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Member since 5/4/05
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Posted on: 1/4/08 9:21 AM ET
Just got my latest issue of Threads. I love the vintage gabardine suit on the back. Especially those buttons. How did they do that? There was an article in a past issue of threads (a year or two ago?) that talked about the creative aspects, and a little of the technique, of making such buttons, but there wasn't enough info for me to try it with a reasonable chance of success. Like...

How would you keep gabardine from not fraying when working with such a small piece? That's scarey to me! How do they keep the back of the button from getting bulky when gathering all that wraped fabric in the back? How do you keep the metal or plastic ring from showing through the tautly stretched fabric?

Man, that would take a ton of practice, eh? Has anyone here on PR perfected their technique and wish to share some tips?
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Jean
  
Member since 12/28/04
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Posted on: 1/4/08 9:51 AM ET
In reply to meanjean
First the last question. Iron on interfacing will keep it from fraying. If that is not enough there is always fray check.
I have seen instructions on how to do this, probably Claire Schaeffer.
My recollection is that you use a plastic ring in the right size. cut a circle large enough to cover the front and back, using a small running stitch to gather it in the back. Then using embroidery thread, a small running stitch around the inside of the ring should do it. There are glue on button backs to make a shank. If you want it fancier, you can apply a fancy small button in the center. This I would cut off the shank and glue on.
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Posted on: 1/4/08 10:01 AM ET
In reply to Nancy K
Nancy, thanks for the tips. When that original article came out, I did venture into one experiment along the lines that you describe, but got frustrated with the bulk that ended up at the back of the button. There was no way I could have glued a shank onto it becuase the gathered up bulk was in the way and couldn't be trimmed (fraying). I suppose I could have made a thread shank with some heavy-duty thread. That would also mitigate using glue.

Speaking of glue, if I did use it, which glue would you recommend? It would need to hold up. I'd hate to have a button pop off near the end of a long day in front of customers. Would you use glue like the heated stuff from a glue gun? Is it permanent?

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Jean
  
Member since 11/25/04
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Posted on: 1/4/08 6:40 PM ET
In reply to meanjean
I love covered buttons and use them often.Buttons are really hard to get hold of where I live!
If its really really thick fabric I tend to use my lining fabric so its not too bulky tho.Sometimes a double layer of fine stuff.

The packet in front of me says
"Cut a circle to size ( there are circles on the back of the packet for patterns.) Stretch fabric cut slightly undersize. Sheer fabric use double thickness. Moisten thick fabric. Run a gathering stitch close to the edge of the cloth. Place button on wrong side of circle with shank facing up. Draw gathers up tightly and tie off securely. Smooth out gathers evenly around button. Replace metal washer on button shank with serrated edge towards fabric. Place hole of cotton reel over shank and press frimly to close."

My mother used them way back when we were kids and lots of vintage clothes have covered buttons that have stood the test of time! They come in all shapes and sizes even square ones. I even have some that look like little plastic picture frames. You cut a circle and put it behind the " glass " !
cheers
Jan
  
Member since 12/28/04
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Posted on: 1/4/08 9:04 PM ET
In reply to meanjean
The instructions which came with my button backs said to use
super glue or epoxy I think. If you cut the circle just the right size and gather neatly it shouldn't be to unwieldy. I think that I got them at Waechter's in Asheville. If its not on their website send them an e mail or call them. I do not have their address on this computer, but it should be www.waechters.com

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Posted on: 1/5/08 8:26 AM ET
I prefer using covered buttons from the kits too, and have pretty good success with the metal ones. It's the ones that you create yourself by wrapping fabric around rings and what-not that I have trouble with. They don't have a metal back/shank that pops in like the covered button kits. You kind of have to make up your own method.

The ones on the back of the Threads magazine appear to have a covered flat backing of some sort, to which I assume the sewed or glued a shank. Then attached atop that is a covered ring of some sort, like a small curtain ring, and there is absolutely no evidence of bulk. The fabric strecthed over the ring is then hand-embroidered prettily.


-- Edited on 1/5/08 8:29 AM --
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Jean
  
Member since 8/2/02
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Posted on: 1/5/08 10:47 AM ET
Another trick for minimizing that bulk is to overcast the gathering stitches by looping them around the edge of the fabric circle, as opposed to stitching parallel to the edge.

A little bit of Fray Check helps too!

Phyllis

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Member since 1/26/03
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Posted on: 1/5/08 12:32 PM ET
It's a lot easier to do the embroidery first. Trace the circle to guide placing the stitches and use a hoop for even tension. Holding a little button while you stitch will be painful.
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