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Tutorial: Handmade Covered Buttons

June 29, 2010 by Michele

I LUV covered buttons! Have you noticed a spike in their popularity recently? I have. I’m paying attention over here ya know. So I devised this handy tutorial that avoids the trip to the button store altogether and allows you to make these little babies with stuff from around the house.
Let’s do it!
You will need the following:
  1. fabric scrap
  2. needle and thread
  3. polyester batting (not shown)
  4. flat plastic (I keep the plastic packaging that comes my way for craft purposes)
  5. felt scrap
  6. narrow ribbon
  7. circle template or round thing
  8. pencil or marker
  9. scissors
  10. craft glue

To begin, draw out 2 circles on your plastic. Cut them out. If your plastic is too thick it’ll be difficult to cut out. I use thin, cuttable plastic and layer a few pieces to make it sturdy.
Put a dab of glue on one of your plastic circles.
Place your second circle on top. Let dry.
Draw a circle from your chosen fabric that is about twice as wide as your little plastic circles.
Cut it out! No really, cut the fabric circle out. With a needle and thread, sew a running stitch all around the edge of the circle.
Pull up the ends of the thread just enough to make a little fabric cup.
In your little cup, layer a few pieces of batting. On top of that, place your glued plastic circles.
Now pull up the thread ends tightly so that the fabric comes around and over the batting and plastic circles. Tie the ends tightly.
If you flip the thing around, it should now look like a button! But, patience, we’re not done quite yet…
Trim the excess thread. (One handed photography, not too shaky, eh?)
Cut out a little felt circle, slightly smaller than your button. Take a large needle and a short piece of narrow ribbon. Thread your needle with the ribbon.
Create a button shank by sewing your ribbon through the centre of the felt circle as shown in the next photo.
Trim the excess ribbon.
Here’s a shot of the shank.
Next, sew your ribbon down onto the felt so that it stays in place.
Then put a whole whack of glue on this side of the felt. This will hold the felt to the button and will help keep the ribbon shank intact as well.
Place your gluey felt circle on the button bottom.
Here’s a side view.
Using some nice matching thread or embroidery thread, blanket stitch the edge of the felt to the button.
And that’s it! You are DONE! A beautiful inexpensive covered button!

I made a whole bunch of them…
They are kinda addictive…

Let the button-making begin!
I’m joining a few link parties today:
Get Your Craft On at Today’s Creative Blog and also Lucky Linky Tuesday at Lucky Star Lane!

Filed Under: plastic crafts, plastic crafts, reuse, sewing, sewing, Tutorials Tagged With: buttons, covered buttons, crafts, fabric, stash busting, tutorial

Previous Post: « Tutorial: Toilet Roll Flower Brooch and Ornament
Next Post: The Boy’s Teacher Gift »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ariane says

    June 29, 2010 at 6:22 pm

    I love those!!!!! They are amazing!!!

  2. Catherine says

    June 29, 2010 at 8:33 pm

    Gosh this is going to save me money and frustration when I need covered buttons and can't get to the shops. I just bought a covered button kit for 1 1/2" buttons, 2 buttons for $6.00!! Thanks for taking the time to do this tutorial!

  3. elise engh says

    June 29, 2010 at 10:17 pm

    Those are really really cute! I want to try this out when I get a chance.

  4. Brynwood Needleworks says

    June 29, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    Michele:
    I don't know whether or not you're a Button Floozie. I am, and if you're not, and would like me to, I'd gladly write about this post and link back to you here. Just let me know via email. It's a great tutorial!
    xoxo
    Donna

  5. a good yarn says

    June 30, 2010 at 7:58 am

    Well worth the effort and much nicer than the ones in the kit you buy at the store. These are gorgeous! Ann 🙂

  6. Country Wings in Phoenix says

    July 8, 2010 at 6:45 pm

    Hi Michele Sweetie…
    While visiting Donna over at Brynwood Needleworks this morning she said you had a tutorial today for the button floozies and I just had to pop over so I could get the steps noted down somewhere. Oh I thank you so much for these instructions. You made it seem so simple. Great instructions.

