So what can you do with a Dorset button?
They’re not just buttons. They can be made into jewellery, wall hangings, bag fastenings, stitch markers, Christmas decorations etc Whatever you can imagine.
They can also be used with other crafts such as cross stitch, embroidery, quilting, artwork.
Necklace
Pencil Case
Which thread to use
Traditionally we use pearl (perle) cotton thread in sizes 12, 8. 5 and 3 to makes Dorset buttons but you can use any thread you want. This gives a neat button and has a slight sheen to it.
For larger rings of 8cms and above you can use yarn. For very fine buttons you can use embroidery silk.
You can even use recycled materials. Anything that you can weave with. Try t-shirt yarn, string and even strips of carrier bag.
Wool Tree
Mini Cartwheel
Which rings to use
Again, you can use any kind of ring, just as long as it is rigid. Rubber washers will not work. Anything that bends will cause the structure to move and come apart.
Suggestions for recycling are bangles, metal curtain rings, wooden curtain rings, hoopla hoops, hula hoops.
They don’t even have to be a circular shape. Hexagons, square, semi-circle etc can be used.
*TIP If you are using a shape which has a corner, use a small piece of double sided tape to help the thread stay on the corner.
Honeycomb Bee
Rainbows
Different patterns
Different patterns can be achieved by experimenting with the spokes and middles weaving of the button. Beads can be added at any point.
The back of a standard cartwheel button is quite flat and uniform and lends itself well to be embroidered upon.
Try goldwork or raised embroidery stitches such as roses made with the bullion stitch.
Country Scene
Christmas Tree
Using Dorset buttons on clothing
Obviously, they are meant to be used as buttons so why not use them as buttons! They can be sewn straight onto your clothing just like a plastic button with holes. Use the thread you have made the button in to sew it on and sew straight through to the front of the button. If you are sewing them onto a thicker cloth, such as a jacket, make a shank on the back by sewing on a jewellery making jump ring. I would use invisible nylon thread to do this and sew straight through again.
If you make your own clothing, sewing, crochet or knitting, why spoil all that hard work by them putting on plastic buttons? Make your own beautiful buttons that will be an added feature. If crocheting or knitting why not use the yarn that you have made the garment in to make your buttons so they will match perfectly.
With the closure of many a haberdashery on our high street making your own buttons has never more been a good idea. They can also be made more sustainable by using wooden or coconut rings.
Making Dorset buttons into jewellery
To attach jump rings, go through your stitches around the ring itself.
To attach a brooch back use invisible nylon thread and sew straight through to the front on the button and back again.
Tree Earrings
Dorset button terms
Casting
This is the term for the blanket stitch worked around the ring
Slicking
Truning the knots from the outside of the ring into the centre
Laying
Making the framework of the buttons. In a cartwheel this would be a spoke like on a wheel
Rounding
The weave used over the spokes on the inside of the button