Custom Jean Jacket Buttons? The 136 Top Answers

There are many mysteries in life that we never end up understanding. But the metal buttons on the pockets of your jeans? Let’s cross that off the list.

While you’ll probably never really notice these design details, they’re there for a really good reason. Patented by Levi Strauss, these buttons are called rivets and they ensure your denim will stand up to the wear and tear your body goes through in your daily movements.

The idea dates back to 1829, when Strauss noticed that miners complained that their trousers didn’t last long working days. We can thank Strauss for following up on the design, but it was actually the tailor Jacob Davis who sent Strauss a letter in 1872 bringing this issue to light. He shared that he discovered through his own work that reinforcing pockets and other weak spots on the jeans with copper rivets helped them last longer, according to History.com.

That was not the end of Strauss and Davis’ relationship. While the bag design was popular in Davis’ hometown of Reno, he was looking for someone to help patent the idea. Strauss agreed and hired Davis as his company’s production manager.

So, thank you Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis for making sure the whole ripped pants situation avoids the pocket area.

When you put on your favorite selfedge jeans in the morning and button them up, chances are you don’t pay much attention to the actual buttons. You usually only notify them when they start to loosen or fall off.

The button fly is ubiquitous in heritage/selfedge denim, so let’s take a quick look at two of the more common types – the donut and the tack. After all, when you wear the jeans, you can also know what they are made of.

DONUTS

Donut buttons are used in many jeans and they are so named because of the “donut hole” opening in their middle. The opening not only makes it so easy, but allows the maker (and therefore the wearer) to see the clasps or notches that fold inward to hold the button in place. Think of a staple—this clasp works the same way, folding inward to attach to the denim.

The donut-style button was a favorite during World War II because it used slightly less metal to hold the button in place, a necessity during wartime rationing.

NUTS

A button is actually made up of two parts – the button itself and the button handle. Of course you can see the button on the front of your jeans. The next time you’re putting on and taking off a pair of jeans, take a look at the back of the buttons.

The flat piece of metal on the inside of the jeans is the back of the thumbtack that is hammered into the button. Essentially a spike, the tack ensures the button is securely fastened.

What are rivets?

These small metal fasteners consist of two parts: the head (the decorative upper part of the rivet) and the nail (the smaller part that holds it through the back of the fabric). These two-piece fasteners are generally permanent and can be made from a wide variety of materials, including metal. Some rivets are decorative while others are more functional.

When to use rivets

Rivets can be used where a sewing machine cannot fully reinforce with stitching, and permanently hold layers of fabric together. Use them when you have extra thickness or when you need to attach two or more widths of fabric.

What types of projects are rivets suitable for?

Use rivets for projects where you want to staple pieces of fabric together, such as:

Leather straps on bags, belts, purses, keychains and other items

shoes

Attaching nylon or cotton ribbons to projects

Heavy clothing (e.g. jeans, denim jackets, other heavy clothing)

canvas items

pad

Of course, rivets can also be decorative in addition to their function. Pearl, stud and rhinestone studs can be used to add sparkle to costumes, dresses, shirts, shoes and other clothing items when a little extra “bling” is required. Purses, briefcases and other bags can be “upgraded” with differently shaped metal rivets, as in our collection. You can decorate other textile projects like throw pillows, curtains and other crafts with unique designs using studs.

Simpler rivets that look like rivets are useful for more utilitarian projects such as sails, awnings, painted canvas signs, shop aprons, and furniture upholstery.

Choosing the right rivet for your project

With studs coming in so many different styles and colors, finding the right one can be a bit overwhelming.

Measure the thickness of the fabric you wish to attach and connect. The bolt core or shank of the rivet should be slightly longer than the full thickness of the fabric. If the rivet is too short, the bolt core and cap will not be fastened. If the core of the bolt is too long, it creates a gap in the fabric and eventually the material can begin to fray.

