Why make buttons from yarn?
Handmade yarn buttons let you match a closure exactly to a knit, crochet or sewn project. They are soft, light, and a good use for leftover yarn. They suit cardigans, bags, baby items and cushion covers, though they are less hard-wearing than plastic or metal buttons, so they are best for items that are handled gently.
Materials
- Yarn or thread: cotton is a common choice because it is firm and holds its shape. Fine crochet cotton gives small, neat buttons; thicker yarn gives larger, softer ones.
- Crochet hook: a size that makes a fairly tight fabric, which is usually smaller than the one suggested on the yarn label.
- Tapestry or darning needle for finishing.
- Scissors.
- Optional: a small plastic or metal ring, or a flat button blank, to give the button a firm base.
Crocheted ring button
This is a widely taught method and a good place to start.
- Make a ring. Wrap the yarn around a finger or a thin pen several times to form a small loop, or use a magic ring. A ring with more wraps will be sturdier.
- Anchor. Insert the hook through the loop, pull up a loop and chain one.
- Cover the ring. Work single crochet stitches around the ring, packing them closely until the centre is filled.
- Build layers. Add one or two more rounds of single crochet over the first to make the button thicker and more rounded. Decreasing slightly on the last round helps it cup.
- Fasten off. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail long enough to sew with. Thread it onto a needle, weave around the back edges, pull tight to close the button, and secure the end.
Keep stitches tight. A loose button will stretch and flatten with use.
Covering a ring or button blank
For a firmer button, crochet around a small metal or plastic ring. Work single crochet stitches around the ring, covering it completely, then join and fasten off. Alternatively, crochet a small flat circle, place it over a button blank or an old button, and draw the edge closed behind it. If you are asking how to cover a button with fabric instead, the principle is similar: gather the cover around the base and secure it at the back.
Wrapped yarn button (no crochet)
If you do not crochet, you can make a simple button by wrapping yarn around a ring, or by winding it around a small disc in a star or spoke pattern, then stitching over it. Wrapped buttons are easy and fast, but they can be less durable than crocheted ones, so secure the ends well.
Sewing yarn buttons on
- Use a strong thread in a matching colour and stitch through the back of the button, not the face.
- Leave a small shank of thread between the button and the fabric so the button can sit on top of the buttonhole edge.
- Reinforce the area behind the button with a small patch of fabric or a few extra stitches if the knit is loose.
Button loops
If you prefer loops to buttonholes, they are simple to make.
- Crochet: chain a length that fits around your button with a little room, then attach both ends to the edge. Work a row of single crochet over the chain for a firmer loop.
- Knit: pick up stitches along the edge and cast on or bind off a small gap, or work a short i-cord loop.
Always test the loop with the finished button before committing to the full row.
Caring for yarn buttons
Follow the care instructions for the yarn and the garment. Handmade buttons are usually best washed gently by hand, and removing them before machine washing can help them keep their shape.
Troubleshooting
- Button looks floppy: use a smaller hook, a firmer yarn, or add a ring as a base.
- Gap in the centre: add another round or pull the closing tail more tightly.
- Button too big or small: change the yarn weight or the number of rounds.
A short history
Crocheted buttons were popular in parts of Europe and the United States from the nineteenth century into the early twentieth century, and they matched lace trims on fashionable clothing. They were commonly made at home or as piecework, and the trade was linked in some places with lace making. For more on that craft, see our guide to making lace.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make a crochet knot? The simplest finish is to pull the cut yarn tail through the last loop, then weave the tail in with a needle.
Can I use any yarn? Most yarns work, but firmer, smoother yarns such as cotton keep their shape best.
How many stitches do I need? It depends on the ring size and yarn; follow the ring and fill it until the centre is covered.