How to Embroider Your Own Buttons

Erika Kern, contributor

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A bit of embroidery turns simple fabric-covered buttons into mini works of art.

Erika Kern

Three different techniques make three beautiful buttons. Top: Bunny, following the pattern from a bunny-printed fabric. Middle: Poppy, a freehand drawing of your own pattern. Bottom: Lazy daisies and French knots.

Erika Kern

All the tools and material you'll need for this project.

Erika Kern

A bit of embroidery turns simple fabric-covered buttons into mini works of art.

Photo: Erika Kern

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Yea! I'm embroidering again! It feels like ages since I've had the chance to post an embroidery project, but as soon as I heard we were doing buttons, I knew I could work my crafty love into the theme. Here are three ways to add embroidery to fabric-covered buttons, turning them from simple button to art piece in less than an hour.

Here's what you'll need:

• Scrap fabric (solids or patterns, whatever you like)
• Circle template or compass and paper
• Pencil
• Embroidery floss (I used six-strand floss for the bunny and flower and pearl cotton floss for the lazy daisies)
• Needles
• Covered-button kit (I used a 1-1/2-inch button kit)

Three different techniques make three beautiful buttons. Top: Bunny, following the pattern from a bunny-printed fabric. Middle: Poppy, a freehand drawing. Bottom: Lazy Daisies and French knots.

I used 1-1/2-inch covered-button forms. For a button this size, you will need a circle that's 2-1/2 inches in diameter. If you use a different size button, use the pattern on the back of the package as the guide for the circle you need to draw.

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Comments (23)

MomaDeb writes: New at fabric covered button, but have found using 505 spray helps to keep the fabric from sliding. I wish I could hand embroidery that beautiful. Better stick to machine embroidery instead.
Posted: 8:09 pm on April 11th

erika_kern writes: Ha! I wish I could embroider on wood. That would be awesome!!!

Thank you all for all the kind words, you rock.
Posted: 10:37 pm on March 23rd

Maureclaire writes:
Fabulous ! Love it ! but, OMG, when I first looked at the picture of the poppy being embroidered, it looked like you were doing it on wood; and, I was like... HOW in the WORLD..... LOL
Posted: 11:14 pm on March 22nd

beaderonboard writes: What a clever idea.
I haven't embroidered in a long time, now I have a good excuse to do it again.
They would also make great pins.
Thank You for sharing.
Posted: 3:07 pm on March 22nd

pinkroses writes: Those are so pretty
love to embroidery
yours is so pretty. pinkroses
Posted: 1:33 pm on March 22nd

lorrwill writes: Yep, agree with everyone else, this is just awesome and brilliant. I am also going to have to try this with my button maker thingy. And to snazzy up otherwise plain jane shirts and what not!

Oh Sister Diane: glue stick. I have been using just a little bit to hold the fabric just where I want it on the button form.
Posted: 2:56 pm on March 21st

Tina_Hilton writes: Simply delightful! This would be a great way to use the embroidered sections of hand towels that were retired due to holes and stains. I hate to part with Nana’s linens and this would put them to good use.
Posted: 2:07 pm on March 21st

PamHarris writes: Bravo! These are seriously cool buttons. Caught my eye immediately.
Posted: 12:59 pm on March 21st

Average_Jane_Crafter writes: These are so fantastic! And I love the wee French knots for the bunny's tail - so sweet! :)
Posted: 11:26 am on March 21st

dksadler writes: This is such a cute idea, I can't wait to use it!
Posted: 10:26 am on March 21st

lasshouse writes: Can't wait to try this project!
Posted: 10:09 am on March 21st

JennlovesSteve writes: wow! this is so cute! thanks for the great directions!
Posted: 7:31 am on March 21st

SewDanish writes: Oh, thanks for reminding me. I haven't made covered buttons in a long while. I must revisit that. Buttons covered with hand embroidered velvet looks stunning. And it is a great way of using scraps of hand dyed fabric.
Birgitte
http://www.SewDanish.etsy.com
Scandinavina Textile Art, Unique Handmade Supplies
Posted: 3:17 am on March 21st

erika_kern writes: Hi all! Sorry I've been away. . . moving this week. Argh! Anyway . . .

Mscraftypants: I'll thrift with you any day!

Sister Diane: Making sure it's centered when you put your fabric in the button press is key. Once you put your button over the fabric, just keep an eye on the front through the press (it's white and thin, so your pattern will show through). If you're using the buttons with the teeth instead of the press, just keep an eye out while you pull your fabric taut, starting at the middle of your fabric. That should work but if it's a bit off center, that's okay! It adds to the charm.

Sparkletree: I've never tried it with my Badge-a-minit. . . it might work. Hum. . . Ideas!

Thanks all for your kind words! You've made my crazy week better!


Posted: 1:55 pm on March 19th

Sparkletree writes: I'm in love with this.
I'd like to figure out a way to do this on pin-back buttons!
Posted: 12:41 pm on March 19th

MGgallery writes: I can't wait to try this and perhaps use the embroidered buttons to make rings. Thanks for sharing!

Posted: 12:18 am on March 19th

samsstuff writes: Very cute buttons! I recently started making embroidered buttons too! So much fun! I like the idea of using thrift store fabrics, giving them new life. Thanks for sharing your project!
Posted: 11:00 pm on March 18th

sewfunky writes: You can of course use thrifted embroidered cloths to make buttons stand out! :)

I now go into opportunity shops with an eye to looking for things that can be re-crafted into something else.

I'm loving this months button theme!!!
Posted: 9:10 pm on March 18th

LindaPermann writes: lovely and amazing! the idea of using the design on the fabric is brilliant, and that flower---WOW! you have such excellent craftsmanship, go erika!
Posted: 9:00 pm on March 18th

Sister_Diane writes: These are so beautiful, Erika! I envy your mad embroidery skillz.

Do you have any tips for keeping your embroidery centered on the button as you're pushing the front and back together? Mine always seem to go wonky.
Posted: 7:43 pm on March 18th

kaytet writes: so lovely!!! the detail is just awesome!
and mscraftypants, that's a great idea!
Posted: 7:24 pm on March 18th

baybelletrist writes: Erika, these are wonderful, like tiny gems. I'm very impressed! Thank you for sharing your project.
Posted: 6:52 pm on March 18th

mscraftypants writes: You are insane - again! How tiny you can embroider amazes me! I'm going to need bifocals before trying this project. Of course I think I'm going to put together your idea with Kayte's - two great ideas that will go great together!!! Now if only I had a thrift store shopping buddy...
Posted: 1:53 pm on March 18th

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