ButtonButton

BlissBlissby Jill Gorski

children, as they could become a choking hazard if pulled off and swallowed. Is the quilt fabric lightweight or delicate? Your buttons should not s there any other embel- thin shape. (Newer plastics tend to be so large or heavy that they pull lishment that conjures be punched from thicker sheets of on the fabric. Is your fabric heavy upI such warm and familiar feel- plastic, as opposed to being molded and thick? Your button should be ings as buttons? Buttons add tex- into a shape.) Some buttons from substantial enough to hold the ture, interest, color, dimension, this era, like celluloid, were made thicknesses together. and whimsy to any craft project. by mixing chemicals with plant and A prized button can become the Whether you are lucky enough to other natural materials which can focal point on your quilt, drawing have a family button box or you decay over time and release toxic the eye in with color or sparkle. have started a stash of your own, gases. They are also extremely When combined with fibers, but- there are a few things you need to flammable! tons can be used as fringe by consider when adding buttons to Buttons made from natural stringing beads at the end. Or, try your quilted creations. materials, such as shell and leather, combining several buttons, sepa- Button materials should be handled with special rated by beads. It is critical to consider the care, as they are prone to decay. Stacking two or more buttons material of both the button and the Delicate buttons like rhinestones of different sizes and colors will add project. Will the fabric be washed cannot be dry cleaned. A good dimension to your project. For an or dry cleaned? Many types of but- rule of thumb is if you are unsure unusual application, affix buttons tons should not be soaked in water, about your button’s age or material with yarn or pearl cotton, sewing but most modern buttons are made makeup, assume that it is old and from the center over the outside of from some form of plastic and are treat it with special care. the stack. Add beads or small rhine- nearly indestructible by nature of Use on quilts stones to the holes of your buttons their chemical makeup. Buttons offer unlimited design for glitz. Early 1900s plastic buttons are versatility to fiber artists. Button Attaching buttons often easy to identify. Look for groupings can add texture and sub- Once you decide which buttons typical colors of red, turquoise, stance. Colorful buttons placed on to showcase on your project, you navy, green, pink, and yellow; juvenile quilt images, such as wheels need to select the best method for geometric or Art Deco images; or flowers, add whimsy and a tac- attachment. In addition to sewing designs depicting activities and tile element. Important: Do not sew them on with a needle and thread, familiar objects of the time; and a buttons on quilts for infants or small consider these options.

30 American Quilter July 2009 Left: Blooming Button Garden, 22½" x 27", by Jill Gorski. Photo: Krause Publications.

Bl e ow: Detail, Shopping for Buttons III, 23" x 27", by Karen G. Fisher, Tucson, AZ. This quilt, the latest in a series, was inspired by a line of “retro” buttons that Karen found at her local Wal-Mart store. Photo: Charles R. Lynch

Adhesives: I prefer E6000® glue, readily available at craft and hardware stores in several sizes. This glue will not harm your button or fabric and stays flexible through washing and drying. A very small amount is all solution for quick repairs, but be careful that it does not you need, and it can be removed (with some coaxing) if distort or damage delicate fabrics. necessary. Fabric foundations: Sometimes a button has a large Backer button: A backer button makes the deco- or odd-shaped shank that will cause the button to flop rative (right side) button easy to remove when your around or hang sideways. Using a yo-yo or thicker project needs cleaning. A button set is made by sewing piece of fabric (like felted wool) underneath the button the decorative top button to a sturdier, utilitarian button will cushion and balance it. Cut the cushion smaller by way of a thread shank between them. The backer than the button if you don‘t want it to show, or decorate button will go through one or more buttonholes, while it with beads or other decorative elements to frame the the decorative button stays on top. The thread shank button. Cut a tiny slit in the center to insert the shank. needs to be proportional to the thickness of Sew the shank onto the project, or sew the button to the fabric. A backer button works great the foundation and glue this piece to your project. when you want a large button on top; Collecting choose a smaller one underneath. That All buttons are wonderful, whether or not they are way the buttonhole is smaller than the collectible. As a serious collector, I feel a sense of duty top button, putting less stress to preserve buttons, saving them in mint condition and on the fabric. never cutting the back off or using glue on them. As a Button pins: These quilter and creative soul, I want to free these lovely but- are small safety pins tons from their jars and boxes and give them new life in that have a hump built textile art. The funny thing is that I’ve discovered I’m into them where the not alone! There are many options for education and button goes. This is a good networking with other collectors. Button photos courtesy of Krause Publications July 2009 American Quilter 31 The best place to start is the National Button Society, www.NationalButtonSociety.org. On their Web site you will find resources that include a library, state societies, local clubs, and listings of shows and competitions in your area. This year the society’s national convention will be held in Denver, Colorado, and thousands of people will travel from all over the world to share, learn, compete, and enjoy their button passion with other button lovers. As an avid sewer, quilter, and button collector, my best advice is to button up!

32 American Quilter July 2009 How to Sew On a Button Here is the best technique to avoid the extra work and frustration of losing a button. When attaching a sew-through type button to a garment, always use good quality thread. Polyester, topstitch-weight thread is strong, doesn’t fray, and is a great choice for thick or large buttons and shank style but- tons. This kind of thread can be unattractive, however, when Fig. 1 used with a smaller or delicate button. For smaller buttons, use a double strand of regular sewing weight thread, knotting the ends together. Start sewing under the spot where the button will go. Place a pin or toothpick that matches the thickness of your fabric between the fabric and the button (fig. 1). For example, if you are sewing a button onto a silk blouse, you need only a small pin versus using a toothpick or two for a wool jacket. Sew the button on by passing the thread through the holes three to four times. Wrap the thread on the needle around the threads where Fig. 2 the toothpick is in a figure eight (fig. 2). This creates a small spacer thread shank which helps the button fit properly when Bring the thread to the back and knot it securely. Most buttoned. A shank-style button can be sewn directly in place, as importantly, use a drop of seam sealant on the knot to prevent the shank functions in the same way as the thread shank. fraying.

July 2009 American Quilter 33