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Covered Buttons

I'm about to make new cushions and seat backs for a cane/rattan suite we have in the conservatory. I'm going to need some covered upholstery buttons to keep the cushions and backs in shape.

I've taken a quick look at some 'blank' buttons and disks in the local haberdashery store, looks as though the material is folded into the top of the button, which has a set of teeth poking back into the dome, with the disk then pressed into place to secure the material onto the teeth.

Is this a relatively simple job to complete? Is there a special tool like a die press needed to get the disk to seat into the top of the button dome?

There are quite few companies online who will make them for a few pennies per button if you supply the material. Is this the best way to go?

Any comments please, ladies and gents?

Reply to
The Wanderer
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Dear Richard,

There are two types of covered buttons. The ones with teeth, as you described, are made by cutting a circle according to the template on the package, then gathering around the edge by hand. Place the button on the fabric wrong side against the button, and draw up the gathers. Then put the back on, snapping it in place.

The other type has a little rubber thing into which the fabric is placed, then the button is pushed down into it, causing the fabric to gather by itself. The back is then put on, and the button is popped out of the rubber thing.

Both types are useful and simple to do if you can find the right size for your project.

Teri

Reply to
gjones2938

I used this type for the first time last year. Simple. My fabric was washed silk and I got better results by dampening it prior to assembly.

Notions wall items often go on sale, so you could get all the hardware for less than the postage from an on-line place. And you can make a few extra, just in case.

HTH

--Karen D.

Reply to
Veloise

Kate often has need of covered buttons and has a place she gets them made for what it would cost her to buy the little kits and do it herself. She'll be along to fill you in on the details.

My experience in making covered buttons with the home kits leads to temporary baldness and a pile of hair ripped out in frustration. YMMV.

Reply to
Pogonip

Nowadays I ALWAYS send away for covered buttons to be done! By the time I take into account the cost of the blanks and my time, and the pain doing them causes the hands, it's cheaper and easier and you get better results from professionally covered buttons. :)

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

Got over 100 for 13p each, including P&P, and they were back with me in

3 days! Scary! But the folk who do them for me are fantastic:

SidTrim - 213/219 North Streeet, Leeds LS7 2AA. Phone or fax to 0113

2454673. Email snipped-for-privacy@sidtrim.com

A pal and I sat one afternoon and did 115. We were in such pain after, and suffered so much frustration and so many duff ones (and we're both experiences seamstresses, and do lots of other crafty stuff, so are used to small fiddly work) that we have sworn off them for life! Now they ALL get sent away to the place above!

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Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

Yay! I knew Kate would come to the rescue!!!

Reply to
Pogonip

Ta very much, you've convinced me!

I've seen prices on line in the 25p to 35p range, so he's definitely worth remembering.

Reply to
The Wanderer

They are extremely simple to make. The blank that goes on the back can be pushed on using the hole in a reel of thread.

Reply to
FarmI

I just wanted to mention one other option. If there are any upholstery shops near to you (check the phone book) they would probably have button dies to do these. It's SO fast and easy if you have the dies. The dies not only cover the button, but cut the fabric too. The shops will usually do them for pretty cheap. And if it's a local shop, you would avoid the postage and waiting for the buttons to ship to and fro. ;) See what they would charge if you just bring them some pieces of your fabric.

HTH

Sharon

Reply to
mamahays

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