Fiber Fool

I don’t know about you, but finding just the right button for a project is of utmost importance to me. Often it seems like it can make or break a knitting project. When it comes to needing petite buttons, the choices are quite limited in my little corner of the world. It seems large, oversized buttons are all the rage. So when my Sur la Tête hat needed its eleven 6-8mm buttons I ended up making them from beads.

One advantage of using beads to make my buttons is the drastic increase in color selection. I was certain to find a color that complimented any yarn I chose to use. In addition you can try pearls, crystals and even different shapes like rondelles or helixes. Suddenly my button choice was nearly unlimited! As a bonus, it can save you money depending upon what beads you end up choosing.

If color, size and shape selection is limited at your local bead store I recommend FusionBeads.com because they have free shipping for any size order, allowing you to order 1 of several different colors, shapes and/or sizes to try with your yarn or other project materials. Then you can place another order for the remaining beads you need and additional supplies.

Supplies

• Single, Vertical Holed Beads (for Sur la Tête 6-8mm is recommended), if ordering online I recommend ordering 1-2 extra in case one arrives damaged or a hole was insufficiently drilled.
• Head Pins, 1″ long for 6mm and 1.5″ long for 8 mm beads; longer head pins can be trimmed to size. There are many decorative head pin choices out there in addition to the standard flat round end.
• Coiler Pliers (see photo above), if you do not have coiler pliers, I recommend using several layers of masking tape to build up a guide on needlenose pliers to help you form consistently sized loops.
• Wire Cutters, only if you are using longer head pins than needed.

Step 1: Insert the headpin into the “prettier” side of the bead. Once attached to the project the shank side will be much less visible. If you are using irregularly shaped beads such as the cultured pearls being use here be certain to always orient the beads in the same manner so they look consistent when sewn on; in this case the larger side was entered first allowing the narrower end with the shank to sit sunken into the knit button band a bit.

Step 2: Bend the head pin at a right angle right where it exits the bead. I find it is easiest to get it tight against the bead by using my thumb and pushing the head pin against the bead.

Step 3: If there is more than approximately 3/4″ or 2 cm of head pin extending beyond the bead trim it to length with a wire cutter.

Step 4: Using the coiler pliers, grab the free end of the head pin and turn upwards and away from the bead to begin forming the coil that will create the shank for sewing the button onto your project.

Step 5: Continue turning the pliers and regripping to form the loop until it sits snug against the top of the bead. If you form more than one complete revolution be certain to aling it snuggly with the previous loops. Two complete revolutions are recommended as they still sit mostly centered on the bead and it ensures that thin sewing thread will not work its way out of the loop.

Repeat for each button required, attach and wear with pride!

In addition to using decorative head pins you could also try stacking a smaller bead atop the main one or use a lacy bead cap for an extra special touch. There really are an incredible number of button choices available once you start making your own.