Amelia Johanson - Pocket Guide to Fasteners: Understanding Buttons, Snaps, Zippers, Velcro, and More

POCKET GUIDE TO FASTENERS

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Copyright 2021 by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

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Project Team

Editorial Director: Kerry Bogert

Editor: Amy Deputato

Copy Editor: Colleen Dorsey

Designer: Christopher Morrison

Photographs by Amelia Johanson with additional images provided by Shutterstock:

Print ISBN 978-1-947163-81-2

eISBN 978-1-637410-61-5

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021935572

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This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein.

Whether buttons, a zipper, snaps, or hooks and eyes, something about committing to that all-important closure gives even the most seasoned maker a bit of pause. Patterns suggest basics six 2-hole buttons or a 12 (30.5cm) zipper, for examplebut one trip down the notions aisle at any sewing or craft shop will introduce you to dozens of different button styles in all sorts of colors and fabrications, not to mention standard zippers, invisible zippers, decorative zippers, plastic snaps, metal snaps, covered snaps you get the idea.

Once you land on the right fastener, the next step is to muster the confidence to apply it to your project so that it either blends seamlessly or serves as a stylish design element. If buttons are your fastener of choice, theres also the question of the buttonhole.

Choosing and applying not only the most appealing but also the most functional fastener can really be a make-or-break decision. It depends on not just the style, but on your fabric as well. And, believe it or not, something as simple as accurately placing and neatly sewing a basic 2-hole button with the right color thread determines not only the finished look of your project but also the fit of the garment and how the pieces align.

So, keep this pocket guide handy. Take it with you when youre shopping for your sewing materials and have it close at hand in your sewing room when considering those finishing touches. Its an invaluable resource for selecting the fastener(s) that can elevate your creative efforts from homemade to custom-made.

Most clothing calls for buttons from 11 to 28mm (7/16 to 1 ), with larger styles used on coats, outerwear, and accessories.

Plastic: Plastic buttons are made of a multitude of plastic types (acrylic, polyester resin, nylon) and come in countless varieties. Plastic novelty styles are used on childrens apparel, and many plastic buttons emulate natural fabrications, such as faux wood, pearl, bone, and glass. Plastic compositions are washable.

Plastic buttons come in traditional shapes and sizes as well as in novelty designs.

Wood: Varnished wood buttons can be washed and are a great decorative choice for casual patterns, particularly with denim or chambray. Unvarnished wooden buttons should be washed by hand to keep them from being soaked for long periods of time; machine washing can cause the wood to become distressed and split. Faux wood is a machine-washable option that offers a similar look to natural wood.

Varnished or unvarnished, wood buttons bring a natural touch to your project.

Leather: Leather buttons, used mostly on coats, are often the braided shank style (see ) and should be dry-cleaned. Leather buttons can be of the 2-hole variety as well. The traditional braided style made from plastic or faux leather is a washable option with a similar look.

An example of leather shank button.

Metal: Some metal buttons are square; most are round. They can be filigreed and beautifully ornate. Nearly all buttons on jeans are metal, and metal novelty styles are used on childrens apparel. Common metals for buttons are zinc alloy, brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and iron.

Mainly round in shape, metal buttons run the gamut from plain to ornate.

Natural and eco-friendly: Shell and pearl, primarily made from clam, mussel, river shell, and abalone, are laser cut into various shapes and sizes and have always been a natural choice. Theyre almost exclusively used in heirloom sewing. Bone and horn buttons are less common but can be found through online sources.

Vegetable ivory buttons have been made from the corozo nut, harvested from the tagua tree, since the late nineteenth century. During their peak popularitybetween 1870 and 1920vegetable ivory buttons were common on menswear, as the material is particularly dense. The corozo nut is still a popular natural resource.

Natural and recycled fabrications are becoming increasingly popular, with some newer materials speaking directly to the eco-friendly crafter. Bamboo, recycled resin, corozo nut, coconut, and sea glass are more readily available, and even recycled soda bottle tops have been turned into buttons.

Shell buttons have long been popular natural choices, while eco-friendly buttons are made from both natural and recycled synthetic materials.