Fabric Buttons

Using Fabric with a 1″ Button Maker??

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:28:49 +0000

I keep getting this question and I really don’t know how to respond. Personally, I have never been able to get the fabric to crimp all the way around a 1″ button shell. However, I do know that some of my customers are using fabric with the 1″ button maker. I don’t know what type of material they are using or what other tips/tricks there are for this size.

If any of you are using it, can you give me some suggestions.

Using a Professional Button Maker for Fabric Buttons

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:36:12 +0000

Today, you find yourself here because you are interested in making fabric covered buttons. Many of you that call in already know there is a demand for inexpensive novelty gifts like fabric covered buttons with a personalized monogram. The most common inexpensive button maker used is the Dritz Button Kit. You can find these at Wal-Mart. The problems you can find with this type of button maker are speed, quality and limited to buttons. You will learn how the professional button makers solve all these problems.

First, I want you to believe that "Time is Money". If you don’t value your time, then you might be losing money in your business. It takes 5-7 seconds to make a button with one our button machines. The Dritz button maker can take up to a minute per button. Even if you were only making 10 buttons, that’s 1 minute compared to 10 minutes. This means that you can complete more orders in less time. Customers will love that you can produce their buttons fast.

Your customer expects a quality product. I am not saying that the other method does not create a nice button. I have seen many buttons online that are very cute. I just keep thinking about how much that quality product cost. Remember when I said "Time is Money"? Did that quality product take more time to make it perfect?

Finally, you can make more than fabric covered buttons with your professional button maker. Depending on what size you chose, you can make key chains, pony tail holders, bull dog clips, fridge magnets and mirrors. All of these novelty items look adorable with fabric.

Your custom, personalized novelty items will be cherished by your customers. You can finally feel good that it didn’t take you forever to complete the order. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Choosing Fabric for Buttons

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:35:12 +0000

I don’t get many questions about what type of fabric should be used with the button makers. When I do get this question, I suggest sampling different kinds out when you get your machine. You can spend an extra $80 to modify the machine by sending us a sample of the fabric you want to use. However, this can limit you to only that thickness of fabric. I am honest with my customers when I say that everyone that buys a machine does NOT get it modified and it works.

There are a couple situations you might find when using fabric with buttons.

A small piece of the fabric may not crimp under the shell. This usually happens when you are using fabric without any embroidery or backing. Solution: Place a piece of mylar under the fabric or iron freezer paper to the back of the fabric. A customer suggested the freezer paper idea to me. Why does this work? A stiff backing does not allow the fabric to move around.
You can’t really use leather or thick materials without a modification. I’ll have to ask if it’s even possible. Let me know if you are interested in using these types of materials.

There are some really nice fabrics available at local stores. Have fun and think of using the prints alone too. When looking for backgrounds to use with embroidered letters, think of the different color thread you can use.

Here are some of the quilting squares on ebay.

Embroidery Tips

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 12:14:27 +0000

I had the pleasure of speaking to the founder of an embroidery site called, www.SmartNeedle.com. All the work available is provided by a team of graphic artists that strive to bring quality, unique images to you. You’ll have fun visiting this site. The designs are so detailed.

I found some great embroidery tips also. I hope all of you enjoy this site as much as I did.

Some of the items you will find on this site:

Embroidery Collections
Applique Embroidery
In the Hoop
Regular Embroidery
Supplies
Free Embroidery Designs

Can I Use My Graphic Punch For Fabric?

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:37:36 +0000

You might already own a punch and want to start making buttons made with fabric. If this is the case, you can try to slide the material through the punch to cut it into circles. Like I mentioned before, you can place tape on both ends to pull the fabric through.

Again this may or may not work depending on the thickness of your fabric and if you have embroidery work on the fabric.

Coming Soon ….

Using Fabric on Mirror Back buttons
Make Pacifier Holders with Clip On Buttons

graphic punch,
fabric cutter

Which Cutter is Best For Fabric II

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:44:42 +0000

The other cutting options include the Handy Circle Cutter and Graphic Punch.

If you have a Badge-a-Minit circle cutter, please reference the information about the handy circle cutter. Both of these cutters have the same type of blade and will perform the same with fabric.

Handy Circle Cutter

The blade for this type of cutter resembles an exacto knife. As seen in the video there is a glass plate with this cutter. The blade “slices” into the paper for an exact cut and the glass allows the blade to glide easily. Most importantly, this blade will fray your fabric.

Graphic Punch

First, you will have to cut your fabric into strips to feed through this punch. Now just imagine, trying to slide your fabric through the punch. This isn’t going to be an easy task because fabric isn’t like paper. Some sites suggest placing tape on both sides of your fabric and use this as a way to slide the fabric through. Even if decide to use the punch, it might not be able to cut your fabric. If you are embroidering your fabric, the raised lettering may not slide through the punch either.

Coming Soon ….

