How to Make a Custom-Knitted Button and Win the Style Game

Tina Hilton, contributor

13 users recommend

Sometimes a commercially made button just won't do the trick.

Sophie Saller

Dritz button kits are readily available and easy to use.

Tina Hilton

Increase to 12 sts for the large button.

Tina Hilton

Sometimes a commercially made button just won't do the trick.

Photo: Sophie Saller

Add Comment
Print

Finding the perfect button to put the finishing touch on your latest masterpiece can sometimes seem like an impossible task. You combed your stash but nothing worked. The LYS did not have the right one, the fabric store was a waste, and searching for the ideal button on the Internet was overwhelming. Sometimes you have to take the matter into your own hands and create your own buttons! Knitted buttons allow you to have a closure that complements the garment without overwhelming it. You can knit your button in a pattern that blends in seamlessly or that enhances the design.

Supplies
Yarn to match or complement your project (I used a DK weight.)
Knitting needles one or two sizes smaller than the needles you knit your finished project with (I used a size 3 needle.)
Button cover kits—Dritz Aluminum Button Cover Kit in size 7/8 inch and 1-1/8 inch

Step By Step
These directions are for the 7/8-inch size (the 1-1/8-inch size are in parentheses).
Begin knitting the button cover by casting on 2 (4) stitches.
With stockinette stitch, increase one stitch at the beginning and end of each row until you have 10 (12) stitches.

Work 6 rows even.

Add Comment Print

How to Make Pinwheels for a Quilt or to Embellish a Garment  

Back to List

How to Make a Super-Simple Roll-Up for Organizing Your Crochet Hooks

Comments (5)

HungPhiAn writes: Many thanks to Tina , you made my bolero look great :))
Posted: 8:39 am on November 8th

KnittingBirdy writes: Why can't I print this out?

It's a great tutorial, but I'm not able to make this right now, so want to print it out and save it.

Thanks!
Posted: 11:25 pm on November 2nd

Jen1964 writes: We used those button kits on our tailoring projects in home ec - they look better than anything you can buy! I never thought of using them for knitted projects. Can't wait to try! Thanks.
Posted: 10:49 am on September 16th

kmd811 writes: Could you crochet a cover over a button?
Posted: 6:46 pm on September 15th

SMVG writes: Tina,

This solved my latest knitting crisis. The custom knitted button was the perfect compliment to a sweater I made for my husband. Your tips on how to keep the metal from peeking through was a very helpful timesaver. Tina, you're the greatest! I love to read your articles. Keep it coming.
Posted: 10:42 am on September 3rd

You must be logged in to post comments. Log in.