Who knew something as small as a button could transform a garment into something truly special? Covered buttons are a fantastic way to add a personal, stylish touch to your sewing projects. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, no matter whether you want to add flair to a new garment or give an old piece a fresh update! They can also be used in other craft projects, from accessories to home décor. In this guide, we’ll show you two simple methods for creating your own covered buttons with just a few basic materials. It’s a fun, easy project and perfect for beginners and experienced sewists.
Before we begin, let’s talk about how to choose your fabric and buttons.
Choosing Your Fabric:
Scrap fabrics are your best friend for this project. Not only do they help reduce waste, but they also allow you to match your buttons perfectly to your sewing project. Have some leftover fabric from a dress? Perfect! You can use that to make buttons that seamlessly blend with the garment. Remember, you only need small pieces—so this is a great way to use up those fabric remnants you’ve been saving!
Choosing Your Buttons:
Decide what size buttons you want for your project. Button kits are available in various sizes, so you can pick the size you need. You can also purchase a button kit with multiple sizes. Using the easy-sew method, you can cover any button from your stash. If you can’t find a button in the right color or size, making your own custom ones with fabric is the perfect solution!
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Materials:
- Scrap fabric or fabric of your choice
- Buttons or button kit
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Heat erasable pen
- Glue (fabric glue works best)
- Needle and thread (for the easy-sew method)
- Felt or batting (for the easy-sew method)
Making Covered Buttons with a Kit:
This method is simple and quick, perfect for when you want a polished, professional finish.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pick Your Fabric: Start by selecting a fabric for the project. Medium-weight fabrics like cotton or linen are best, but you can experiment with lighter or heavier materials depending on your desired look.
- TIP! Avoid very thick or heavy fabrics, as they can be tricky to manage with the kit. If you’re working with thicker material, the easy-sew method may be a better choice.
- Cut Your Fabric: Using the template from your button kit, trace and cut a circle of fabric. Make sure it’s slightly larger than your button to allow room for wrapping around the edges.
- Assemble the Button: Place your fabric circle (right side down) over the button mold. Position the button shell on top of the fabric, then press the fabric edges into the shell. Snap the button back into place using the small plastic presser in the kit to secure everything.
- TIP! If the fabric isn’t staying in place or the button isn’t snapping properly, don’t worry. It may take a few tries to get the fabric snug. Practice makes perfect!
- Finish: Pop the button out of the mold, and you’re done! You now have a beautifully covered button ready to be sewn onto your project.
Sew Your Own Covered Buttons:
If you don’t have a button kit, don’t worry—you can still create gorgeous, covered buttons with just a few supplies.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pick Your Fabric and Buttons: Choose the fabric and buttons you want to use. You will also need a circle of scrap fabric, felt, or batting to place underneath your outer fabric. This will add plumpness to your button and give your outer fabric something to hold onto.
- Measure and Cut: Cut a fabric circle larger than your button. You’ll want enough fabric to cover the top of the button and wrap around the edges. Glue your felt or batting onto the button’s top, then apply glue around the edges of the button and press your outer fabric onto it. This will hold everything in place while you sew.
- Sew the Fabric: Thread a needle and knot the end. With the wrong side of the fabric facing you, sew small running stitches around the circle midway between the button edge and the fabric edge.
- Cover the Button: Pull your thread tight, gathering the fabric around the button. Sew around the gathered edge a few more times to secure it. Trim any excess fabric, leaving enough for a fabric “shank” that you can use to sew the button onto your project.
- Finish: Your button is now ready to be attached to your project. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created something uniquely yours!
Projects and Ideas for Using Your Covered Buttons:
Now that you’ve mastered making covered buttons, here are a few creative ways to use them:
- Statement Bags: Cover a plain bag entirely with buttons for a bold, textured design.
- Accent Garments: Add a pop of color by using covered buttons on a jacket, blouse, or dress.
- Decorative Throw Pillows: Match your home décor by covering buttons in fabric that coordinates with your color scheme.
- Jewelry: Make quirky earrings or a necklace using small-covered buttons for a personalized touch.
- Wall Art: Create a stunning piece of wall art by arranging covered buttons in a pattern or design.
We hope we have inspired you to create lots of covered buttons using this guide. Making your own covered buttons is a great way to add a unique touch to any project. Whether you use a button kit for a polished finish or the easy-sew method for a quick and personal touch, you’ll end up with buttons that reflect your style and creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics and techniques—covered buttons are an ideal way to use up fabric scraps and make your projects stand out. So, get creative. The possibilities are endless, and the only limit is your imagination.