Types of rivets to choose from

We offer a variety of different types of rivets including:

Prong Studs, in a wide range of styles including: rhinestone studs in clear and colored “gemstones” as well as hematite, black, amber, crystals, pearl studs and even spikes. Acrylic stone rivets, in several colors

, in a variety of styles including: Metal Rivets in a variety of shapes, designs and metals

in a wide range of shapes, designs and metals “Mushroom Dome”, a modified round rivet

, a modified Sam Browne Button & Screw round rivet , for non-permanent use (scroll down the page to see a video)

for non-permanent application (scroll down the page to see a video) tubular rivets used for heavy-duty applications such as webbing and leather products (scroll down the page to see a video)

Cap rivets are more elegant with rounded caps on both sides and often look like stud earrings. They are applied in the same way as other rivets and fasten two pieces of fabric, e.g. B. leather, with a rounded, smooth finish. Cap rivets are suitable for both utility (e.g. purse or bag straps) and decoration (hats, bags and other durable items).

are more elegant with rounded caps on both sides and often look like stud earrings. They are applied in the same way as other rivets and fasten two pieces of fabric, e.g. B. leather, with a rounded, smooth finish. Cap rivets are suitable for both utility (e.g. purse or bag straps) and decoration (hats, bags and other durable items). Jeans rivets (see below)

Goldstar Tool’s large rivet inventory ensures you have the right type of rivet for your project.

Note that each of these individual rivets requires a specific die, whether you’re using a hammer and hand tool for a few, or using one of our heavy-duty press machines to set a large number of them.

Jeans buttons and rivets

Let’s face it – jeans need a heavier button than regular pants or a skirt. Regular buttons can’t compete with regular metal buttons, and jeans just don’t look the same with anything else.

Jeans buttons are essentially two-piece rivets, heavier than metal flat or shank buttons, and they hold the waistband of pants together tightly. They are attached the same way as other rivets, with a nail on the inside of the fabric and the top on the outside. These rivets are used to fasten the waistband with buttonhole.

Our jeans buttons come in a variety of styles and finishes:

Smooth face with smooth coverage

Round (looks like a snap)

Donut tack, a popular designer model with a hole in the middle

Traditional oak design

Star design, with 8 five-pointed stars around the centre

Text design “Quality guaranteed”

Our jeans rivets are ideal for both embellishment and reinforcement of seams. Also known as “nipple buttons,” these rivets are traditionally used on the front bag seams, which are more likely to be pulled or strained with regular use. Riveting these seams will help the jeans last longer and give them a more polished look. You can also attach our denim rivets anywhere to add extra strength to a seam or just for decoration.

Install rivets

All types of rivets consist of two parts and are easy to assemble. The process is simple:

Punch a sufficiently large hole in the fabric (not too big, the nail must be tight)

Insert the appropriate rivet from the inside of the fabric all the way out

Place the nail and fabric on the rivet die

Place the rivet button (while in the fabric) on top of the nail and apply: place the anvil on it and then gently tap with a rubber mallet or mallet, or place the entire assembly in a hand press, pneumatic press, or press and use a laser pointer

You need to make sure you know exactly where to put the rivet. Because rivets are permanent, it is almost impossible to remove rivets without damaging them.

The die is the bottom part that will hold the nail when you install the rivet and is the size of the nail, not the actual button part. It must penetrate the entire thickness of the tissue.

Note that whether you install the rivet by hand, with a manual press, or with an automated machine, you will need a separate die for each size rivet nail you use. Goldstar Tool stock thousands of different dies for every size of rivet, eyelet and grommet. We also stock hole punches that work with all of our hand tools, manual presses and automatic presses.

Goldstar tool for all your riveting needs

With a variety of functional and decorative rivets, Goldstar Tool has everything you need for a current project or your company’s latest designs.

You can order all your rivets directly on our website. If you have questions or need something specific, call us at 1.800.868.4419 or email us at [email protected].

