Maker tool
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut a circle to use as a template for your fabric. This is quite a bit larger than the diameter of the buttons. There should be a guide on the button maker tool packaging.
- Lay a button front on the wrong-side of the fabric circle.
- Then place it into the corresponding sized hole in the button maker mould.
- Press it down and fold in all of the edges of the fabric to the middle of the button. I used a cotton bud to do this, because it was fairly fiddly to do by hand!
- Next, take the button back and position it over the button clasp.
- Then place the other half of the button maker over the top of your button back.
- Press down hard until you hear a click. Your button back will now be securely fastened to the front.
- Pop your newly made button out of the maker.
- Admire your handiwork!
Notes
If you're using the smallest sized self cover buttons — as I have here — thin fabric works much better than thick. Tana Lawn Liberty print fabric is absolutely perfect.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
I have made a lot of cross stitch buttons and I always struggle with getting the buttons on nicely. I have never seen a tool like that before and it looks like it would make things so much easier! I am going to have to see if I can find one of them in the US. I love the fabric you chose for your buttons!
Aaah thanks so much Rebecca :) I’m sure that you’d be able to get one of the button makers in the states! I can’t believe how easy it makes everything! Would highly recommend! X
These are really lovely! Who knew it was so simple, I might have to get myself one! I could then add elastic bobbles through the ring on the back to make pretty hair bobbles for my little girl!
It’s the handmade little touches that help to make it extra special and a lovely keepsake :) xx
Thanks Tracy!! I am totally hooked… new shirts for my husband’s shirts, my cardi’s, coats… I am going to be a button making factory!! :) X