    I have signed up to follow your blog, as I can't wait to see what you share next. Please stop over and say hi. I would be so thrilled to have you follow my blog as well. I love meeting new friends and sharing creative ideas.

    Country hugs sweetie…Sherry

  7. antmee says

    July 9, 2010 at 7:51 am

    Thank you for sharing such an awesome tutorial! I love making covered buttons but when the urge strikes it's usually a Sunday and the shops are shut! Now, thanks to your generosity, no more frustrations and happy times!

  8. Mrs A. says

    July 9, 2010 at 10:01 am

    Dang! Just wished I had read this first as I have just bought some of those metal pesky things to make a covered button. This is great.
    I have found you through Button Floozies and will now be following you too. Stop by and say hello sometime if you have a spare moment.

  9. andrea creates says

    July 9, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    over from button floozies 🙂
    these look really nice!

  10. nima says

    July 11, 2010 at 6:30 am

    wow…that's very creative…

  11. Kandi says

    July 11, 2010 at 7:58 am

    How lovely, thank you this will save me paying a small fortune for the plastic buttons to cover!
    Kandi x

  12. Jensters says

    July 11, 2010 at 8:26 am

    What a great tut and i just love buttons so will be defo making some of these when the need comes…..thanks for sharing.

  13. Liszha says

    July 11, 2010 at 8:28 am

    Super! I just bought a package of the metal thingies too but I am sure they will come in handy one day but today I am gonna try making your buttons. They are just super! Thanks for sharing this with us!

  14. KaHolly says

    July 11, 2010 at 10:17 am

    Aren't YOU the clever one! Thanks for this great tutorial! ~karen

  15. BubzRugz says

    July 11, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    I love these buttons and I can see why they would become addictive – I can't wait to try them…….

  16. Graciela says

    July 11, 2010 at 12:24 pm

    Que buen tutorial gracias!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  17. Sheila says

    July 11, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    What a terrific idea , I really have to give these a try as often I have the problem of not having that perfect button for a project ,thanks so much for being so clever .

  18. Simone de Klerk says

    July 11, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    Splendid!

  19. grammy and papi says

    July 11, 2010 at 6:09 pm

    LOVE your tutorial…you are sooooo smart. Plan to use this idea for sure!!

    Have a God Filled Day
    Shirley

  20. Cook Clean Craft says

    July 11, 2010 at 10:13 pm

    Great tutorial! Now I have to check out the rest of your blog!

  21. Quilary says

    July 12, 2010 at 12:13 am

    Marvellous tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing your cleverness

  22. Jenny says

    July 12, 2010 at 7:13 am

    THanks for that, I'm always needing buttons. Found you through Freebies for Crafters, am now a follower!

  23. Kim says

    July 12, 2010 at 2:12 pm

    Very clever! But while recycling is a great idea, I like to make things that I can wash and dry easily. I think I'd use heat resistant template plastic instead of plain plastic, that way they'll survive the laundry. Thanks for the lesson!

  24. elliesue says

    July 12, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    Thank you for sharing, this is a great tute!

  25. NancyB85374 says

    July 13, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    Thank you! Love these. I can see using these on lots of projects.

  26. BubzRugz says

    July 15, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    Hi Michele, just to let you know I have linked one of my posts to your button tutorial….. wanted to share a great idea. Hope you can come by and have a peek! Hugz

  27. Karthika Sen says

    July 16, 2010 at 4:26 am

    awesome ….

  28. Mascottblog says

    July 16, 2010 at 10:58 am

    Lovely ! Thank you !

  29. slmpetersen says

    July 17, 2010 at 12:37 pm

    This is fantastic! I will be linking back to your post sometime next week! Thanks for sharing. Oh, and I found you through Totally Tutorials.

  30. Ann says

    July 17, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    I just saw your buttons on totally tutorials. I love these and how perfect that you can just use up things you already have laying around the house. This one is going in my stumble favorites 🙂

  31. The Answer Is Chocolate says

    July 17, 2010 at 1:33 pm

    Brilliant! Thank you!