Unlike sewn-on buttons, which can be removed in seconds with a few scissors, metal stud buttons on jeans are quite difficult to remove. They are designed because the button on the waistband of jeans needs to be strong and extra secure. Removing a jean button, which is often required for tailoring and makeover projects, is possible with the right tools and techniques. There are two methods to consider: one that cuts through the shank of the button and one that forces the button apart.

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Before you remove a jeans button

Before you begin the task of removing a jean button, it’s important to understand how the button attaches to the waistband. Classic metal jean buttons consist of two parts: the larger button side, which contains a heavy nail or screw, and the smaller rivet side, into which the button side is hammered or screwed. Jeans buttons are attached with a rivet tool or a hammer, which holds the two sides together. The attachment is permanent, so removing a jean button requires a decent tool and some elbow grease.

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You should understand that removing a jeans button leaves a hole that goes through the waistband of the jeans. If you’re replacing the button in the same place, you can use the same hole to attach the new jean button, but you may need to partially sew it up. If you’re attaching a button to a different location on the waistband, you can sew or patch the hole, but expect the repair to be visible.

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Remove a jean button by cutting the button

Cutting a jean button through the post is probably the easiest method to remove the button. It requires one of two specific tools: the linesman’s pliers, also known as combination pliers, or the wire cutters. Linesman pliers have a flat gripping area on the nose, beneath which is a beveled or notched cutting edge. Wire cutters are similar but lack the gripping section. This method destroys the button, so have a spare on hand if needed.

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Arrange the jeans so that the inside of the waistband and the back rivet of the button are facing you. Gently slide one of the cutting edges of the pliers or wire cutters under the rivet, flush with the fabric of the waistband. Squeeze the handles of the tool so the opposite blade also slides under the rivet. Press as hard as needed to sever the jamb portion of the button, and then remove the two sides of the button from the waistband.

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Remove a jean button by prying the button apart

Instead of cutting off a jean button, it is possible to pry it apart by gripping each side of the button with pliers. Use two pliers, one appropriately sized to firmly grip the button side and another to grip the rivet side. Some jean buttons are screwed together and others are hammered together, so try both a twisting and a pulling technique to see which works.

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You may also be able to remove a jean button by holding the button with pliers and prying the rivet side up with a flathead screwdriver. Use a prying motion and work your way around the rivet, gradually loosening it from the post until you can pull the two sides apart.

sew buttons

Sewing buttons are a type of fastener that is attached to a garment to secure an opening by passing it through either a loop or buttonhole. It can be made of different materials, including wood, horn, metal and mother-of-pearl, as well as plastic.

Sewing buttons vary in shapes, sizes, colors and designs. Some people also use buttons to decorate their craft projects, like toys, pillows, or curtains, or for scrapbooking.

Traditionally, men and women wear buttons on different sides of a placket. Rumor has it that men have always dressed themselves, and since most people are right-handed, buttons were attached to the right side of a man’s clothing. Women, on the other hand, needed help getting dressed, so buttons were placed on the left side to make it easier for a helper (usually a maid) to close them.

What are the different types of buttons?

There are many types of buttons. First of all, they are all divided into flat buttons (also known as sew-through buttons, with two or four holes) and shank buttons (with a hollow detail on the back that attaches them to the garment). Both types are commonly used in fashion design and home improvement projects.

Sewing buttons can be classified based on their shape. Here are the most common:

round buttons,

square buttons,

ball buttons,

flower buttons,

fashionable buttons.

You can also differentiate them according to their intended use, i.e. H. on which garments they are to be sewn:

clothes buttons,

shirt buttons,

suit buttons,

coat buttons etc.

Note that many buttons are multifunctional, meaning you can use the same fastener on different garments.

What are buttons made of?

Buttons can be made from all sorts of materials. The first buttons date back to the 13th century. The most expensive were made of gold, silver and ivory and were worn both as decoration and as a clasp. They were often adorned with precious gems to show an owner’s status. There were also cheaper versions made from cheaper materials and used by less affluent people. These materials are still used today and you can buy them both offline and online at almost any fabric store.

