Fabrics & Notions
Buttons
A button is a small disc with holes and a big job: it has to hold a garment closed under tension, survive being done up and undone thousands of times, and look like it belongs. The detail that matters most is the shank — the small thread stem between the button and the cloth. Without one, the button pulls the fabric and the band buckles.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 12 - 25 mm, measured in lignes |
| Holes | 2 or 4 |
| Material | Polyester, horn, wood, metal |
| Shank | Sewn thread stem, or moulded |
| Use | Fastening, decoration |
| Spares | Sew on with a thread shank |
Technical parameters
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ligne | 1 ligne = 0.635 mm |
| Thread | Buttonhole twist or doubled thread |
| Shank | 3 - 5 mm of thread stem |
| Anchor | A small backing button for heavy cloth |
| Hole pairing | Use all four holes for strength |
| Finish | Wrap the shank, then knot |
Safety
Buttons are a choking hazard for small children and should be kept out of reach during a project. Sewing needles are sharp; cap or store them when not in use, and do not hold a button in your mouth while you sew.
What it is for
Two-hole and four-hole buttons, and the shank that lets a button sit over a buttoned band without pulling.
Compatible fabrics
Compatible stitches
Working notes
- Always sew a thread shank on a garment button so the band does not buckle.
- Use buttonhole twist or doubled thread for strength.
- On heavy cloth, add a small backing button inside.
- Buy one extra button for every garment, for the one you will lose.
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