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Button Up: Knit or Crochet? Enjoy this Guide to Making Your Own Buttons

Writer's picture: JoanneJoanne

Updated: 23 hours ago





Why Knit or Crochet your own Buttons


Orange yarn labeled "Swish DK Weight," wooden crochet hooks, and tools on a textured wooden stand. Cozy crafting vibe.

In the picture: Knit Picks Swish yarn with Furls Streamline Wooden Crochet Hook and Furls wooden needle-case


There are so many reasons to knit or crochet your own buttons! Do you ever get to the stage of sewing buttons onto your garment and realise you don't have any suitable ones? Or perhaps you find wood, metal or plastic buttons uncomfortable on some items you wear or even noisy, e.g. cuff buttons that rattle on your desk or table can be distracting.


Matching the buttons to the handmade item can look really elegant and don't forget that they will be suitable to wash in exactly the same way as the item they're on without losing their colour, texture or weakening with each laundry cycle.


They're also a great way to stash bust, using up small yarn scraps left over from past projects and save money over buying readymade ones.


A set of handmade buttons is a great gift for a fellow crafter!


How to use your Knitted or Crocheted Buttons


Woman smiling, wearing a black top with intricate cream lace knitted cowl and wrist warmers featuring beaded buttons. Light blue background. Appears confident and happy.

In the picture: Garter Lace Cowl and Wrist Warmers - new pattern coming soon!


Buttons make great fastenings for openings in handmade garments and accessories, allowing them to be put on and removed easily without being stretched out of shape or spoiling your hair and make-up and it also makes sure they stay in place once they're on. Adding a button fastening to a knitted or crocheted bag can help to make it more secure.


Buttons can also be used for decorative purposes as appliqués or to create the look of a mock fastening where a garment looks like it might be able to open but actually doesn't.


A button can occasionally provide a point of attachment for other things, e.g. if you place a soft knitted button inside your coat cuffs and a little loop on your mittens or gloves, you can fasten them on so they don't get lost or need to be held when you take them off for a moment to use your phone or carry out a task that needs extra dexterity. You might otherwise like to use them to create removable embellishments like bag charms, hat pompoms or tassels to give your handmade items a unique touch and allow for more variety.


Buttons used for fastening and attachment need to be reasonably sturdy compared to knitted or crocheted fabric, so these designs are both created to have two layers to keep them firm enough to be functional. Working the button in cotton or linen and using a needle/hook that is smaller than usual for the yarn are other ways to improve how firm they are.


Sturdy knitted button pattern


Close-up of knitted brown fabric with a knitted button in the center. The texture is detailed, showcasing intricate stitches.

Size

This will depend on the yarn and needles used. There are two sizes; make the smaller size by omitting the repeats (in italics).


Working Method

worked in the round


Requirements

5-10m/yds of your chosen yarn per button

DPNS or circular needle for your preferred method of working small diameter projects in the round sized slightly smaller than the ones used on the for the yarn.

yarn needle and scissors


Method

Make 1 piece per button


CO 4 sts leaving a 20cm / 8" start tail and arrange on DPNS or circular needle for your preferred method of working small diameter projects in the round.


R1 kfb into all sts. 8 st

R2 k to end.

R3 *k1, kfb, rep from * to end. 12 sts

R4-5 rep R2-3 once more for large button only. 18 sts

R6 knit to end.

R7 purl to end.

R6 knit to end.

R7 *k2tog, k1, rep from * to end. small 8 sts/large 12 sts

R8 knit to end.

R9-10 rep R6-7 once more for large button only. 8 sts

R11 k2tog to end. 4 sts.


Cast off all sts

Fasten off, leaving 20cm / 8" finishing tail.


Assembly

Thread start tails through all sts of cast on edge, tighten.

Thread finish tail through all sts of cast off edge, and through to other side of button to join start tail (this is WS of button)

With 20cm / 8" finishing tail whip stitch into BLO of all sts in R2 to secure the two pieces together.

Weave in both finishing tails.

Use both tails together to sew button in place on item.


Here's a video showing the two round Sturdy Knitted Button being worked up in a 4ply/fingering yarn held double with a fine mohair yarn. The video was recorded during one of my livestream sessions where I share tips and answer questions about my designs so you may notice a few cropped/silent sections where I've removed the chatter.






Sturdy crocheted button pattern


Close-up of a brown crochet texture with a crocheted button in the center against a white background. Warm and intricate design.

Size

This will depend on the yarn and hook used. There are two sizes; make the smaller size by omitting row 3 (in italics).


Working Method

worked in the round.


Requirements

5-10m/yds of your chosen yarn per button

Crochet hook sized slightly smaller than the ones used on the for the yarn.

yarn needle and scissors


Method

Make 2 pieces per button


Chain 4 and slst in 1st ch to create a loop or create magic loop to work R1 into, leaving a 20cm / 8" start tail.


UK terms

R1 ch1 (does not count as st), 6 dc in loop, slst in 1st st of R1 to secure. 6 st

R2 ch1 (does not count as st), 2 dc in each R1 dc , slst in 1st st of R2 to secure. 12 st

R3 ch1 (does not count as st), *1 dc, 2 dc in same st, rep from * to end. slst in 1st st of R3 to secure. 18 st


US terms

R1 ch1 (does not count as st), 6 sc in loop, slst in 1st st of R1 to secure. 6 st

R2 ch1 (does not count as st), 2 sc in each R1 dc , slst in 1st st of R2 to secure. 12 st

R3 ch1 (does not count as st), *1 sc, 2 sc in same st, rep from * to end. slst in 1st st of R3 to secure. 18 st


Fasten off, leaving 20cm / 8" finishing tail on one piece.


Assembly

Weave start tail through all R1 sts, through the 1st st a second time, then switch direction to work through all sts for a really secure finish.

Thread both start tails to right side of one of the two pieces you made so pieces have WS together.

With 20cm / 8" finishing tail whip stitch into BLO of all sts in last round to secure the two pieces together.

Weave in both finishing tails.

Use start tails together to sew button in place on item.


Here's a video showing the three round Sturdy Crocheted Button being worked up in aran/worsted yarn. The video was recorded during one of my livestream sessions where I share tips and answer questions about my designs so you may notice a few cropped/silent sections where I've removed the chatter.




Make it your own

Experiment with different weights, textures and colours of yarn.

Try adding a contrast colour during the assembly stages for a two-tone button. Weave in your ends before assembly.

Try using your buttons as beads or charms to create: a necklace, charm bracelet, keyring, bag charm etc.

Embroider a small flower on your button for a sweet touch to your fastening.

Add a bead centre front whilst attaching the button to an item.

 

How did it go?


I love to hear from anyone who uses one of my patterns to create a project. Any feedback you give about the pattern will help me develop future patterns that are easy to follow and it’s always exciting to see in-progress or finished projects created using my patterns. Use #sturdyknitbutton or #sturdycrochetbutton on Instagram and do tag me in your post or caption!


If you would like to keep up to date with what I’m working on, I send out a monthly email update with subscriber discounts, behind the scenes news and exclusive previews. Do sign up: Mailing List Sign up!


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