Buttoneers are a type of sewing accessory that are used to hold fabric in place while you sew. They’re often small, plastic, and/or lightweight.
They come in different shapes and sizes, and some are made with two buttoneers stacked on top of each other.
You can sew a button onto clothing with a sewing needle and thread. Place the thread through the threading hole in the top of the button and sew the button onto the clothing with a simple straight stitch.
Buttoneers are useful for sewing garments and attaching buttons to clothing. They contain a flat-bottomed button and are often used in places where thread would be visible on the right side of the garment.
How do I know which one is right for me?
The first thing to consider when choosing your buttoneer is the size of the piece you’ll be working on.
If it’s large enough to fit between both buttoneers, then you can probably get away without using any at all. But if there isn’t room for them, or they won’t stay put, then you might need more than just one.
Buttoneer for sewing – History of buttons
Buttoneer is a person who uses a sewing machine to make buttonholes on fabric. In the past, this was done manually using a extra needles and thread.
The term “butt” comes from the fact that these people were called buttoniers because their job involved making holes in cloth.
In modern times, however, most women have learned how to sew by hand instead of using a sewing machine. This means that many women don’t even own a sewing machine anymore!
So, today we call those people simply “sewists.” Sewists still work with a needle and thread, though now they usually use an electric sewing machine rather than a manual model like the ones used back in the day.
So what about my sewing machine? Can I use it as a buttoneer?
Yes, but only if you want to learn how to sew by hand. If you already know how to operate a sewing machine, then you should definitely buy yourself a buttoneer so you can practice your skills.
There are several types of buttons available:
- Fancy one-hole buttons
Fancy one-hole buttoneer are designed specifically for fancy dress costumes. These buttons feature decorative designs such as flowers, animals, stars, etc., along with a single round hole.
You may also find them sewn into children’s clothes.
- One-hole button
A one-hole buttoneer are similar to fancy one-hole buttons except that they lack decorations. Instead, they look plain and unadorned. One-hole buttons are typically found on men’s shirts and suits.
- Two-piece buttons
These buttons consist of two pieces joined together. Each half has its own threading hole, allowing you to attach either end of the button separately. Two-piece buttons are commonly seen on jackets and coats.
- Three-piece buttons
Three-pieces buttoneer are made up of three separate parts. There is a center part, a ring around the outside edge, and another smaller circle inside the larger ring.
Three-piece buttons come in various sizes and colors. Some are meant to match specific outfits while others are intended to coordinate with other items in your wardrobe.
- Four-hole button
This type of a buttoneer are used for attaching four-pointed fasteners onto clothing. They’re often found on jeans and pants.
- Hand-sewn button
Hand-sewn buttoneer are used for creating custom embroidery patterns. Hand-stitched buttons require some skill and patience, which makes them ideal for hobbyist seamsters.
- Medium-sized two-hole button
This type of a buttoneer are used for joining medium sized fabrics or materials. It features two small holes at each side of the button.
- Large-sized two-hole buttoneer
The large size of this style of a buttoneer allows you to create bigger openings when stitching through thick material.
- Thicker buttons
Thicker buttoneer are usually used for making thicker fabric closures. The thickness of these buttons varies from 1/4″ to 3/8″.
- Button gun
A button gun is a type of a buttoneer that used for applying multiple layers of buttons quickly. This tool consists of a handle attached to a spring-loaded plunger.
When pressed down, the plunger pushes out a number of buttons simultaneously. Button guns are great tools for beginners who need to apply lots of buttons quickly.
What is a button maker?
A button maker is a tool that makes circular buttonholes in fabrics. It consists of a metal plate with a series of tiny teeth around its edge.
When pressed against the material being worked upon, the teeth cut out circles of fabric.
How to choose a good buttoneer?
When shopping for a buttoneer, keep in mind that some styles will suit certain fabrics better than others. For example, fancy one-hole buttons tend to work best on silk and satin materials.
On the other hand, two-piece buttons are ideal for cotton and woolen garments.
The first thing you will notice when looking through different brands of buttoneers is that each brand offers a variety of styles. For example, you could go with something simple and basic, or opt for something fancier and ornate. It really depends on your personal preference.
Buttoneer tagging tools & fasteners
What are fastener?
Fastener are any item that attaches two pieces together. Commonly known as “buttons”, they can be sewed into place using sewing machines, but also include things like snaps, zippers, hooks, etc.
Other types of a fasteners:
- Plastic fastener
- Replacement fasteners
- Detached fastener
- Expensive fasteners
- Horseshoe-shaped fasteners
- Non-crumbly fasteners
- Vintage-style fasteners
- Price-tag style fasteners
