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 typically attached to clothing and usually serves as a fastener. As a purely decorative item without holes or loops, it was already used in antiquity. In the 13th century, buttons in their modern form, with buttonholes, were invented in Germany. From then on, their usefulness led to their rapid spread and contributed to the fashion for close-fitting, closed clothing.
What are the uses of buttons?
Besides their decorative function, buttons primarily serve as fasteners. Since they are permanently attached to one side of the garment, this function is achieved either by threading the button through a loop on the opposite side or by passing it through a hemmed opening, the buttonhole. Buttons' predecessors were ribbons, cords, and brooches—that is, pins used to fasten or decorate clothing and containers.
Things to consider before buying
What materials are used for buttons?
A button can be made from a wide variety of materials, such as plastic or metal. Natural materials like wood or horn are also used, and glass or mother-of-pearl are frequently employed as well. The material you choose depends on your personal taste and the intended use, considering factors like material thickness, durability, and usability.
What types of buttons are there and what are their applications?
Regarding shape and design, the following main types of buttons are distinguished, each with its own area of application:
- Snap fastener – consists of two small, usually round, button parts, each with a recess and a corresponding head. These can be riveted or sewn on. Due to a spring in the recessed part or the elasticity of the material in the head, they snap firmly together when pressure is applied. They can be released by pulling.
- Push-through buttons consist of a button disc, an attached bar that passes through the opening, and a fastening element attached to the opposite end of the bar. Examples include dress buttons, ball buttons (also known as chef's buttons), and push-through buttons on bed linens. These buttons always require two opposing rows of buttonholes.
- A toggle fastener consists of an elongated button element with holes or eyelets. It is usually fastened with a loop instead of a buttonhole. This type is frequently used on coaches or coats.
- A buttonhole button consists of a disc-shaped button element, usually with two or four holes. It is attached using these holes. With thick fabrics, space for the buttonhole must be provided under the disc by leaving longer thread loops for attachment. These long loops are then repeatedly wrapped with sewing thread for reinforcement.
- Rivet button – made of metal and requires no sewing. It is frequently used on jeans, corduroy, or leather clothing. Ideal for heavily used garments such as workwear.
- Eyelet button – has an eyelet on the back, which is used to sew it onto the garment. The button's shape is flat or disc-shaped, or convex or dome-shaped. This type is frequently found on fabric- or leather-covered buttons, where the gathered covering material on the back acts as a kind of eyelet. Due to the spacing created by the eyelet, this design is particularly suitable for bulky fabrics, such as those used for coats.
- A thread button typically consists of a metal ring around which cotton or linen yarn is wound in a star shape until a closed unit is formed. Thread buttons are primarily used on clothing, 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 machine. Many standard household sewing machines are capable of making buttonholes. Previously, silk was used for buttonhole making, but nowadays thread is increasingly common. Made of polyester. It is manufactured using a buttonhole stitch, which reinforces the opening and thus effectively prevents tearing.
Regarding the different types, a distinction is made between eyelet, piping, and flat hole or laundry buttonhole.
The eyelet or tailor's buttonhole has a notch on one side of the edge to accommodate the shank or bar. This type is primarily used with heavy fabrics where the fastener cannot lie flat against the material.
In the piped style, the opening is framed by two narrow piping strips, giving it its characteristic look. Examples of its use include jackets and coats.
Flat buttonholes, also known as flat buttonholes, are the "normal" rectangular slits/openings. These are primarily used on blouses and shirts.
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