5 Common Button Materials for Yarn Projects

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When it comes to button materials, there are a lot of options out there. Have you ever tried to name them all?  What are the most popular materials used for buttons, and what do you need to know about before using it on your next knitting or crocheting project? Here, we’re answering those questions and more.

Above: Image source – Getty Images

Spoiler alert: It would be impossible to summarize every button material available in a single article. Truly, a button could be out of anything! So, to narrow down the list, we have picked 5 of the most common types. And for each we’re sharing things to keep in mind if you’d like to add them to your next knit or crochet project.  

Wood Buttons

Buttons made of wood are incredibly popular, and rightly so. They are available in a wide range of sizes and can be stained, dyed, painted, laser cut, or carved for countless design options. Plus, they’re lightweight, which makes them perfect for handmade projects.

TIP: If choosing handmade wood buttons, you’ll want to feel the edges and surfaces to be sure they’re smooth. Live-edge wood buttons that retain a bit of the bark can snag yarn.

Plastic Buttons

Countless colors of plastic buttons—in every size and shape imaginable—can be found lining the store shelves at craft retailers. These have become the most readily-available button material due to how easy they are to produce. From a basic mold, thousands of buttons can be made, each identical to the next. Not to mention the fun, novelty designs that are possible! Whether you’re looking for an ice cream cone button or a reindeer button, or anything and everything in between, there’s a plastic button out there for you.

Plastic buttons are very popular for children’s projects due to their affordability. Keep in mind that buttons can be a choking hazard! The more colorful and playful, the more attractive and appealing to little ones. It’s vital that buttons are properly secured so they won’t come off in kids’ mouths.

Related: All Buttoned Up

Metal Buttons

When compared to the other button materials, metal buttons are less common. We see them most often in vintage lots. Their popularity could be linked to commercial fashion trends become more sought after when military style has a moment. Think Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation vibes . . . not as popular now as it was, right?

On-trend or not, these buttons are a good materials for knit and crochet projects. If you are using a metal button with a shank instead of holes, you’ll want the structure of your fabric to be stiff. Otherwise, the weight of these buttons can pull the fabric and look a bit floppy.

Polymer Clay Buttons

Artisan-made polymer clay buttons are really beautiful and always unique. Each is made by hand before the polymer clay is baked and cured. Their designers can make them with complex murinis, marbling, or sculptural. Whichever style calls to you, remember they take special care. Polymer clay beads should not be dry cleaned. Be sure to follow the maker’s instructions on washing projects with them, or hand wash when in doubt.

Related: Basic Techniques for Working with Polymer Clay

Ceramic Buttons

Another beautiful artisan-made option are ceramic buttons. Like polymer clay buttons, they’re made by hand. While they look similar, no two are exactly the same. Each button is a small work of art and should be handled as such. You don’t want to throw projects with these buttons in the laundry, even if your yarn is superwash. And, depending on size, these buttons can be heavier than plastic or wood. So, use them with sturdy fabric so their weight doesn’t pull on your stitches.

Other Button Materials

Glass, bone, leather, shell, mother of pearl, and fabric are just a few of the other button materials that we love but didn’t make the list. Like the other materials, each has their quirks. If too big, glass buttons can be heavy. Some shell buttons are really lovely, but the finish can wear off. Oh, and Dorset buttons! You see how we could go on and on.

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Did your favorite button material make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below. We would love a link to your favorite button maker or shop!

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