20 to Stitch: Fabric Buttons

Gina Barrett began her career as a graphic designer and illustrator, specialising in romantic book covers. This led to more intense study of costume, which in itself led to a passion for historical passementerie, including buttons and other trimmings. She now provides bespoke items to costumers for film, theatre, museums and fashion, and continues to research new and innovative techniques. Gina and her husband run Gina-B Silkworks, which brings original tools, kits and materials for traditional crafts to a modern audience. Gina lives in Lincolnshire, UK. Visit her website: www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk

• Introduction 4Materials, tools and techniques 6Flower 8Paisley 10Boho toggle 12Envelope toggle 14Dotted singleton 16Kelly 18Bow 20Trinket 22Rivet 24Sunshine 26Pod 28Bottle-top 30Garden 32Cushion 34Crown 36Shell 38Wrapped up 40‘X’ Marks the Spot 42Spiral 44Laced up 46Author’s note 48

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.