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

comments (4) August 28th, 2008     

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Tina_Hilton Tina Hilton, contributor
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Sometimes a commercially made button just wont do the trick.
Dritz button kits are readily available and easy to use.
Increase to 12 sts for the large button.
Sometimes a commercially made button just wont do the trick.

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

Photo: Sophie Saller
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Tuck in the ends of the cover and cover with the back of the button, making sure all the material is tucked in.
Be careful so you have all the ends under the back before the back goes on.

Using the kit's pusher tool, snap the button back in place. Depending on the thickness of your button cover, it may take a little finesse or brute force to snap the cover in place.
The finished stockinette stitch button is smooth with none of the metal base peeking through.


The garter stitch sample was pulled too tight around the button form and the metal shows through.

Plan B: You can also use a plain button with a shank of a simular size. Make the knitted cover in the same way and leave a tail a few inches long when binding off. Thread a tapestry needle and make a running stitch around the edge of the cover. Place the button on the cover, and pull the thread to gather around the shank.
Pull the tail tightly to secure to the button.

Weave in the ends neatly and you have a spiffy custom button to grace your finished project.

Resources

Joann Fabric and Craft Store

Hancock Fabric Store

Wal-Mart

Thanks to Sophie Saller for the permission to use her awesome button photograph.

Check out the free online game Button Hunt. It’s a wonderful waste of time.

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posted in: buttons, Knitted buttons, button covers
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Comments (4)

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
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