Pause buttons

Jun 18
2 min read

I call these hand embroidered fabric buttons ‘pause buttons’ because making one is a very small project, a micro project, that enables you to pause. It will scratch that creative itch in 15-30 minutes and at the end of it you will be able to hold something finished in your hand.

Supplies you need to make a pause button

A small scrap of fabric (5 - 10 cm2)
A cover button
Scissors
Sewing thread
Sewing needle

For an embroidered fabric button you also need

Embroidery floss in one to three colours
Embroidery needle
A small embroidery hoop (optional)

Optional additional supplies

Fabric pen
Glue stick/double sided tape
Button maker tool - this is like a mould that you insert the button into and it helps you to centre the fabric around the button and push the back onto it - it does make the process more precise and slightly easier, but it's possible to make buttons without this.

How to make a hand embroidered fabric covered button

Cut the fabric into a disc big enough to cover the button.

1

Cut the fabric into a circle making sure that you leave enough of an edge to wrap fully around the button, allowing the 'teeth' to grip the fabric.

Stitch a running stitch along the edge of the disc of fabric.

2

Stitch a running stitch 2mm from the edge of the fabric all around the circle. This will ruffle up the edge of the circle of fabric, which will give your button a smooth surface (this process is called 'easing' in the sewing world, where you are effectively making a long fabric edge shorter without any visible creases).

3

Pull the running stitch tight - this will create something like a 'parachute' shape out of your circle of fabric. Insert the front piece of the button into this.

Pull the running stitch tight to fit the fabric snugly around the button.

4

Pull the thread as tight as you can so that the fabric fits snugly around the button and tie a knot. You can cut the ends off, but not too close to the knot.

The back of the button snaps into the fabric covered front.

5

Option 1: Without button making tool

Place the back of the button onto the fabric covered front. If the back has writing on it, the side you can read should be facing you. Ensure the metal ring fits through the slot on the back and press down as hard as you can.

6

Option 2: With button making tool

Place the silicone base (grey) on the table and insert the fabric covered button into the hole that corresponds to the size of button you are using. Place the back of the button on top, and then push the top of the tool (red), again using the corresponding size, as hard as you can onto the button.