I love fabric self covered buttons, but let’s be honest – the process is quite fiddly if you do it the old school way with thread, needles and gathers. That’s where Prym’s universal tool for cover buttons comes in handy. It’s a nifty tools that makes the process a lot easier and quicker. After I did my video about five favorite sewing tools featuring the fabric covered button maker, I got several people saying that they were intrigued by this so I thought I should do a proper review and show how it works.
The specifics of the Prym tool for making fabric covered buttons
- Fits buttons of the sizes 11mm, 15mm, 19mm, 22mm and 29mm
- Works for both plastic and metal buttons (it’s sometimes labeled for metal only, but it works for both types)
- No need for a hammer, thread or needle
- Are made to work for Prym’s own buttons, but I’ve had success with other brands too. Just make sure they are the exact same size
- The socket is made of a rubber like material and the lid/press tool of plastic
Of course there are other brands than Prym who uses the same method. This one looks good too Hemline Self Cover Button tool.
How to use the tool for making self cover buttons
Step 1. Cut a fabric circle just like you normally would and place it in the socket
Step 2. Place the shell of the cover buttons in the socket
Step 3. Push the button down into the socket
Step 4. Press down any wayward fabric edges
Step 5. Put the button back piece on top and push it down gently
Step 6. Place the lid over the button and press firmly
Step 7. Flip the button maker over and press out the button!
Finished!
This method might feel a bit flimsy compared to using a hammer or a proper button cover machine, but I’ve found the buttons hold up really well using the Prym tool. I don’t think I’ve ever had a mishap where the button has opened up afterwards. However you might need to do some firm pressing if the fabric is thicker. Also the first few times it might be a bit fiddly getting the fabric to stay in the middle when you press down the button. Also be mindful that there are no folds visible folds when you attach the lid. This is not a miracle tool, but it’s so much easier and quicker than using thread and needle to gather the fabric. So I highly recommend this tool!
8 Comments
Dawn
November 3, 2016 at 11:51 pmOh my gosh, that’s awesome! I love fabric covered buttons but rarely make them because they are annoying. This looks so simple!!
Johanna
November 4, 2016 at 3:01 pmIt really is simple to use! And I agree, making them the old school way is no fun at all.
Becca A
November 6, 2016 at 3:40 pmAfter you did your list of favorite sewing tools I pulled out an unused covered button making tool and made a set of buttons for my current project. It was so much easier than I expected. Thank you for the review and very clearly photographed lesson.
Johanna
November 6, 2016 at 5:13 pmYou’re welcome! Excellent to hear that you finally got to use your button maker tool. I can relate, I sometimes buy sewing tools, then feel intimidated by it for a long time until I finally can muster up the confidence to use it, and then it’s often easier than I thought!
Ingrid
January 9, 2017 at 3:22 pmHi Johanna,
May I missed something, but what kind of buttons do you use with this tool? I was thinking on making some buttons with sashiko embroidery .
Thanks
Johanna
January 10, 2017 at 9:22 amI use Pryms own brand of fabric cover buttons, both plastic and metal , but I’ve also have had success with other brands, as long as they have the same size. I had one type that didn’t work though, so best is to buy buttons that are similar to the ones Prym sell
Ingrid
January 10, 2017 at 10:08 amThanks Johanna !
Diana Diamond
June 8, 2018 at 11:40 pmThanks for sharing hun. Do you get the plastic eyes when you purchase? I’m making necklaces with them and I’d like to know.