Can I Use My Graphic Punch For Fabric?
Using Fabric on Mirror Back buttons

cutting fabric,
rotary cutter fabric,
graphic punch,
handy circle cutter

Which Cutter is Best For Fabric?

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 10:35:49 +0000

The Adjustable Rotary Cutter is the cutter I suggest for cutting the fabric for your buttons.

That was pretty simple, right? Well don’t worry I’m not done. There is a little more to it. This post is actually going to have two parts. In this post I will explain why the rotary cutter is a great cutting tool. The next post will show the two other alternatives we have and why they don’t work as good.

Why is the Rotary Cutter Suggested?

Accuracy – A template is included so you can center your design in the middle before you make a cut. (This is also a good feature because some fabrics have designs all around, this way you can maximize all the designs available by cutting out each one without ruining the others.
Templates – Two templates are included so you can change them out if you have more than one button maker size.
“Crush Cut” – This is the main reason why this cutter works the best. It will cut your fabric without fraying the edges.
Adjustable – As mentioned before with the multiple templates, this cutter has pre-set stops for the following sizes: 1″, 1-1/2″, 2-1/4″, 3″ and 3-1/2″.
Durable – All metal constructed cutter.

What I Also Suggest?

You might be familiar with the rubber sheet sold to line cabinets or drawers so things don’t slide. I would suggest buying this too. Once you have your rotary cutter adjusted to the size you need, make a template out of this rubber stuff too. Why you ask? This will go on top of your fabric so the cutter does not move around while you are making your cut. So you will end up with two templates. (Video Coming Soon!)
If you have a punch, please read “Can I Use My Graphic Punch For Fabric?“.

Coming Soon ….

Which Cutter is Best For Fabric II
Can I Use My Graphic Punch For Fabric?

cutting fabric buttons,
rotary cutter fabric

I Have a Cutter, Can I Use It For My Fabric Buttons?

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 09:45:59 +0000

I wanted to start with this subject first because some of you may already have something to cut fabric into a circle. And it is a good starting point to see what button maker size is best for you too.

If you don’t have a cutter please visit the next post, “Which Cutter is Best For Fabric?”.

Wheather it is paper or fabric, your material has to be the correct size to wrap around the shell. Visit the Button Templates page and find the size you are most interested in and print that page. This is the best way to use a non-adjustable cutting tool to see if it will cut the correct size you need. Of course, you should also make sure your cutter can cut the fabric you are using too.

What will you find here?

You will see one column labeled “Button Size” and three more columns that say “Download” beneath them.
If you are designing your buttons on a computer and own the programs Fireworks or Photoshop, feel free to download the templates you need also.
However, for our purposes you will “print” the “PDF Layout Sheet” for ther size you need.
Now you can use your cutter to see if it will cut the size required for the button size you want or have.

Other ways you can use the “PDF Layout Sheet”

Use it to see what button size is right for you – The visible picture size diameter is also provided on the sheet. This way you can make demos of what you want and see if you want your image bigger or smaller.
Have samples ready so when your machine arrives you are ready to make your first fabric button.

Coming Soon ….

Which Cutter is Best For Fabric
Can I Use My Graphic Punch For Fabric

making fabric buttons,
make fabric buttons,
fabric buttons,
fabric covered buttons

Mirror Back Buttons

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:58:14 +0000

These are probably my favorite buttons, next to the 1-1/2″ keychains. What female wouldn’t LOVE a custom mirror for their purse. It looks like a button from the front and then when you turn it over you have a REAL mirror.

YES! I said a REAL mirror. It’s not a piece of shiny metal. These are great with fabric too. The smallest button maker size you can use is 2-1/4″.

The assembly steps for these is a little different. You’ll get 5 pieces for each mirror.

Place your shell, paper/fabric, and mylar*(see note below) in the left die, in that order.
Place the Collet with the sharp side facing up in the right die.
Next place your Mirror upside down into the collet.
Take your Shim and bend it slightly. (I put it at the edge of a table so half hangs off and then bend it down slightly)
Your Shim is placed on top of the mirror so it does NOT rattle when it is completed.
Your button maker is loaded. Make the button.

(*If you are using the mylar with fabric it may not work as well. Most of you using fabric don’t use the mylar. I have also heard that placing the mylar under the fabric helps.

making fabric mirror buttons,
fabric buttons,
mirror back buttons,
diy fabric buttons

Pin Back Buttons

Erica Moreno - Button Makers — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 11:49:48 +0000

Now this is the type of button that everyone is used to seeing. Buttons are making a comeback, bigger than ever.

The circle buttons range from 1″ all the way up to 6″. That doesn’t include the square, rectangle, or even oval button makers.
You’ll find buttons pinned on jackets, jeans, shirts, belts, purses, bookbags and that doesn’t include the fabric buttons.

Fabric buttons are found on flip flops, hair accessories, ribbons and everything mentioned above.

making fabric buttons,
fabric buttons,
monogram buttons,
diy fabric buttons