This small practical book provides instructions for creating fabric buttons that can add a unique feature to a variety of craft projects. Initially the author provides general information on the basic tools, materials and techniques required to make the different buttons covered in the bool. She points out that basic embroidery skills are required for embellishing buttons, and provides basic instructions for stitches commonly used in the different projects. The book then concentrates on the instructions for making twenty different buttons, some of which can be made into brooches, earrings or pendants as well as conventional buttons for clothing.
The information is clearly laid out and covers the materials required, a template to use for the shape and the step-by-step instructions for making each button.The various projects vary in complexity and use a variety of different materials, threads and beads as embellishments.
This book offers some interesting and creative ideas for weavers, spinners and dyers who want to make bespoke buttons to finish off their work.
* Journal of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers *
I have quite a collection of the 20 to make books, some very well used some not so much. This one is interesting, new ideas for decorative buttons and a book I will most likely dip in to for ideas. Usual clear instructions as in all these books. One of those books that you will be pleased to have in your craft library.
-- Rosemary Hydes * Customer review *
This book exceeded all my expectations. For such a cheap price! There is so many ideas in here for great gifts. For sure my niece is having some gorgeous hand made hair clips for Christmas! Really would recommend this book for yourself as a treat or for a crafty friend.
-- Emma Brown * Customer review *
I love the 20 makes books and this one doesn't disappoint. Good introduction and useful section on materials, tools and techniques. The tools needed are basic sewing kit essentials so you won't have to purchase anything expensive. A circle cutter would be useful but not imperative. Particularly like the loop shank instruction. The buttons start off easy - just need some felt and embroidery thread and get more interesting as the books progresses. Each button has clear materials, tools and easy to follow instructions. Lots of inspiration, you'll be making delightful, coordinated buttons to use on garments, as embellishments or jewellery in a flash. I used just a few things from my stash draw and used the Rivet as inspiration.
-- Jane Waite * Customer review *
I adore buttons! To be able to make and design my own is absolutely fantastic. This book is full of gorgeous projects and inspiration for beginners and more confident button makers to embellish clothing, home decor and much more.
-- Zoe Ballard * Customer review *
Yet another great little book from 20 to Stitch! Gina Barrett is great so I really enjoyed this book. It's full of inspirational ways to create your own buttons. I found the instructions really clear. So if you're looking for something completely different to the usual sewing projects, give it a try!
-- Karen Callis * Customer review *
Transform a garment, dress up cards and tags or make jewellery with this selection of twenty handmade buttons. All you need are a few button moulds and the rest is about using up a stash. Fabric, beads, fancy threads and felt are all used to create these attractive buttons. You will also require basic sewing skills and tools but this is a simple craft that can be done by most crafters. I confess to wondering where I was going to get the metal rings and wooden button blanks that are used but the author sells all these things (and more) on her website (see below). The book opens with a list of the items you will require plus some basic button techniques. Twenty To Make books have twenty projects featuring one page of what you need and instructions with the facing page showing a photograph of the item in situ. The buttons can be used wherever your imagination takes you but it is inspiring to see them worn as pendants and hair slides, dressing up cards, tags and gifts, sewn onto hats and shoes as well as being used as fastenings on garments. Instructions are in word form only; there are no staged diagrams but anybody who is au fait with the basics of sewing won't have a problem. Make toggles by rolling fabric, stitch on beads or do a bit of basic embroidery (you will need to look elsewhere for the stitches but they are simple ones) and wrap with thread. My own favourite has to be Spiral, made by rolling up bias binding over cord and adding a few beads. At the front of the book are some useful circles to trace that will fit most sizes of circular blank. Another winner in this excellent series.
Anybody who regularly reads my reviews will know I am always looking for new ways of recycling things, and here is a good one. Weave outside using yarn and twigs, cut out card circles, roll up card or hammer nails into wooden boxes or (like me) old frames. With a table fork for a beater, crochet hook and tapestry needle, hammer and nails you will probably be able to make any of the looms, all of which are so simple to make that instructions are kept to a minimum. There are plenty of clear photographic steps to stringing the looms, weaving and finishing off, and of course projects. Cover buttons, weave mats, create jewellery, wall hangings, napkin rings, wallets, bunting and more (no Alice bands). My favourites have to be the tote bag and matching clutch purse, showing that you can do a lot with a little. The threads used include all kinds of yarns but also ribbons, strips of suede and even chenilles (pipe cleaners). The projects have clear diagrams and instructions; if you are new to this sort of thing I advise starting with the simpler looms and items first. Recycling has never been so much fun!
-- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *
If you want to learn a craft simply and effortlessly then the 20 to Stitch books are just the ticket.
I have always loved buttons, I remember my mum having an old tin filled with the small colourful and sometimes strange looking necessities.
This is a book filled with exquisite buttons, these can be used to adorn jackets, bags, tags and pretty much anything that needs something to make it just right.
Easy to make, with templates and simple instructions, they are embellished with beads, embroidery and with various shapes that are quite unlike the traditional looking button.
There are 20 beautiful designs and each one has a beautiful and unique look. They do not take long to make and even if you aren't a stitcher, they are still something anyone can make and still achieve a stunning result.
-- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *
Hands up if you love nothing more than rifting through your button box! In Gina's book, she shows you how to make these stunning embellishments which can adorn anything from necklaces and hair clips, to shoes and keyrings.
* Sew Christmas *
