Alexei Volkov
Covering plastic buttons with fabric is an easy and fun project that can be used for almost any project, from lightweight cotton shirts to adding a feature to a headboard. While there are companies that offer button-covering services, it is also possible to cover buttons at home. This can be done with or without a button-covering tool, although using a tool can speed up the process. To cover plastic buttons with fabric, the fabric must be cut into circles slightly larger than the buttons. The fabric is then placed over the button and pushed into the button maker, and the back plate is placed over the fabric and clicked into place.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Button type | Self-cover buttons, flat or domed bottom |
| Button material | Plastic or metal |
| Fabric type | Light to medium weight, linen, cotton |
| Fabric preparation | Iron fabric to remove creases, cut fabric into circles |
| Button tool | Self-cover button tool, rubber/silicone button maker, hand press |
| Button structure | Two parts that snap together |
| Fabric attachment | Sewing, using a needle and thread, or a press |
| Additional tools | Screwdriver, awl, paintbrush, pen, chopstick |
| Fabric coverage | Ensure fabric sits inside the button, trim if necessary |
| Button use | Craft projects, embellishments, upholstery, dressmaking |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
Fabric Weight and Thickness:
Select a light to medium-weight fabric for covering buttons. Very lightweight fabrics, such as cotton lawn or chiffon, may require an extra layer or interfacing to prevent the button's surface from showing through. Thicker fabrics like denim or drill are more suitable for metal buttons, which can securely hold their weight.
Fabric Type and Pattern:
Consider the type of fabric and its pattern or texture. Fabrics with a tight weave, such as cotton or linen, are easy to work with and offer a smooth finish. Fabrics with small patterns or textures allow you to capture interesting details on the button head. If you're using a fabric with a distinct pattern, ensure you cut the fabric in a way that centres the desired part of the pattern on the button.
Fabric Colour:
Choose a fabric colour that complements your project. Consider how the colour will look in combination with the button's base and the overall design of your garment or craft project.
Fabric Preparation:
Before cutting your fabric, ensure it is free of creases by ironing it. This will give your buttons a neat and professional look. If you're using a fabric that frays easily, such as linen, apply interfacing to the back to prevent fraying and add stability.
Fabric Size:
Cut your fabric into circles approximately 1cm (3/8") wider than the button all around. This will give you enough fabric to wrap around the button and secure it neatly.
Fabric Placement:
When wrapping the fabric around the button, ensure it sits neatly and securely. For plastic buttons, you can use a self-cover button tool to help hold the fabric in place. For metal buttons, the fabric can be caught in the teeth at the back of the button, ensuring a firm grip.
Remember to consider the weight, thickness, pattern, and colour of the fabric, as well as preparing and cutting it to the appropriate size. With the right fabric choices, you can create beautiful and functional covered buttons for your projects.
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Using a cover button tool
Covering plastic buttons with fabric can be done with or without a tool. Using a cover button tool can speed up the process, especially for plastic buttons. The Self Cover Button Tool consists of two parts: a soft silicone base and a corresponding hard plastic top. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a cover button tool:
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric
Cut a circle of fabric that is approximately 1 cm (3/8 inch) wider than the button all around. This will ensure that the fabric can be wrapped around the button with ease. If you are using a kit, you can use the provided template to draw and cut out the circle.
Step 2: Assemble the Button and Fabric
Place the fabric face down over the hole in the silicone base, ensuring it corresponds to the size of the button. Then, place the button top face down on top of the fabric circle. Push the button and fabric into the silicone base. You can use a screwdriver, awl, or any other pointed tool to push the fabric into the base neatly and securely.
Step 3: Secure the Button
Take the hard plastic part of the cover button tool and select the size that corresponds to your button. Position it over the button and push the two parts of the tool together until you hear a click, indicating that the button parts are securely snapped together.
Step 4: Finalize the Button
Turn the silicone base over and push the covered button out. You now have a fabric-covered button ready to be sewn onto your desired project.
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Using a press
To use a press, start by cutting a circle in your fabric. The circle should be approximately 1 cm (3/8 inch) larger than the button all the way around. If your fabric is lightweight, you can fuse a layer of lightweight fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric for stability and to prevent the button from shining through. You can also use a fabric marker to trace the button onto the interfacing before cutting it out.