So what are the most popular buttons right now? Here is a small table for you:

Table 1. Button types and characteristics Button type Button material Use Metal buttons Metal alloys containing steel, nickel, zinc, brass, etc. Leather, denim clothing Horn buttons Cow, buffalo, ox, deer horns and hooves Men’s suits, jackets, blazers Mother-of-pearl buttons Mother-of-pearl or shells : Abalone, trocas, etc. Shirts, blouses, dresses Jewelery buttons Button-shaped gemstones, metal buttons decorated with gemstones, Swarovski crystals, etc. Evening wear, fancy jackets Bone buttons Cow, buffalo, ox-bone Men’s suits, sport jackets, blazers Wooden buttons Various types of wood, e.g. Bamboo and olive Mainly used for decorative purposes as they are less durable Pearl buttons Real pearls Women’s dresses, shirts, blouses, underwear Cloth buttons Covered with any type of textile material, ribbons, trimmings, etc. Women’s clothing, traditional Chinese clothing Enamel buttons 100% enamel or covered with enamel Women’s dresses, blouses, shirts, skirts Plastic buttons Various plastics, e.g. polyester Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing

In fact, there are many more types of buttons: from glass and ceramic to galalith and corozo. The range of designs available stimulates the imagination. These days you can shop for embossed metal buttons that are ideal for blazers, embroidered buttons that are perfect for evening wear, and printed buttons that are great for modern, stylish pieces. If you’re looking for something truly unique, try novelty buttons: these are real attention-getters that can take any shape you want, be it a star, Santa Claus or a coffee mug.

Select button sizes

How do you know the button sizes? First, there are three main size categories:

small, medium and large.

Small buttons are ideal for children’s dresses and shirts, while large buttons look great on oversized jackets and coats.

All buttons are measured in lignes or lines (the abbreviated form is L). One line equals 0.025 inches, which equals 0.635 mm. This measurement system applies to all forms. Technically, L is the diameter of a button, actually the largest outside diameter (if a button is anything but round). The larger the number, the larger the button.

How do you choose the right size for your project? There is no strict rule, and each seamstress can choose what he wants. However, the most common button sizes for a shirt are 12L, 16L and 18L. Suit jackets typically require 32 liter buttons.

Below is the size chart that you may find useful when choosing buttons:

Ligne mm inches 10 6.35 12 7.62 0.300 14 9.2 0.413 18 11.6 0.457 20 12.7 0.559 24 15.0 0.6.51 0.701 30 19.0 0.748 34 21.5 0.846 34.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.90.909 0.909 0.909 0.909 0.909 0.909 0.909 0.909 0.909 0.90. 1,000 60 38.1 1,500

Fashion and designer buttons

Sometimes you need a very special button to complete your look. This is where fashion and designer buttons come in handy.

Fashionable buttons look very stylish. They can easily become the centerpiece of an outfit and draw everyone’s attention. There are exclusive buttons that look like jewellery: set with crystals, rhinestones, precious stones or pearls, they sparkle brightly in the light.

Designer buttons are available in limited editions. Created by talented designers, they are truly one-of-a-kind, and the variety of options is limitless. From whimsical ornaments and handcrafted imagery to color blocking and carved designs, this is where imagination reigns supreme.

Consider several factors when choosing buttons. is it big enough Do you like the shape and the color? Are you satisfied with the material? Is it trendy? In the end it all depends on your preferences.

The 2017 fashion collections were all about buttons. They could be seen on slit skirts and coats, on dresses and pantsuits. Large buttons still have their moment of glory: put them in a clean line and choose minimalist silhouettes. Contrasting, exaggerated buttons are also a hit!