  32. Tru@TRU TALES FEATS says

    July 17, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    This is most excellent. I've been wanting to find a way to make buttons without buying a kit. This is a bookmark for sure!

  33. Tru@TRU TALES FEATS says

    July 17, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    P.S. I'm your newest follower

  34. manos de chicureo says

    July 17, 2010 at 3:36 pm

    thanks for sharing this wonderful idea.
    I'll do it.
    Yasmin
    http://www.patchworkmipasion.blogspot.com

  35. Nana's Fun Stuff says

    July 17, 2010 at 5:30 pm

    What a great idea!! Your tutoria was perfect 🙂 Thanks for sharing that idea. Have a great day!

  36. Anna M. says

    July 17, 2010 at 6:52 pm

    That is so cool, and it's much easier than those button kits. And quieter, I usually have to use a hammer when making buttons.

  37. Gina says

    July 18, 2010 at 1:57 am

    LOL! I just bought a button kit too but I have some anyway. Love this idea. Here's another option – before gluing the two plastic circles together, drill a center hole in one (maybe even with just a hot needle?), then stick a loop of heavy gauge wire through the hole with the loop on the "outside" and the end pieces "inside". Then glue the two together. Might have to adapt the back felt a bit, but if you wanted something sturdier than a ribbon, it might work.

  38. Heather says

    July 19, 2010 at 2:05 am

    awesome idea. wish I would have read this 2 years ago. I linked your post up to my blog. http://callmecraftymomma.blogspot.com/
    Lots of free tutorials to share.

  39. janimal says

    July 19, 2010 at 4:05 pm

    Oh how great! Found you from Totally Tutorials and I am so glad I did. Well done!

  40. georgie says

    July 20, 2010 at 6:09 pm

    What a great tutorial I shall have to give those buttons a go they look just fab!
    Thanks for the tutorial.
    Georie x

  41. jayne says

    August 1, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    Great tutorial – I love covered buttons. I will try these today. Thanks!

  42. Crafty Gardener says

    August 5, 2010 at 11:29 pm

    fabulous idea and great tutorial, thanks for sharing

  43. joselia.goes says

    August 12, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    Ótima idéia , com certeza vou usá-lo , graças

  44. Ruth & Asher says

    August 15, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    those are so cute and I always have those supplies on hand.
    Thanks for sharing
    Hammer & Thread

  45. Ruth & Asher says

    August 15, 2010 at 7:45 pm

    Those are so cute and I always have the supplies on hand. Thanks for sharing
    Hammer & Thread

  46. KJ@letsgoflyakite says

    August 28, 2010 at 11:24 am

    Your projects amaze me, so resourceful. These would be great as a fabric flower embellish for flowers.

  47. Hands to Work, Hearts to God says

    October 9, 2010 at 8:47 am

    Clever! Patsy from
    HeARTworks

  48. Clothmatters says

    October 10, 2010 at 3:00 pm

    Thanks for sharing your button tutorial. Well done!
    Connie

  49. Nancy says

    October 12, 2010 at 4:04 am

    What a spectacular tutorial!!! thoroughly entertaining and inspiring!!! TFS!!!

  50. zoe.k. says

    October 25, 2010 at 4:14 pm

    AWESOME!!!
    Your tutorial is absolutely amazing and very very helpful!
    Thank you!

  51. miriansabio says

    October 25, 2010 at 8:20 pm

    Hi michele!!!

    Your Blog is wonderful!!! I´m brazilian sewing crafter , and patchwork loved !!! your tutorial of buttons are realy cool, i´m be make this. thanks for all ideas. Congratulations!!

  52. GeorgiaBabydoll says

    November 10, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    I can't believe this! Amazing creativity. I always throw that plastic away! I have both a Sizzix and Cricut machine which would make really fast work of cutting those small circles! And plenty of scrap fabric, felt and paper. I'll never buy decorative buttons again for scrapbooking embellishments or for my clothes that need buttons replaced! This is awesome; the best thing I've seen all month. Thank you!

