Introduction: Elevate Your Style with Custom Fabric Buttons
Tired of the same old boring buttons? Want to add a personal touch to your wardrobe? Then you’ve come to the right place! Fabric covered buttons are a fantastic way to inject personality and style into your clothing and accessories. This simple DIY project allows you to transform leftover fabric scraps into unique and eye-catching embellishments. Not only is it a great way to upcycle fabric and reduce waste, but it also allows you to create a coordinated look that perfectly matches your existing wardrobe. Imagine buttons that perfectly complement your favorite dress, blouse, or handbag – the possibilities are endless!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own fabric covered buttons, step-by-step. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, you’ll find this project easy and rewarding. Get ready to unleash your creativity and transform your outfits with the magic of fabric covered buttons!
Gather Your Supplies: What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before we dive into the button-making process, let’s gather the necessary supplies. Luckily, this project requires only a few readily available materials:
- Button Blanks: These are the foundation of your project. You can find button blanks in various sizes and shapes at most craft stores or online retailers. Choose the size that best suits your needs.
- Fabric Scraps: This is where the fun begins! Gather your collection of fabric scraps. Consider different colors, patterns, and textures to create a variety of buttons. Cotton, linen, and even lightweight wool work well. Make sure the fabric is clean and ironed before you start.
- Button Covering Tool Kit: While not strictly necessary, a button covering tool kit makes the process much easier and ensures a professional-looking finish. These kits typically include a cutting template, a pusher tool, and a rubber platform.
- Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is essential for cutting fabric accurately.
- Pencil or Fabric Marker: You’ll need this to trace the cutting template onto your fabric.
- Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread (Optional): Depending on the type of button blank you’re using, you may need to sew the fabric in place.
- Iron and Ironing Board: For preparing your fabric scraps.
Once you have all your supplies ready, you’re ready to move on to the next step!

Step-by-Step Guide: Covering Your Buttons with Fabric
Now comes the exciting part: transforming your fabric scraps into beautiful buttons. Follow these steps carefully for best results:
- Prepare Your Fabric: Iron your fabric scraps to remove any wrinkles or creases. This will ensure a smooth and even surface for your buttons.
- Trace the Template: If you’re using a button covering tool kit, place the cutting template on your fabric scrap and trace around it with a pencil or fabric marker. If you don’t have a template, you can estimate the size of the circle needed by holding the button blank over the fabric and adding about 1/2 inch of extra fabric all around.
- Cut Out the Fabric: Carefully cut out the fabric circle along the traced line.
- Cover the Button (Using a Tool Kit): Place the button blank face down on the rubber platform. Center the fabric circle over the button. Use the pusher tool to gently push the fabric edges into the button blank. Work your way around the button, ensuring that the fabric is evenly distributed and taut. Snap the back of the button into place.
- Cover the Button (Without a Tool Kit): Place the button blank face down on the wrong side of your fabric circle. Gather the edges of the fabric around the button blank and gently pull them taut. If necessary, use a needle and thread to stitch the fabric edges together at the back of the button, securing the fabric in place. Snap the back of the button into place.
- Repeat: Repeat these steps for each button you want to create.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different fabric textures and patterns to create a variety of unique buttons. You can also add embellishments like beads or embroidery to further personalize your buttons.
No products found.
Creative Uses: Where to Apply Your Fabric Covered Buttons
Now that you have a collection of beautiful fabric covered buttons, it’s time to put them to use! Here are some creative ideas to inspire you:
- Embellish Clothing: Replace the existing buttons on your shirts, dresses, jackets, and cardigans with your custom-made buttons. This is a simple way to give your old clothes a fresh new look.
- Accessorize Bags and Purses: Add fabric covered buttons to your handbags, totes, and clutches to add a touch of personality. You can even create a whole button-covered design for a truly unique accessory.
- Decorate Home Décor Items: Use fabric covered buttons to decorate pillows, curtains, lampshades, and other home décor items. This is a great way to tie in the colors and patterns of your living space.
- Create Jewelry: Turn fabric covered buttons into earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Simply attach earring hooks or jump rings to the back of the buttons.
- Personalize Gifts: Add fabric covered buttons to gift boxes, cards, and other handmade gifts to add a special touch.
- Scrapbooking and Paper Crafts: Use fabric covered buttons to embellish scrapbook pages, greeting cards, and other paper craft projects.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own unique ways to use fabric covered buttons. The possibilities are truly endless!

Tips & Tricks: Achieving Professional-Looking Results
To ensure your fabric covered buttons look their best, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
- Choose the Right Fabric: Select fabrics that are not too thick or bulky, as they can be difficult to work with. Lightweight cotton, linen, and silk are good choices.
- Iron Your Fabric: Always iron your fabric before cutting it to remove any wrinkles or creases. This will ensure a smooth and even surface for your buttons.
- Use a Sharp Pair of Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is essential for cutting fabric accurately. Dull scissors can cause the fabric to fray or tear.
- Distribute Fabric Evenly: When covering the button, make sure to distribute the fabric evenly around the button blank. This will prevent any wrinkles or bulges.
- Secure the Fabric Tightly: Ensure that the fabric is securely fastened to the button blank. This will prevent the fabric from coming loose over time. If sewing, use strong thread and make sure your stitches are small and secure.
- Consider Button Size: The size of the button should be appropriate for the garment or accessory you’re embellishing.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different fabrics and patterns to create a unique and eye-catching design.
- Experiment with Embellishments: Consider adding embellishments like beads, embroidery, or sequins to further personalize your buttons.
With a little practice and these helpful tips, you’ll be creating professional-looking fabric covered buttons in no time!
No products found.