Once you have your fabric circle, place it face down over the silicone base of the button press. Then, place the button top, also known as the button shell or button front, face down on top of the fabric. Push the button and fabric into the silicone base, using a screwdriver, awl, or other pointed tools if needed.
Next, take the hard plastic part of the button press and position it over the button, making sure it corresponds to your button size. Push the two parts of the press together until you hear a click, indicating that the two button parts have snapped together.
Finally, turn the silicone base over and push the button out. You now have a fabric-covered button! This method can be used with both metal and plastic self-cover buttons.
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Sewing a running stitch
First, cut a circle of fabric that is approximately 1cm (3/8") wider than the button all the way around. This will give you enough fabric to fold over the back of the button and keep it in place. If your fabric is thin, consider using two layers or applying interfacing to ensure that the surface of the button is not visible through the fabric. It is also a good idea to iron your fabric first to remove any creases.
Next, fold in the edges of the fabric circle towards the centre, about 1/6 inch, and fingerpress. Then, take a hand-sewing needle with a double strand of strong thread and make running stitches all around the fold. You can also make basting stitches if you prefer. Make sure to work about 3mm (1/8") to 5mm (1/4") from the fabric edge.
Now, place the button onto the fabric and gather it up before pressing the back into place. This will create a neat gather and hold the fabric securely onto the button. Finally, use the thread to stitch through the button once or twice to anchor it in place. Make several back stitches and hide the ends of the thread in the fold.
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Attaching the button
The process of attaching a fabric-covered button depends on the type of button and fabric you are using. Here is a step-by-step guide:
For plastic buttons:
- Cut a circle of fabric that is approximately 1 cm (3/8 inch) wider than the button all around.
- Place the fabric face down over the hole in the silicone base of the button cover tool, ensuring the fabric is centred.
- Place the button top, face down, on top of the fabric circle.
- Push the button and fabric into the silicone base using a screwdriver, awl, or another pointed tool.
- Take the hard plastic part of the button cover tool and position it over the button, ensuring it corresponds to the button size.
- Push the two parts of the tool together until you hear a click, indicating the two button parts are securely connected.
- Turn the silicone base over and push the covered button out.
For metal buttons:
- Cut a circle of fabric that is slightly larger than your button.
- Sew a running stitch near the edge of the fabric circle.
- Place the button onto the fabric and gather it up, ensuring the fabric is smooth and neat.
- Press the button back into place, ensuring the fabric is securely caught in the teeth at the back of the button.
Alternatively, if you do not have a button cover tool, you can attach the fabric to the button using hand sewing:
- Cut a circle of fabric that is slightly larger than the button.
- Using a needle and thread, sew small running stitches around the edge of the fabric circle, about 3-5 mm (1/8-1/4 inch) from the edge.
- Gather the fabric neatly over the front of the button, using small folds to catch the fabric onto the button.
- Pull the thread to tighten the fabric around the button, ensuring it is secure and does not block the button's shank (the loop on the back).
When choosing the type of button and fabric, consider the weight and thickness of the fabric. Metal buttons are stronger and more suitable for heavier fabrics, while plastic buttons are lightweight and work best with thin, lightweight fabrics.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a self-cover button tool, fabric, a button, a soft silicone base, a hard plastic top, a screwdriver or awl, a needle, thread, and scissors.
You should use light to medium-weight fabric. If your fabric is very lightweight, use two layers or apply interfacing to the fabric to ensure that the surface of the button is not visible through the fabric.
First, cut a circle of fabric that is approximately 1cm wider than the button. Place the fabric face down over the hole on the silicone base that corresponds to the size of the button. Then, place the button top face down on top of the fabric circle. Push the button and the fabric into the silicone base and use a screwdriver, awl, or another pointy tool to push the fabric into the silicone base. Place the bottom part of the self-cover button into the silicone base, on top of the fabric, and make sure that the fabric sits inside the bottom part of the button. Take the hard plastic part of the self-cover button tool and position the part that corresponds to your button size over the button. Push the two parts of the tool together until the two button parts click together. Finally, turn the silicone base over and push the button out.
Yes, you can cover plastic buttons with fabric without using a self-cover button tool. One method is to sew a running stitch near the edge of your circle of fabric, place the button onto the fabric, and gather it up before pressing the back into place. Another method is to gather the fabric neatly over the front of the button using small folds and press the button back into place.
You can buy self-cover button tools online or at a local fabric and notion store.
