Buttons come in a kaleidoscope of shapes, colors, and sizes. There are buttons to suit every need and taste. They add the finishing touch to a handmade item. Typically considered a closure, these can also serve many decorative functions.
Types of Buttons
There are several basic button types. These are flat, shank, and covered. Flat buttons are a sew-through, all-purpose type with either two or four holes. They’re preferred for thin and medium weight fabrics.
Shank buttons come in various shapes. These have a metal shank on the back. They’re excellent for thick or heavy fabrics, especially for coats and outerwear.
Covered buttons are very special. For an elegant touch, cover them with the same fabric as the garment. When the back part is snapped over the fabric-covered front, the raw edge of the fabric is concealed.
Choosing a Button Size
Buttons come in an amazing array of sizes. Select an appropriate size when making clothing. The smallest ones are usually used for men’s shirts and women’s blouses. This size tends to be fairly delicate looking.
For dresses, several sizes are suitable. These include 5/8 to ¾ of an inch. These sizes are also good for lightweight knits. For blazers and dress jackets, ¾ or 7/8 inch buttons are preferred.
Use large buttons for coats. They should be an inch or more across. This size is also useful for heavy, bulky knits.
Consider the wearer when selecting a button size. Some folks, especially those with hand problems, find large buttons easier to handle.
Button Shapes and Colors
While some buttons are a single color, others are multi-colored. There are even hand painted buttons.
Novelty buttons are available in many shapes and colors. A recent Home-Sew Inc. catalog featured three pages of fancy shapes.
Even the flat, sew-through buttons come in unusual shapes. These include hearts, stars, and snowflakes.
Shank buttons feature a variety of shapes and colors. Some look like flowers, teddy bears, lady bugs, butterflies, and other animals.
Making Buttons
If you can’t find what you want in stores or online, make your own buttons. Various craft techniques can be used to create buttons. Ideas include clay buttons, wood buttons, and crocheted buttons. Buttons can also be made from flat sea shells, acorns, pieces of flat bone, and flat nut shells.
Caring for Special Buttons
Not all buttons are washable. This is especially true for plain, unvarnished wood and special painted ones. In such cases, the buttons should be removed before laundering the item. If you wish to avoid this special care, reserve such buttons for things that aren’t used every day.
Buttons for Embellishments
Buttons are used widely for decoration. All sorts of home decorating accessories can be embellished with buttons. Examples include throw pillows, guest towels, wall hangings, quilts, and curtains. Buttons can also adorn fashion accessories and clothing, such as t-shirts, vests, and purses.
 |
 |
