Cover Buttons: FAQ and Tutorials

What Size Cover Button Do I Need?

Cover Buttons are available in a number of sizes (diameters/cap size). Cover Buttons are commonly sold by their size in an old measurement called the Ligne. One inch (1" - 2.54 cm) is approximately 40 Ligne.

For size reference, cover buttons are available in the following sizes (pictured below):

• Size 20 (1/2 inch / 12 mm)
• Size 24 (5/8 inch / 15 mm)
• Size 30 (3/4 inch / 19 mm)
• Size 36 (7/8 inch / 23 mm)
• Size 45 (1 1/8 inch / 28 mm)
• Size 60 (1 1/2 inch / 38 mm)
• Size 75 (1 7/8 inch / 48 mm)

How to Make Fabric Cover Buttons (Pictorial):

How to Make Fabric Cover Buttons:

Cover Buttons are easy to assemble:

1. Cut your fabric scrap. You will want a circle that is about twice the diameter of your button blank.
2. Put your fabric piece in the larger assembly tool piece (RIGHT SIDE DOWN). When you look into the tool you want to see the back of the fabric.
3. Place the button front (the domed piece) on top of the fabric. Leave the fabric edges hanging out.
4. Press the cover button edges down into the tool.
5. Place the back cover button piece on top of your fabric and button front. If the cover button will be subject to repeated tugging from the back, you may want to add a little e6000 adhesive before attaching the back.
6. Take the smaller piece of the assembly tool and with the open side down place it on the button back.
7. Press down. You may hear a pop when the last bit of the button back slips into place. If you take the tool out and the button is not completely secured, just put it back in and press down again.
8. When you take the small assembly tool piece off, the fabric edges will be secured underneath the button back.
9. Remove the button from the larger assembly tool piece.
10. Tada!

Cover Button Tips:

• These Cover Buttons are not recommended for upholstery, leather, vinyl, or other fabrics which are better served by using brass and teeth-style upholstery buttons.
• These Cover Buttons do not need and will not work with a mechanical press. They are made to be formed with the matching sized silicone Cover Button tool that we offer. Simply choose "Add Tool" from the drop-down menu and the correct sized tool will be added to your order.
• The size of the fabric circle for each Cover Button size should be approximately twice the diameter of your button blank. If you would like a matching sized reusable plastic circle template, simply choose "Add Template" from the drop-down menu and the correct sized tool will be added to your order.
• When the circle of fabric and Cover Button Cap are snugly situated in the clear base of the Cover Button tool, flip the tool over and double-check the positioning of your fabric. If it has a pattern, you will see a preview of how the button will form and can make adjustments to the fabric before you install the back.
• You may want to add a dab of E6000 or comparable adhesive before installing the Cover Button Back as a precaution to ensure a permanent hold.
• Save your fingers: Tip #1 - Use the backside of a permanent marker or comparable item on the smaller sized Cover Button Caps to press them into the clear base of the Cover Button tool.
• Save your fingers: Tip #2 - Take a flat piece of wood and use it to apply even downward pressure on the pink plunger of the Cover Button installation tool when installing the back.  Not so much pressure that you flatten the button, just until it pops into place.
• To remove the Cover Button from the clear base once it has been formed, bend the mold slightly and push up from the bottom to pop out the button.

How To Make A Cover Button? Video

Wire Back vs Flat Back Video

• Assembling fabric covered buttons is easy and fun but did you know there are two distinct kinds?
• Wire Back or Shank Back, as they are sometimes called, are sew able and meant to be attached with a thread and needle to your sewing project.
• Flat Back are glue able and meant to be attached to your craft project with glue to a flat surface or glue pad.

Cover Button Tips:

How To Assemble A Fabric Cover Button Tip #1

• Assembling fabric covered buttons is easy and fun but here is a handy trick to make it even simpler. 
• This tip is great for saving your thumbs or when using slightly thicker fabric. 

How To Convert Wire Back To Flat Back Tip #2

• Assembling fabric covered buttons is easy and fun but did you know you can convert Wire Back Cover Buttons to Flat Back Cover Buttons in 1 simple step?
• Watch the video above to see just how easy it is.

To see other great Fabric Cover Button ideas, visit our DIY Project section here.