Buy dress, shirt and coat buttons online

Tissura stock a wide range of dress buttons, shirt buttons and coat buttons in a variety of materials. Be sure to scroll through the catalog to see them all: natural horn and iridescent mother-of-pearl, Galalith and Swarovski crystals, textiles and wood! Buy online the sewing buttons of the most famous manufacturers based in Europe:

Secondo Stefano Pavese Modapierre Zanchi Giovanni Gritti Baldini and many others.

Shopping for buttons has never been easier!

Rhinestone button, €23 (US$29)

Rhinestone button, €58 (US$72)

Horn button, €5.90 (US$7.30)

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To make your skirts special and unique, learn how to add a faux button placket to any skirt pattern! It’s just decorative so the placket will never pop open!

I bought this fabric in January while testing some new fabric designs. I had no idea how much I would need this bright fabric this spring when I bought it.

I usually stick to neutral colors for my wardrobe, but this skirt is bringing me loads of happiness and sunshine right now. I used one of my free skirt patterns to make this skirt, but I added a faux button placket for an extra special detail.

I have several free skirt patterns and tutorials that use your measurements to get a perfect, custom fit. This also means that it works for women, girls as well as babies.

The faux placket gives such a fun look to the front of the skirt but is not as difficult to sew as a real placket and will never accidentally pop open as you move and sit.

The comfort of an elasticated waist skirt paired with a sophisticated flat front skirt is the perfect combination. It’s so comfortable and can stretch as my waist changes, but it still looks great.

I’ve also added side seam pockets with a free pattern and will be sharing a tutorial for those later this week!

This was the first time I used a polyester fabric for the skirt pattern. I think it flatters and drapes better with a natural fiber like cotton or linen, but this skirt will travel really well as it doesn’t wrinkle.

How to add a faux button placket to a skirt

deliveries

Find your skirt pattern pieces with the free flat front skirt pattern. Add 1 inch more to the front of the skirt.

Cut out the front skirt piece.

Fold the skirt down the center front and pin at the side seams. Pinch the fold along the center front.

Sew 1 inch from the crease along the center front.

Open the front panel and lie flat. Pinch and smooth the front fold to match the center fold with the seam underneath.

They create what looks almost like a pleat all along the front, but it becomes the fake placket.

Along each side of the mock placket, top stitch 1/8 inch from each side. This will attach it to the skirt.

This is what the back of the button placket looks like. There is a seam down the center with a row of stitches on each side.

Divide the front into 9 equal sections to add 8 buttons. Alternatively, you can also use a sewing gauge* to help.

I chose 8 wooden buttons because I like the natural look. You can also add heavy snaps instead.

Using a marker tool, mark each spot where you want to add a button.

Sew on the buttons by hand or with a sewing machine. Cut all threads.

Whenever I sew on buttons with my sewing machine, I apply clear nail polish to the needle and bobbin threads to keep them from falling out.

Following the instructions on the free flat front skirt pattern, complete the skirt.

Hem the hem of the skirt as instructed in the pattern. Just fold the fake placket twice like the other parts of the skirt.

If you do something with this sewing project I’d love to see it! Please share on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!

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Two-piece closure consisting of a ball and socket that engages when pushed together

The two halves of a riveted leather snap fastener. The top half has a groove that snaps into place when “pressed” into the bottom half

A snap (also called a snap, snap, snap, snap, or latch) is a pair of interlocking metal or plastic discs commonly used in place of traditional buttons for fastening clothing and similar purposes. A circular lip under one disc fits into a groove on the other and holds it in place until a certain force is applied. Various types of snap fasteners can be attached to fabric or leather by riveting (hitting the punch with a hammer to spread the end) using a punch and die set specific to the type of rivet button being used, sewn or folded with special snap-button pliers.

Snap fasteners are a well-known detail in American western fashion and are also often chosen for children’s clothing because they are relatively easy to use compared to conventional buttons for children.

