How to Make FABRIC BUTTONS (With or Without a Kit)

Did you know you can save some money and a trip to the store by learning how to make fabric buttons? This fast and easy tutorial will show you how to create designer buttons in any size, to match any outfit, in just a few minutes. There are 2 ways to make a fabric button and that is with or without a kit.

Fabric buttons are made by covering a button base with fabric and securing it at the back. You can make them with a button kit or with basic sewing supplies.

Ways to Make Fabric Buttons

Like most sewing, whether you want to use a kit comes down to personal preference. The no kit method is much cheaper as all you need is an old button, and is better when you just need a few buttons on items that will not be washed repeatedly. Kits and button machines cost more, of course, but result in strong, consistently sized buttons.

Here is a comparison table showing the different methods:

Method	Supplies Needed	Best For
No Kit Method	Button, needle, thread, fabric	Small projects
Button Kit Method	Button kit and fabric	Durable buttons
Button Machine	Specialized press	Professional sewing

How to Make Fabric Buttons Without a Machine

The first part of this tutorial will show you how to make fabric buttons without a kit. Watch this really short video on how to make fabric buttons without any kit or machines. You can see just how easy and quick they really are. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more weekly sewing and craft videos.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are the instructions for how to make fabric buttons when you don’t have a kit.

1. Step 1: Measure your button across the center (the diameter)
2. Step 2: Cut a circle with double the diameter of your button. My button was 1 inch (2.5cm) in diameter so I cut a 2 inch (5cm) diameter circle. I just roughly drew the circle. The edges will be hidden so there is no need to worry about it being perfect.
3. Step 3: Thread your needle double and knot the end. Stitch around the outside of the circle with a small running stitch. Get as close to the edge as you can and use quite small stitches to make nice, even gathers.
4. Step 4: Place your fabric wrong side facing up. For flat buttons, place a very small piece of polyester fill in the center of the fabric. Domed buttons may not need the stuffing, or you can just put a smaller amount to suit your taste.
5. Step 5: Put the button in the center of the fabric on top of the fill. For flat buttons, it doesn’t matter which way up the button is placed. Domed buttons should be placed with the dome facing down. Shank buttons should be placed with the shank facing up.
6. Step 6: Gently pull the thread so the fabric gathers around the button.
7. Step 7: Once it is gathered, pull a little tighter and put a few stitches through the back, and knot off the thread. If your button has a shank, make sure the shank is still exposed.

And you are all done and ready to attach your fabric-covered button to something wonderful.

How to Make Fabric Buttons With a Kit

If you are struggling to find the perfect button for your project, why not learn how to make buttons with a kit? Covered buttons are fun to make and look great on clothing, purses, hair accessories, and even jewelry.

Covered button kits can be purchased from most haberdashery and fabric stores or even Amazon and eBay. Popular brands of button kits include Dritz, Birch and Hemline.

Here is a video I made just for you showing you how to make fabric buttons with a kit. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.

1. Identify the Parts

When you look at your covered button pieces you will notice there is a top and a disk (sometimes called a washer) that will be fitted to the back of the button. Most brands include a cutting guide for your fabric.

2. Cut the Fabric into Circles

Cut out fabric circles in the sizes indicated on the kit packaging. If by some accident you have thrown the packet away, then cut the fabric 1 3/4 times (button x 1.75) the diameter of the button. This should give you enough overlap at the sides without being too large.

PRO TIPS –

• Thin fabric – Double up your fabric or line it with some white cotton
• Stretch fabric – cut it a fraction smaller to account for the stretch
• Thick fabric – thicker fabric can sometimes show wrinkles on the edges of the completed button, so moisten the fabric slightly with water to help it stretch into shape.

3. Sew the Edge

Use a basic running stitch to sew around your fabric circle. Stitch close to the edge and leave a 3 inch (7.5cm) tail at each end without knotting them.

4. Insert the Top

Place the top of your button face down on the wrong side of the fabric circle. Pull your threads tight to gather the fabric and secure the ends with a knot. Cut the long threads off.

5. Set the Backing

Now push the back washer over the button loop until it clicks into place. Depending on the brand, there may be one side of the washer which is required to be facing down.

These Hemline brand buttons just required a firm push. Some other brands will include a tool for pushing the back into place. Many years ago, when I first started sewing, most brands required you to push down the back with a cotton reel.

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How to Make Fabric Buttons FAQs

In Conclusion

And there you are, lovely fabric-covered buttons you made yourself. Learning how to make fabric buttons opens up a world of possibilities in your sewing projects. Stay tuned for the next tutorial – how to use your buttons to DIY  hair accessories.

Whether you use a button kit or the no-kit method, fabric-covered buttons are quick to make and add a professional finish to garments, accessories, and home décor items. With just a few scraps of fabric and basic sewing supplies, you can make designer buttons in any size or style. Once you try this easy technique, you may never need to buy matching buttons again.

What are you planning to do with your buttons? Please share your ideas below.

1. Types of Buttons
2. How to Sew a Button – 4 holes, 2 holes and shank
3. How to Sew a Buttonhole – Automatic & Manual
4. How to Sew a Button on a Shirt
5. Alternatives to Buttonholes
6. Button Sizes