How to make fabric buttons.

My previous blog entry shows my bundles of fabric that I introduced to my Etsy shop which was initially used to make fabric buttons but I no longer have the time to do so! I also showed a few buttons I made... but now I want to show HOW to actually make them! All you need are scissors, needle, thread, cover buttons, fabric and a minute!First up, the cover buttons. You can get them in plastic or metal. Plastic ones are best for sewing onto lightweight garments after they have been covered as to not drag on the fabric, they are also cheaper to buy. Metal cover buttons are specifically good if you want to cover and put them with heavier fabrics such as corduroy or velvet, as the teeth in the cap will help secure it a lot better than plastic ones. When I need metal ones, I always just go for Prym branded ones. Cover buttons are available at all haberdashery stores, or just look for 'plastic/metal self cover buttons' online. The cover buttons come in two parts... one is where the fabric will cover it, the other part will lock into it to hold the fabric inside.Step 1:
Cut a circle out of the fabric with a 1cm (0.39") space around the size of button you have. It doesn't have to be perfect. Thread your needle, making sure to leave some extra thread at the start, and sew a circle on the fabric, I usually do half of the width between the button and fabric edge... but it depends on the person, the more you do it, the more you'll know what works best for you. Don't knot the start or end of your thread, and have them on the same side of the fabric when you're done sewing as it will be better for step 3.Step 2:
Neatly trim around the edge of the sewn circle, but not too close because if you're using delicate fabric, it will rip at the next stage. I just trim a good amount off so that it isn't bulky.Step 3:
Place the button in the middle, hold the two loose ends of the sewn circle and pull, this gathers the fabric which wraps around the button. I usually find it's easier to have the two loose ends of thread on the underside when pulling. I then usually wrap the thread around the shank of the button to keep it secure. Of course, if your fabric has a distinct right and wrong side, the thread ends should come out on the right side, if you choose to do it my way. This will make more sense when you come to do it!Step 4:
Then, get the second component, the cap, and click it on! Simple as that! This will keep all the fabric inside. Make sure the fabric is tightly wrapped in before you click the cap on or there will be loose fabric peering from the edges and that doesn't look very pretty! You might not get it the first time but keep trying and it's the easiest thing. Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions if you're finding it confusing! (Either reply to this entry or use the 'contact' button on my left sidebar.)