Make Your Own Damn Buttons

Hey guys guess what! You can totally make your own buttons using key ring protectors and embroidery thread! If you have old key ring protectors like these lying around:


you can turn them into something beautiful and useful by following these simple steps.

Take a piece of embroidery thread and measure about three arm lengths of it. Thread it through an embroidery needle. Thread this through the key ring protector by bringing the thread through the back, looping it around the side of the key ring, and then bringing it through the back of the center of the ring again.



You will then have to make a knot by slipping the needle through the loop that is created when you draw the needle through the center. This loop disappears if you pull the thread too tight so a little finesse is required. When you make this knot, make sure that you pull the thread towards you, from the back of the loop to the front.



Repeat this process until your ring is covered.



A small seam will be created where your knots were. Push this seam to the back of your ring.

Now pull your thread straight across from one side of your ring to the other. Loop it under the ring and back across to where you started. Repeat this process, moving around the ring until you have 6 or 8 spokes, wichever you prefer.



Tighten and straighten the spokes by making a loop around the center and pulling gently. Next, start weaving your thread in and out of the spokes. Alternate going under one spoke and then over the next.



When you have filled in your button, bring the needle to the back of the button and make a knot in the center. Do this by taking the needle under a piece of thread and pulling it all the way through.



Then, take it through again but this time don't pull it all the way. Instead, when you have pulled it far enough that there is a small loop, pull the needle through this loop and make a tight knot.





Trim your thread so the back of the button is clean. Ta-da! You have a button.



The pink button has another embellishment. After I finished filling in the spokes, I wrapped thread around the four individual spokes that were showing on the front of the button. This adds texture and scintillating visual interest. There are many ways you can expand on this basic technique - changing thread colors, stringing beads onto your thread, changing thread direction, etc. It's fun, and you can do it while you watch What Not to Wear (or any other show). Sweet.