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1. What's in a Button Kit?
A button kit is basically a collection of stuff that helps you:
* Put buttons back on clothes
* Add snaps or hooks
* Fix clothes, bags, whatever
* Make your own fabric buttons (some fancy kits let you do this)
2. What You Usually Find Inside
* Buttons and Things
* Regular buttons: the kind with 2 or 4 holes, for shirts, jackets, and all that.
* Snaps: the clicky kind.
* Hooks and Eyes: for skirts, dresses, the tops of pants.
* Tools
* Needles: for sewing by hand.
* Thread: lots of colors to (hopefully) match your clothes.
* Scissors: for cutting thread and fabric.
* Snap tool: for putting snaps on.
* Button maker: for making fabric-covered buttons (you don't always get one of these).
* Seam ripper: for taking out old buttons or thread.
* Measuring tape: so you put the button in the right spot.
* Somewhere to Keep It All
* A box or case with little sections to keep everything separate.
* Other Helpful Stuff
* Instructions, and sometimes a little bit of extra fabric to practice on.
3. How to Use One
* First things first:
* Look at what you're fixing: What kind of button or fastener do you need?
* Find a replacement: Get the right size, color, and type of button.
* Get the fabric ready: Take out any old thread, and make sure the fabric isn't ripped.
* Putting it on:
* Sew-on button: Sew through the holes a bunch of times, and tie a good knot.
* Snap: Line up the parts, and use the tool to squeeze them together tightly.
* Make sure it lines up: The button should lie flat and close right.
* Cut off extra thread and clean it up.
* Try it out after you've used it or washed it to make sure it's secure.
4. Things to Keep In Mind
* Good materials are important: Cheap snaps might rust or come loose.
* Think about how thick the fabric is: Some tools don't work well on thick stuff.
* Match the colors: Try to find thread or buttons that are close to the fabric color.
* Extra stuff is nice: Good kits have extra buttons and snaps.
* Practice first: especially if you're using snaps or making your own buttons.
* Keep your tools clean: Wipe off the snap tool and pliers every now and then.
5. Picking the Right Kit
* Simple fixes: Get one with regular buttons and thread for shirts and jackets.
* Snaps and hooks: Get a snap kit with the tool for kids' clothes or coats.
* Making buttons: Get a button maker kit to make fabric buttons.
* On the go: A small kit is great for traveling or for emergencies.
6. Taking Care of Your Kit
* Keep the kit dry.
* Sort the extra buttons by size and color.
* Clean the tools.
* Use thread that matches for a clean repair.
A button kit is basically a collection of stuff that helps you:
* Put buttons back on clothes
* Add snaps or hooks
* Fix clothes, bags, whatever
* Make your own fabric buttons (some fancy kits let you do this)
2. What You Usually Find Inside
* Buttons and Things
* Regular buttons: the kind with 2 or 4 holes, for shirts, jackets, and all that.
* Snaps: the clicky kind.
* Hooks and Eyes: for skirts, dresses, the tops of pants.
* Tools
* Needles: for sewing by hand.
* Thread: lots of colors to (hopefully) match your clothes.
* Scissors: for cutting thread and fabric.
* Snap tool: for putting snaps on.
* Button maker: for making fabric-covered buttons (you don't always get one of these).
* Seam ripper: for taking out old buttons or thread.
* Measuring tape: so you put the button in the right spot.
* Somewhere to Keep It All
* A box or case with little sections to keep everything separate.
* Other Helpful Stuff
* Instructions, and sometimes a little bit of extra fabric to practice on.
3. How to Use One
* First things first:
* Look at what you're fixing: What kind of button or fastener do you need?
* Find a replacement: Get the right size, color, and type of button.
* Get the fabric ready: Take out any old thread, and make sure the fabric isn't ripped.
* Putting it on:
* Sew-on button: Sew through the holes a bunch of times, and tie a good knot.
* Snap: Line up the parts, and use the tool to squeeze them together tightly.
* Make sure it lines up: The button should lie flat and close right.
* Cut off extra thread and clean it up.
* Try it out after you've used it or washed it to make sure it's secure.
4. Things to Keep In Mind
* Good materials are important: Cheap snaps might rust or come loose.
* Think about how thick the fabric is: Some tools don't work well on thick stuff.
* Match the colors: Try to find thread or buttons that are close to the fabric color.
* Extra stuff is nice: Good kits have extra buttons and snaps.
* Practice first: especially if you're using snaps or making your own buttons.
* Keep your tools clean: Wipe off the snap tool and pliers every now and then.
5. Picking the Right Kit
* Simple fixes: Get one with regular buttons and thread for shirts and jackets.
* Snaps and hooks: Get a snap kit with the tool for kids' clothes or coats.
* Making buttons: Get a button maker kit to make fabric buttons.
* On the go: A small kit is great for traveling or for emergencies.
6. Taking Care of Your Kit
* Keep the kit dry.
* Sort the extra buttons by size and color.
* Clean the tools.
* Use thread that matches for a clean repair.
1. How They Attach
* Sew-Through (Flat) Buttons:
These have 2 or 4 holes on the front. You sew right through those holes to stick them to the cloth. They're typical on shirts and blouses.
* Shank Buttons:
These have a little loop on the back called a shank. You sew through the loop instead of holes on the front. This lifts the button a bit off the cloth. Good for coats and jackets or thicker stuff.
* Snap Buttons:
They've got two parts that click together. No sewing needed. They're handy for fast closures on jackets or kids' clothes.
* Toggle Buttons:
These are more for decoration. A toggle is a long piece you stick through a loop, or it would be a fancy knot. You see these on coats.
2. What They're Made Of
* Plastic Buttons:
Cheap, light and come in all sorts of colors. You will find this on your everyday wear.
* Metal Buttons:
Lasts long, good for thick materials, like jeans. But cheap ones can rust.
* Natural Buttons:
Made from horn, shell, wood, etc. Often on fancy or old-fashioned clothes.
* Fabric Buttons:
Same cloth with your clothing, made for jackets and dresses, or furniture.
3. When To Use Them
* Everyday Clothes: Use sew-through plastic buttons.
* When Heavy coats: Shank buttons, metal buttons.
* Clothing for children: Snap buttons.
* For decoration: Toggle buttons.
* Custom clothing get Fabric buttons.
* Sew-Through (Flat) Buttons:
These have 2 or 4 holes on the front. You sew right through those holes to stick them to the cloth. They're typical on shirts and blouses.
* Shank Buttons:
These have a little loop on the back called a shank. You sew through the loop instead of holes on the front. This lifts the button a bit off the cloth. Good for coats and jackets or thicker stuff.
* Snap Buttons:
They've got two parts that click together. No sewing needed. They're handy for fast closures on jackets or kids' clothes.
* Toggle Buttons:
These are more for decoration. A toggle is a long piece you stick through a loop, or it would be a fancy knot. You see these on coats.
2. What They're Made Of
* Plastic Buttons:
Cheap, light and come in all sorts of colors. You will find this on your everyday wear.
* Metal Buttons:
Lasts long, good for thick materials, like jeans. But cheap ones can rust.
* Natural Buttons:
Made from horn, shell, wood, etc. Often on fancy or old-fashioned clothes.
* Fabric Buttons:
Same cloth with your clothing, made for jackets and dresses, or furniture.
3. When To Use Them
* Everyday Clothes: Use sew-through plastic buttons.
* When Heavy coats: Shank buttons, metal buttons.
* Clothing for children: Snap buttons.
* For decoration: Toggle buttons.
* Custom clothing get Fabric buttons.