Understanding Different Types of Buttons
Buttons, seemingly simple fasteners, are integral to clothing design, craft projects, and even historical artefacts. They come in a vast array of materials, styles, and sizes, each suited for specific purposes. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of different types of buttons, helping you choose the perfect ones for your next project.
Classifying Buttons by Material
The material of a button significantly impacts its durability, appearance, and suitability for different applications. Here's a breakdown of common button materials:
Plastic Buttons: These are the most widely used buttons due to their affordability, versatility, and wide range of colours and shapes. Plastic buttons are typically made from polyester, nylon, or acrylic. They are durable, washable, and resistant to fading. However, they can be prone to melting under high heat.
Polyester Buttons: Offer good heat resistance and colour retention.
Nylon Buttons: Known for their strength and flexibility.
Acrylic Buttons: Lightweight and available in vibrant colours.
Metal Buttons: Metal buttons are prized for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They are often used in jeans, jackets, and military uniforms. Common metals include brass, zinc, and stainless steel. Metal buttons can be prone to tarnishing or rusting if not properly cared for.
Brass Buttons: Offer a classic, antique look.
Zinc Buttons: Affordable and durable.
Stainless Steel Buttons: Highly resistant to corrosion.
Natural Buttons: These buttons are made from natural materials like wood, shell, horn, or corozo. They offer a unique, organic look and are often used in sustainable fashion and craft projects. Natural buttons can be more delicate than plastic or metal buttons and may require special care.
Wood Buttons: Lightweight and available in various wood types and finishes.
Shell Buttons: Iridescent and add a touch of elegance.
Horn Buttons: Durable and have a unique, natural grain.
Corozo Buttons: Made from the tagua nut, a sustainable alternative to ivory.
Glass Buttons: Glass buttons are often used for decorative purposes due to their intricate designs and vibrant colours. They can be made from various types of glass, including crystal and Murano glass. Glass buttons are delicate and require careful handling.
Fabric Buttons: These buttons are created by covering a button form with fabric. They are often used to match the fabric of a garment or to create a unique, custom look. Fabric buttons can be made with various fabrics, including cotton, linen, and silk.
Considerations for Material Choice
When selecting a button material, consider the following factors:
Durability: How long will the button last under normal wear and tear?
Washability: Can the button withstand washing and drying without damage?
Appearance: Does the button complement the design of the garment or project?
Cost: How much does the button cost compared to other options?
Sustainability: Is the button made from sustainable materials and produced in an environmentally friendly way?
Exploring Button Styles and Designs
Beyond material, buttons come in a wide range of styles and designs. Here are some common button styles:
Two-Hole Buttons: These buttons have two holes for sewing and are typically used for lightweight fabrics.
Four-Hole Buttons: These buttons have four holes for sewing and are more secure than two-hole buttons. They are often used for heavier fabrics and garments that require more durability. You can find a great selection of four-hole buttons at Trimmings.
Shank Buttons: Shank buttons have a loop or shank on the back for attaching to fabric. This creates a small space between the button and the fabric, making them ideal for thicker fabrics or garments with buttonholes that are slightly too small.
Snap Fasteners: While technically not buttons in the traditional sense, snap fasteners provide a secure and easy-to-use closure. They consist of two parts that snap together and are often used in children's clothing and sportswear.
Toggle Buttons: Toggle buttons are elongated buttons that are secured with a loop or cord. They are often used in coats, jackets, and other outerwear.
Covered Buttons: These are buttons that have been covered with fabric, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the garment. They can be created at home using a button covering kit or purchased pre-covered.
Decorative Buttons: These buttons are designed to be eye-catching and add visual interest to a garment or project. They can be made from various materials and feature intricate designs, embellishments, or unique shapes.
Understanding Button Sizes and Measurements
Button sizes are typically measured in lignes, an old French unit of measurement. One ligne is equal to approximately 0.635 millimetres or 1/40 of an inch. Button sizes are often expressed as a number followed by "L", such as 24L or 30L. Frequently asked questions often cover sizing, so be sure to check those out.
Here's a general guide to button sizes:
Small Buttons (16L-20L): Used for shirts, blouses, and delicate garments.
Medium Buttons (24L-30L): Used for skirts, trousers, and jackets.
Large Buttons (32L-40L): Used for coats, outerwear, and decorative purposes.
To measure a button, use a ruler or measuring tape to determine its diameter in millimetres or inches. Then, convert the measurement to lignes using the formula: lignes = diameter (mm) / 0.635. Alternatively, you can use a button gauge, a tool specifically designed for measuring button sizes.
Choosing the Right Button for Your Project
Selecting the right button for your project involves considering several factors:
Fabric Weight: Heavier fabrics require larger, more durable buttons.
Garment Style: The button should complement the overall style of the garment.
Buttonhole Size: The button must fit comfortably through the buttonhole.
Desired Aesthetic: The button should reflect the desired look and feel of the project. Consider what Trimmings offers in terms of style and materials.
Functionality: The button should be easy to use and secure.
For example, a delicate silk blouse would require small, lightweight buttons, while a heavy wool coat would require larger, more durable buttons. Consider the colour and texture of the fabric when choosing a button. A contrasting button can add visual interest, while a matching button can create a more subtle look. Don't be afraid to experiment with different button styles and designs to find the perfect match for your project.
Attaching Buttons Securely
Attaching buttons securely is essential to ensure they stay in place and withstand wear and tear. Here are some tips for sewing buttons:
Use a strong thread: Choose a thread that matches the colour of the fabric and is strong enough to withstand repeated use. Polyester or nylon thread is a good choice for most projects.
Reinforce the stitching: Sew the button on several times to reinforce the stitching. For four-hole buttons, you can create an "X" pattern or sew parallel lines through the holes.
Leave a shank: When sewing on shank buttons, leave a small space between the button and the fabric to allow room for the buttonhole. You can create a shank by wrapping the thread around the stitches several times before tying off.
Use a button foot: A button foot is a sewing machine attachment that helps to hold the button in place while you sew. This can make the process easier and more accurate.
Tie off the thread securely: After sewing the button, tie off the thread securely to prevent it from unraveling. You can use a knot or a backstitch to secure the thread.
By understanding the different types of buttons, their materials, and their best uses, you can choose the perfect buttons for your clothing and craft projects and attach them securely for long-lasting results. You can learn more about Trimmings and our commitment to quality.