Invention[ edit ]

Dress Snaps (1968)

Modern press studs were patented in 1885 by the German inventor Heribert Bauer as the “spring button fastener”, a new type of fastener for men’s trousers. Some credit the invention to Bertel Sanders of Denmark. In 1886 Albert-Pierre Raymond from Grenoble also received a patent.[1] These first versions had an S-shaped tongue in the “male” disc instead of a groove. Australian inventor Myra Juliet Farrell is also credited with inventing a “seamless snap fastener” and “seamless hook and eye.”[3] In America, Jack Weil (1901-2008) attached snaps to his iconic Western shirts, spreading the fashion for them.[4] The Prym company has been manufacturing snap fasteners since 1903.

Use [edit]

Legendary cowboy singer and actor Roy Rogers wears a western shirt with faux pearl snaps

Snaps were incorporated into military gear because they are quick to use, comparatively free of slings, and easy to disengage when caught. They were particularly adapted to paratrooper gear due to the danger of snares in the myriad lines to which a parachute canopy is attached.

They have also been adopted for use with law enforcement holsters and their myriad accessories for similar reasons – in the last few decades they have been largely replaced by Velcro in both fields.

Snaps were adopted by rodeo cowboys beginning in the 1930s, as they could be quickly undone if the shirt caught in the saddle in the event of a fall, when singing cowboys such as Gene Autry and Roy Rogers incorporated them into their embroidered and fringed stage shirts. [5]

Gallery [ edit ]

Four parts of a typical rivet snap fastener: from top left, the “eyelet”, “socket”, “cap” and “pin”

The socket and cap are the “female” parts of a riveted snap fastener

Eyelet and rivet, the “male” parts of a riveted snap fastener

Tools to apply a snap

References[edit]

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Here’s a simple guide to show you how to attach buttons and rivets available at the Miss Maude Sewing Store.

you will need:

a solid metal surface (the bottom of a cast iron skillet will do!)

a hammer

an awl or other sharp point – e.g. a nail.

Wire cutter (only for rivets)

Your rivets and buttons

Extra fabric, rivets and buttons for practice

It is recommended that you practice on a scrap of fabric (the same number of layers as your finished garment) before attempting to apply it to your garment.

1. Use your awl or nail to make a hole in your fabric just big enough for the button/rivet to push through.

2. Push the pin through from the back of the garment to the front. Make sure you use the correct tack. Buttons have shanks with ribs, rivets with smooth shanks.

3. FOR RIVETS ONLY. Using your wire cutters, cut the shaft so that it protrudes about 1-2mm from the fabric.

4. Place your button/rivet face down on your metal surface. Place the shank of the thumbtack in the center of your button/rivet.

5. Gently tap the back of the thumbtack. Check that it snaps evenly into the button/rivet. Pull out and adjust if necessary.

6. Hammer the back of the thumbtack firmly 2 or 3 more times to secure it. When installed correctly, your button/rivet should not move or rotate.

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Choosing the right types of buttons can be a daunting task when you consider the vast selection that is available. Buttons come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from a wide variety of materials. They can be decorative accessories or a practical way to fasten an outfit.

Pin types of buttons

Collecting buttons can be a great hobby and most sewing enthusiasts including myself have a jar of buttons on their shelf that adds a touch of color to the sewing room. Actually I have a plastic tub full and not just a glass!

History of Buttons

Buttons have been around for centuries. Once affordable only to the wealthy, buttons have traditionally been handcrafted from shell, wood, and metal. When the industrial revolution took place, buttons were manufactured and mass-produced, making them more affordable and commonly used.

types of buttons

Buttons come in a variety of shapes and sizes, colors, and creative materials. In this article, I first classified the buttons by their button type and then by their composition.

When choosing the best button for your project, size is the top priority, followed by style and finally composition.

Let’s start with the 5 main types of buttons classified by shape:

Flat buttons Shank buttons Rivet buttons Toggle buttons Decorative buttons

Types of Buttons #1 – Flat Buttons

Most buttons that are mass-produced fall into the flat button category.

