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.
Using a Professional Button Maker for Fabric Buttons April 20, 2009
Choosing Fabric for Buttons April 15, 2009
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 February 3, 2008
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? February 1, 2008
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
Which Cutter is Best For Fabric II November 5, 2007
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? November 3, 2007
The Adjustable Rotary Cutter is the cutter I suggest for cutting the fabric for your buttons.
I Have a Cutter, Can I Use It For My Fabric Buttons? November 1, 2007
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.
Fabric Buttons 