How to Make Dorset Buttons
comments (28) March 6th, 2009After you've worked your way around the circle a few times, you'll begin to see the crosswheel pattern emerging.
If you're making a one-color button, then just keep working this weaving stitch until you've covered the entire center of the button. Then you can use the finishing step at the bottom of this post.
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To add a new color, place the end of the new strand alongside the old strand. |
However, just for fun, I'll show you how to add a second color to the weaving! Cut about 70 inches of a contrasting color yarn. Remove the needle from the original color and thread it onto the new color. Then, lay the ends of the two strands next to each other and use your fingers to anchor them against the back of the button for a moment.
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Continue the weaving stitch with the new color. |
Continue the weaving process with the new color. When you've finished one row, take those two loose ends you've been holding and place them along the back of the nearest spoke. Keep holding them there while you weave a few more rows.
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The two loose ends will be caught in the weaving stitch. |
Here's a view from the back of the button. When you stitch around that spoke, those loose ends will be caught in the weaving, which anchors them. When you've finished the button, you can cut them off close to the work.
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Pass the needle under the weaving on the back of the button to finish. |
When you've covered the center of the button with weaving, flip it over to the back and pass the needle under the back of the weave. Then, cut it close to the work.
Incidentally, if you like the way this side of the button looks, you can use it this way instead.
To sew this button to a garment, use a matching thread or floss and stitch right through the center of the button a few times.
Variations: Once you've mastered this technique, try adding more spokes, or varying the pattern of the weaving stitches. If you look at the large turquoise button at the top of this post, you'll see that I added a little embroidery around the edges and in the center. You could make a button from two thin strands of yarn in two different colors, worked together. You could add some metallic thread accents. And your buttons can also turn into things like jewelry elements, collage pieces, embellishments for sofa cushions—there are so many possibilities! You might also enjoy these beaded Dorset buttons.
After you make this project, show off your work to other members!
Post your project in the gallery













Comments (28)
Posted: 1:31 pm on February 21st
Posted: 6:54 pm on October 29th
Posted: 10:27 pm on September 30th
Today I posted an entry on my blog with a link to this tutorial.
Would you let me know if that's OK?\
Thanks,
Nancy Ward
http://paperfriendly.blogspot.com
Posted: 9:22 pm on July 21st
Posted: 3:29 pm on June 8th
thank you ~
Posted: 4:36 am on June 4th
Hi!
Thanks a lot for the tutorial! I have been experimenting with this. Have a look at the gallery:
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/48299/dorset-button-hair-clips
Posted: 9:13 am on May 30th
Posted: 11:53 pm on April 7th
Posted: 5:06 pm on March 21st
Posted: 11:39 am on March 17th
Posted: 1:22 pm on March 15th
Ya Hoo!!!!!
Posted: 11:11 am on March 15th
Posted: 11:05 pm on March 14th
Posted: 10:43 pm on March 14th
Posted: 10:26 am on March 14th
Posted: 8:58 am on March 14th
Posted: 6:36 pm on March 10th
Posted: 6:43 am on March 10th
Thank you, what a great tutorial, these are lovely .. and I agree with the other poster .. awesome fingernails. :-)
Posted: 12:50 am on March 10th
Posted: 11:32 am on March 9th
Posted: 5:19 pm on March 8th
Posted: 11:20 pm on March 7th
Posted: 4:01 pm on March 7th
Posted: 9:05 am on March 7th
Posted: 1:36 am on March 7th
Posted: 7:43 pm on March 6th
Posted: 2:45 pm on March 6th
Posted: 12:53 pm on March 6th