Flat buttons are mainly made of plastic or metal with two or four holes to sew the button onto the fabric. Because they are flat, these buttons can be sewn on by sewing machines with a special foot to hold them in place.

The shirt button is usually a flat button with two or four holes and has specific dimensions. Traditional men’s shirts use different button sizes on the collar, cuffs, and front of the shirt.

Pin flat types of buttons

Types of Buttons #2 – Shank Buttons

Shank buttons are buttons without holes through the top. They have a shank at the bottom to sew the button onto the garment.

A shank button is a great option for jackets and heavier fabrics, or for a decorative finish where the button is raised on the garment.

Pin Shank Buttons

Types of Buttons #3 – Snaps

Snap buttons are very popular in the manufacture of jeans. Sometimes they are also called “jeans buttons”. Rivet buttons are pressed onto the fabric with a special machine and are not often used in home use. The button can be embossed or branded and is great for marketing purposes.

Pin jeans buttons

Types of buttons #4 – Shift buttons

Toggle buttons have an interesting oblong oval shape with two holes in the center for sewing in place.

Toggles often use loops as fasteners. They are ideal for thicker coats and jackets such as duffle coats.

Pin toggle types of buttons

Types of Buttons #5 – Decorative Buttons

Buttons can be used for cufflinks, lapel buttons, and other non-functional, decorative purposes. You’ll find chic buttons on shirts and jackets, adding a tailored finish to many garments.

Decorative buttons often have irregular shapes that make them difficult to fit through buttonholes. I used the fish and butterfly buttons as accents on the necklines.

Pin decorative buttons

Composition of the buttons

Buttons can be of different compositions and most projects will have several types of buttons that are suitable. Consider the longevity of your sewn item and the washing method before choosing the type of button.

Button compositions include:

plastic wood leather metal shell fabric glass

plastic buttons

As the Industrial Revolution took place and plastic entered the world of manufacturing, buttons took on a new role and became mass-produced, cheap and cheerful options for fasteners and decorative finishes. Although zippers are a very popular fastening innovation, buttons still remain the best-selling fasteners in the apparel industry.

Polyester buttons are an inexpensive form of plastic and can be used to mimic all manner of other buttons. It can be made to look like wood, beads, or metal, and tinted with paint in bright colors.

Types of plastic buttons

wooden buttons

Wood makes very unique, durable knobs. Wooden buttons have different textures and patterns in their natural state, but can also be painted in all sorts of colors.

Types of pin wooden buttons

leather buttons

Genuine leather and imitation leather have long been used to make buttons. Leather buttons are durable and give jackets a classy look. One of the original leather buttons was known as a football button because it resembled an old leather football.

Leather buttons

metal buttons

Buttons were made in all types of metal. Brass buttons have been a staple of military uniforms for centuries. Metal buttons can be printed or embossed with logos, giving them an extra touch of class. They are very flexible as they can be smooth, textured, hammered or fluted.

Metal buttons can be large or small and make great decorative accents.

Types of Pin Metal Buttons

Pearl and shell buttons

All kinds of functional and decorative buttons can be made from mother-of-pearl and shell. Mother-of-pearl is usually white, cream, or pink, and faux pearls can be made in a variety of colors. Small pearl buttons are very feminine and are often used on wedding dresses.

Pin Shell Buttons

fabric buttons

Buttons can be covered with a fabric of your choice. Button Cover Kits allow the home seamstress to design and cover matching buttons for sewing projects.

Button sets allow for different button sizes and the shank is pushed into the back of the button to be sewn onto the garment.

Pin fabric buttons

glass buttons

Intricate buttons can be made from glass and their ability to catch the light makes them beautiful decorative or functional buttons.

pin glass buttons

Types of buttons – size comparison

Modern technology makes it possible to produce buttons of any imaginable shape and in a variety of sizes. Shapes range from geometric shapes to floral and animal shapes in a variety of colors.

