How to Make Plastic Buttons

If you can't find the button you need, make your own.

The simple yet useful button can be made from almost any hard material, including plastic. Plastic buttons have the benefit of being attractive as well as strong without becoming overly brittle. Create customized plastic buttons of any size and shape needed for a homemade garment, for clothing repair or for a craft project. In addition, you can design and craft a button to match one missing from a favorite garment.

Things You'll Need

• Meltable craft plastic pellets
• Microwavable mug
• Metal fork
• Toothpick or large sewing needle
• Enamel craft paint

Instructions

1. Fill a mug three quarters full of water and add a quarter cup of meltable plastic pellets. Place the mug in the microwave and cook on high for one minute and thirty seconds. At this point, the plastic should be fully melted and transparent. If not, microwave it for another thirty seconds.

2. Pull out the softened plastic using a metal fork. Let the plastic cool for a few seconds before handling.

3. Tear off about a half teaspoon's worth of softened plastic (adjust this amount if you want a larger button). Place the rest of the plastic back in the hot water so it will stay soft.

4. Roll the plastic into a ball between your flattened palms, then press it into a disc between your thumb and forefinger.

5. Make holes in the plastic with a wet a toothpick or moistened tip of a large sewing needle, using the tip to poke two or four holes in the center of the disc.

6. Give the button a ridge by pinching the edge all the way around (this is a little like crimping a pie crust, but the outside ridge is smooth, not bumpy).

7. Hold the button gently in your fingers as the plastic cools, hardens and turns opaque. Continually re-form the button if it starts to sag or lose its shape while it's still warm. The finished button will retain some fingerprints, but these will be visible only close up.

8. Repeat steps 1-7 for as many buttons as you want to make.

9. Paint buttons with enamel paint, if desired. Wash garments with your homemade buttons in cold water to preserve the plastic and paint.

References

• "Friendly Plastic 101"; Jana Ewy; 2010