How to Make Custom Clothes Buttons

Custom-made buttons

Creating custom-made buttons for clothing adds a special touch to any garment. They can be made for men's, women's and children's clothing as well as for doll clothes and craft projects. Buttons can be made with fabric that complements the garment being sewn or to replace buttons on an existing or new shirt, dress, skirt or bag. They can also be made in varying sizes to fit any size buttonhole.

Things You'll Need

• Button cover kit Button maker holder Fabric Scissors Spool (for pressing)

Instructions

1. Choose fabric to complement or match the garment or craft item the custom-made buttons will be used on. Lay the fabric flat, right side down. On the fabric, place one button shell from the kit, outside down, hollow side up, and mark a circle around the shell on the wrong side of the fabric twice the diameter of the button. Repeat the process for the number of buttons to be made. Cut out the circles with scissors.

2. Place the button maker holder flat side down, hollow side up. Lay one fabric circle on top so that it overlaps evenly around the holder, right side down.

3. Place one button shell on top of the fabric circle and push into the button maker holder. If the excess fabric around the button holder is not even, push the button shell out and try again.

4. Tuck the fabric around the button maker holder with your fingers. Place the button back (from the kit) on top. Place the metal pusher on top of the button back. Push down with the spool (loop on the button back will fit inside the spool hole) to secure the fabric inside and snap in place.

5. Pop out the custom-made button by pushing the back of the button maker holder. Proceed the same way for all the buttons to be created.

Tips & Warnings

• Button cover kits contain a metal pusher, button backs and button shells. They can be purchased at fabric stores and department stores that carry sewing supplies such as Wal-Mart. The button maker holder is usually sold separately. Button kits sometimes have round patterns on the back of the package to cut and use as a guide for cutting fabric. When cutting lightweight fabrics, use two thicknesses. If the fabric is heavy, trim the fabric circle to reduce bulk.

Resources

• Supplies for button cover kits