  53. DM says

    November 12, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    ça y est, Michèle, j' ai enfin essayé ton tuto … Je m'en suis bien inspirée pour faire différents boutons !!! Merci !!!

  54. ccsinspirations says

    December 2, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    This is amazing! With no sewing store in my area, it is hard to find good buttons. Now I can have amazing buttons whenever I want! Thankyou…

  55. {Ross} says

    December 15, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    Ma sono bellissimi!!!! Grazie mille per il tutorial!!!

  56. Daisie says

    December 16, 2010 at 2:11 am

    These are fan-flippin-tastic!!! I can't wait to make a bunch of buttons! Thank you!!!

  57. Leigh the sewing diva says

    January 3, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    thank you thank you thank you!!!!
    I'm going to make some of these and put magnets on the back to make fridge magnets!
    Leigh xx

  58. Andréa Cabral de Oliveira says

    February 1, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    I loved it. very good !!!!!!!!!!!

  59. MeredithJean says

    February 2, 2011 at 1:58 am

    What a gorgeous series of photos accompany this tutorial. For many of us pictures tell it so much better than words. You have done a wonderful job and your results are beautiful.

  60. Criações da marcia says

    February 5, 2011 at 11:03 pm

    Nossa amei essa ideia parabens!

  61. Michele says

    February 6, 2011 at 12:01 am

    olá chara adorei seu blog muitas idéias essa do botão eu vou fazer depois coloco no meu blog para vc ver estou te seguindo e divulgando seu blog na minha lista de favoritos bjs

  62. Anonymous says

    February 17, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    Muito boa a tua idéia! Adorei! bjussss…Deise

  63. Rosana Garcia Hess says

    March 23, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    Great tutorial…thanks…I´ll feature on my blog. hope you don´t mind.
    hugs from Brazil

  64. Divya N says

    March 23, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    great….I wasted a lot of time trying to find metal bases for my buttons…This is something that I'll definetely try…Thanks a lot Michele

  65. Johanne says

    May 23, 2011 at 6:57 am

    Just what I was looking for! Starting right away making 9 for decorating my string quilt. Thnks!

  66. Shanda says

    June 20, 2011 at 10:44 pm

    I love this idea! I love the look of covered buttons but hate always buying the stupid not so cheap kit. I am so happy you posted this!

  67. Kerri says

    August 7, 2011 at 2:39 am

    thanks so much for sharing your wonderful tutorial! I was going to purchase an expensive kit to get me started but now I have everything I need in my stash!!!
    they look great and you are a genius!!!!

  68. Kerri says

    August 11, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    hi again Michelle!

    I made 50 of your buttons today and they are on my blog with a bit of a tutorial as to how I made mine! I have also linked your tutorial to my post!
    http://www.myscrapnaddiction.wordpress.com
    thanks so much for sharing your creativity!
    Kerri x

  69. Jamie B says

    January 22, 2012 at 7:01 pm

    These fabric covered buttons you have made are adorable! How clever that you made them with things from around your house. I hope it's okay, I just couldn't help but share this post on my button crafts round-up hub here:

    http://jamiebrock.hubpages.com/hub/Super-Cute-Button-Crafts-Tutorial-Round-Up?done

    Thanks SO much for sharing!!

    Jamie

  70. Ro artes says

    March 25, 2012 at 7:08 pm

    genial adorei

  71. Juliana Mendes says

    May 24, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    adorei a ideia obrigada por compartilhar bjs

  72. Made by Mila says

    October 19, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Awesome! If using for the center of hair bows or flowers, you would not even have to.add the felt or ribbon. Just glue onto.center after covered. Love it! Thanks!

  73. temmyblizzscripts says

    March 17, 2016 at 8:49 am

    Awesome way to save money.

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I am ecstatic if you choose to link to this site, use a brief description, one photo, or link back to any of my posts. Do not republish entire posts without my permission. Tutorials, patterns and printables are for your personal use only and are not to be used to make items for sale. Thank you.

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