Buttons and snap fasteners

Buttons and snap fasteners for knitwear and crafts

Buttons and snap fasteners serve both a practical and a decorative purpose, so choose them to suit the thickness, weight, colour and intended use of your item. This category includes wooden, metal, coconut-shell, mother-of-pearl and other decorative buttons, as well as sew-on snap fasteners. Check each product description for its exact size, material, pack quantity and attachment method.

How to choose the right size

First, measure the buttonhole or the intended attachment point. The button should pass easily through the buttonhole without coming undone on its own. A smaller, lighter button is usually more suitable for a fine child's jumper or a lightweight cardigan. A larger button or a securely attached snap fastener may suit a thicker jumper, coat, bag or home accessory. Before sewing it on permanently, check that its weight does not stretch or distort the fabric.

Material, colour and style

Wooden and coconut-shell buttons add natural texture and work well with wool, linen or cotton knitwear. Metal details can provide a striking accent, while mother-of-pearl or pearl-effect buttons offer a more subtle finish. Compare the colour with your item in daylight, as colours may look different on screen. If you need several matching buttons, it is best to buy them together after checking the diameter and pack quantity.

Attachment and security

Buttons may have two or four holes, a shank or another design. Choose the thread and sewing needle to suit the hole size, button weight and fabric thickness. If needed, reinforce the attachment point with an extra layer of fabric or another method suitable for the item. Check whether snap fasteners are sewn on or fitted with a special tool; appearance alone does not tell you how they should be attached.

Attach small parts to children's clothing and toys particularly securely, and check regularly that they have not come loose. For items intended for a young child, consider the child's age, the intended use and applicable safety requirements. A decorative button is not always suitable.

Buttons for bags and finishing touches

For a bag or basket, consider the load on the fastening, the strength of the base material and how often it will be used, as well as its appearance. Find additional handles, chains, bag bases and fastenings in the bag-making supplies category. Craft scissors are useful for trimming thread ends and finishing your work. Explore the full range of knitting and craft accessories.