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Custom buttons are a great way to spread the word about your business. They are an effective way to get your brand out there, because you can place your logo on them and they can therefore serve as a walking advertisement for your business. When you own a small business, the more bang you can get for your advertising and marketing buck, the better.
The question is this: How do you go about getting custom buttons? Yes, you could order them, but when every dollar counts in your budget, that’s not the most cost-effective way to go. Instead, a more affordable way to go is to make them yourself.
Here’s an easy way to make your own custom buttons without any kits. You don’t even need to step out and buy the required materials, since most of those items are readily available in your home. Those dull, lying around metal buttons can be used for your sewing and for crafting projects, all you need to have is a shank (a loop on the back used for sewing) on the backside and these dull buttons will turn into something worth writing home about.
Before you start, make sure you have the following materials with you:
- A scrap of your favorite fabric large enough to cover the button
- Buttons with shank
- Scissor
- Needle
- Embroidery thread
- Marker
- Ruler
Let’s start!
Step # 1 – Measure
Use the ruler to carefully measure the distance between the shank and the edge of the button. Note the measurement and double check to avoid any errors.
Place the button upside down on the fabric and mark the same measurement from the edge of the button that you obtained from the inside of the button earlier. For example, if the distance between the shank and the edge of the button is 1 cm, then mark a dot with a pointer on the fabric at a distance of 1cm from the edge of the button, after you place it on the fabric.
Step # 2 – Trace
Assuming your button is still in place, use the marker to trace the fabric’s circumference around it. Now you can put the button aside as it’s time to cut the circle you just traced.
Step # 3 – Sew
With the help of a needle and embroidery thread, run the stitching around the edge of the fabric circle you cut. Make sure to leave two long tails at the end of the thread before and after stitching.
Step # 4 – Pull thread
Now place the button upside down right in the center of the fabric where you drew a circle. Pull both the tails of the thread until the fabric is tightly curled up around the shank.
Step # 5 – Knot it down
Make a knot to firmly stretch both ends of the thread, then make a couple more. Make sure the fabric snuggly fits around the button.
Step # 6 – Check Shank
We’re almost done! Now check the shank: it shouldn’t be blocked by the fabric or thread so you can easily sew the buttons to your project.
Congratulations! Your buttons are ready to use and it didn’t cost you a dime! You can do the same trick with buttons without shank. Wear your buttons proudly and add color to otherwise boring outfits.