The dimension of the buttons is called “ligne” and comes from the French word for line. A line is 0.635 mm or 0.025 inch.

This is a very small measurement about the diameter of the button. A molded button must be measured at the widest point of the button to get an accurate length measurement.

Knowing button sizes is important to the garment industry so that buttons can be standardized and always fit the garment accurately and consistently. Button line charts are a useful resource for comparing button sizes.

A button size is written as a number followed by an L.

For example

10L means 10 ligne and the ligne can be converted to inches or centimeters.

A 40 liter button would equate to a 1 inch or 25mm button.

Types of buttons – conclusion

Buttons are one of those simple but necessary items for your sewing room. Keeping a large stash of buttons in a jar helps the avid seamstress always have a supply of buttons on hand. You never know when you might need a button for a sewing project.

The next step is sewing the buttons onto your project. Here is a short video from my YouTube channel.

How to Sew a Button – Button types include 4-hole, 2-hole and eyelet

Here are some more button tutorials –

Alternatives to buttons

There are several alternatives to sewing on buttons –

Have you ever noticed those tiny copper buttons all over your jeans and wondered what they are for? It turns out they may be more necessary than you think. A transcript of the video follows.

If you’ve ever worn jeans, you’ve probably wondered what those tiny buttons on the pockets are for. You’re suckers.

Jacob Davis – a tailor from Nevada – sent a letter to Levi Strauss in 1872. Davis had purchased fabrics from Levi Strauss & Co. and used them to make riveted clothing for miners in the Reno area. The rivets held the pockets to the clothes. When miners used them to transport nuggets, tools, and other items that were too heavy for just one seam, since the seams would tear under too much weight.

Strauss & Davis formed a partnership and received a patent in 1873 for an “improvement in fastening of pocket openings” and began manufacturing a new type of workwear called “waisted overalls”. Complete with copper rivets on the pockets. The rivets hold the bags together to this day.

This video was originally published in November 2016.

It’s fairly easy to remove a typical button from a piece of clothing, but when you’re faced with the prospect of removing jeans buttons or rivets from jeans, you probably have no idea where to start. Instead of a simple sewn-on button, denim typically uses what’s called a two-piece button button—and instead of simply using scissors to cut the button off, you’ll need to use a few tools and some elbow grease to get the job done.

Anatomy of a two-piece button

These buttons consist of two parts: the button on the front and the button on the bottom. When attached to the denim, the two pieces are stamped together. They are designed to be durable and last the life of the garment. This is why two-piece snap buttons are so difficult to remove – they’re not meant to be.

The secure fastening leaves a large hole in the fabric once you remove the button. While you may be able to remove a button secured with thread and leave small marks, you will have a more visible hole after removing a stud button from a pair of jeans

Tools for removing snaps from jeans

Before you begin, take the necessary safety precautions. You’ll use some force, and if the stallion lets go he can land anywhere, so use eye protection in case the stallion flies off in your direction. It’s a good idea to do this in a room where there are no children or pets. This is best done as a two-person job, so ask for help if you can get it. Here are three ways to remove rivets and buttons from jeans:

Method with two tongs

Firmly grasp the back portion with pliers, and then grasp the button portion with the other pair. Twist one side of the button up to separate the front and back.

Screwdriver and pliers method

Insert the head of the screwdriver between the back of the rivet or button. Work it around a bit to loosen it up. Now use the pliers on the rivet or button top; Twist it up and down to detach it from the bottom.

wire cutter method

Some crafters have reported using a pair of heavy-duty wire cutters to cut off snaps. The method involves working the inside end of the bolt, placing the blade against the post and cutting it off there.

repairing the hole

The hole in the fabric where the stud used to be can present a problem when fitting a new stud. You can use a matching thread and zigzag back and forth over the resulting hole to close it. If the hole is too large to close well using this method, you may want to reinforce it by sewing a piece of thick fabric to the bottom.

Once the hole is repaired you can add a new button or stud.