Collection: buttons

Everything about buttons

What is a button and what is its history?

A button is defined as a small, usually round, solid object that is usually attached to clothing and usually has a fastening function. As a purely decorative object without holes or loops, it was already used in ancient times. In the 13th century, buttons in their current form, with buttonholes, were invented in Germany. From then on, they spread quickly due to their usefulness and led to the fashion for closed, close-fitting clothing.

What are the uses of buttons?

In addition to their decorative function, buttons primarily have a fastening function. Since they are firmly attached to one half, this function is achieved by either pulling them through a loop on the opposite side or through a seamed cut, the buttonhole. The predecessors of buttons were ribbons, cords and brooches, i.e. pins that were used to fasten or decorate clothing and containers.

What to consider before buying

What materials are used for buttons?

A button can be made from a variety of materials, such as plastic or metal. Natural materials such as wood or horn are also used to make buttons, but glass or mother-of-pearl are also often used. The material you want to use depends on your taste and the intended use in terms of material thickness, robustness and usability.

What types of buttons are there and what is their application?

In terms of shape and design, a distinction is made between the following main types of buttons, each of which has its own area of ​​application:

• Snap fastener - consists of two small, mostly round button parts, each with a recess and a matching head. These can be riveted or sewn on. Due to a spring in the element with the recess or due to the elasticity of the material on the head, these snap tightly into one another when pressure is applied. They can be released again by pulling.
• Push-through buttons - consist of a button disc, a connected bar that is guided through the opening and a fastening element that is attached to the opposite end of the bar from the disc. Examples of these are tailcoat buttons, ball buttons or cooking buttons or push-through buttons for bed linen. The prerequisite for this is always two opposite buttonhole strips.
• Toggle - consists of an elongated button element with holes or eyelets. The closure is usually done with a loop instead of a buttonhole. This type is often used on coach jackets or coats.
• Hole button - consists of a button element in the shape of a disc which is usually provided with two or four holes. By means of these holes it is With thick fabrics, space must be made under the disc for the buttonhole by leaving the sewing threads longer for the fastening. These long loops are then repeatedly wrapped with sewing thread for reinforcement.
• Rivet button - made of metal and does not require sewing thread. It is often used on jeans, corduroy or leather clothing. Ideal for heavily used clothing such as work clothing.
• Eyelet button - has an eyelet on the back, which is used to sew it onto the garment. The shape of the button is flat or disc-shaped, or curved or dome-shaped or spherical. This type is often found on buttons covered with fabric or leather, where the pulled-together covering material on the back acts as a type of eyelet. This style is particularly suitable for voluminous fabrics, such as coats, due to the distance created by the eyelet.
• Twisted button - usually consists of a metal ring around which a cotton or linen thread is wound in a star shape until a closed unit is created. Twisted buttons are primarily used for laundry, which is why they are usually available in white.

How are buttonholes made and what types are there?

Buttonholes can be made by hand or by machine. A large number of commercially available household sewing machines can make buttonholes. Buttonhole silk was used in the past, but nowadays polyester thread is increasingly used. The buttonhole stitch is used to reinforce the opening and thus effectively prevents it from tearing.

With regard to the different types, a distinction is made between eyelet, piping and flat hole or linen buttonhole.

The eyelet or tailor's buttonhole has a recess on one side of the edge which leaves room for the stem or bar. This variant is used primarily for heavy textiles where the fastener cannot fit tightly to the textile.

In the piping variant, the opening is framed by two narrow pipings, which gives the whole thing its characteristic look. Examples of applications include jackets and coats.

Linen or flat buttonholes are the “normal” rectangular slits/openings. These are mainly used on blouses and shirts.

Here you will find a large selection of buttons to buy online. Enjoy browsing.

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