7 Best Button Kits For Cardigan Finishing To Try
Elevate your knitwear with these 7 top-rated button kits. Discover durable, stylish options that provide the perfect professional finish for every cardigan.
Choosing the perfect buttons is the final, transformative step that turns a hand-knit cardigan from a project into a cherished garment. A well-chosen fastener does more than hold fabric together; it dictates the drape and overall aesthetic of your finished piece. After spending weeks on gauge swatches and blocking, you deserve hardware that reflects the quality of your labor. This guide explores the best button kits to ensure your knitwear receives the professional finishing touch it demands.
La Mode Assorted Classic Cardigan Button Kit
These kits are a staple for a reason, offering a reliable mix of sizes and finishes that suit traditional wool cardigans perfectly. They take the guesswork out of color matching by providing a cohesive palette in one package.
When you are working with a standard worsted weight yarn, having a variety of sizes at your fingertips is invaluable. You can audition different diameters against your buttonband before committing to a final placement.
The trade-off here is the plastic composition, which may not offer the same tactile luxury as wood or horn. However, for a cardigan intended for daily wear and frequent machine washing, this durability is often a functional advantage.
Dritz Covered Button Kit for Custom Finishes
If you want your cardigan to look like a high-end designer piece, covering your own buttons is the absolute gold standard. This kit allows you to use your leftover yarn or matching fabric to create a seamless, integrated look.
This approach is particularly effective for hiding minor imperfections in your buttonband. By using the same fiber as the sweater, you ensure the buttons age and felt at the same rate as the garment itself.
Keep in mind that these require a bit of patience and a steady hand during assembly. If your fabric is too thick, the button back may struggle to snap into place, so consider thinning out your seam allowances.
Prym Sew-On Button Assortment for Knitwear
Prym is known for precision, and their sew-on assortments are engineered specifically to minimize bulk on delicate knit structures. The shanks are designed to sit flush, preventing that unsightly "gaping" between buttonholes.
These are an excellent choice for lightweight cardigans knit in fingering or sport weight yarns. Because the buttons are lightweight, they won’t pull or distort the delicate stitch pattern of your buttonband.
The variety included in these kits often covers both two-hole and four-hole configurations. Choose the two-hole version if you want a more minimalist look, or four-hole if you need extra security for a heavy, oversized knit.
Blumenthal Lansing Cardigan Button Variety
Blumenthal Lansing offers a fantastic range of textures, from faux-wood to polished resin. Their kits are ideal if you are looking to add a bit of character or a "vintage" vibe to a basic stockinette cardigan.
I often recommend these for beginners who are unsure what style complements their chosen colorway. Having a variety pack allows you to test how different textures interact with the "halo" or fuzziness of your yarn.
Be aware that some of the more ornate finishes can be heavier than they appear. Always check the weight of the button against the structure of your buttonband to prevent sagging over time.
Hemline Professional Toggle Button Set
Toggles are a fantastic alternative to traditional buttons, especially for chunky, oversized cardigans knit in bulky yarns. They provide a rustic, cozy aesthetic that pairs beautifully with cable-knit patterns.
The advantage of a toggle is the ease of use; they are much simpler to fasten with cold hands or for those with limited dexterity. Because they distribute the tension across a larger area, they are less likely to tear through your buttonholes.
Installation requires a bit more planning, as you must ensure your buttonholes are spaced wide enough to accommodate the toggle bar. Always reinforce the back of your toggle attachment with a small bit of ribbon or interfacing to prevent the weight from stretching the knit fabric.
JHB International Vintage Style Button Kit
JHB International excels at creating buttons that feel like they were plucked from an antique shop. These are perfect for heirloom-quality projects, such as a delicate lace cardigan or a cabled baby sweater.
The craftsmanship on these buttons often features intricate relief work that adds depth to a simple knit. They serve as the "jewelry" of the garment, elevating even the most basic pattern.
Because these buttons are often made of metal or resin with detailed surfaces, they can be slightly slicker than wooden buttons. Ensure your buttonhole is snug enough that the button won’t slide out during normal movement.
ButtonMode Premium Horn Style Button Set
Horn or horn-effect buttons provide a sophisticated, earthy finish that looks incredible against natural wool fibers like alpaca or merino. They offer a subtle variation in color and pattern that makes every button unique.
These are exceptionally durable and resistant to the heat of an iron, which is a major plus when you are blocking your finished cardigan. They handle the rigors of frequent washing better than many synthetic alternatives.
If you are working with a very dark yarn, a horn button provides just enough contrast to be visible without being distracting. They are a timeless choice that will never go out of style, making them a great investment for a "forever" sweater.
How to Choose the Right Button Size for Cardigans
The golden rule of button sizing is to measure your buttonhole, not just the button itself. A button should slide through the hole with a slight bit of resistance, but it should never require force.
If your button is too large, you risk stretching the buttonhole until it loses its shape permanently. If it is too small, your cardigan will constantly pop open, which is incredibly frustrating after hours of careful knitting.
Always conduct a "button test" on your swatch before you sew them onto the actual garment. If you find the button is a perfect fit but the hole is slightly too tight, a quick steam block can often ease the fibers enough to accommodate the button.
Tips for Sewing Buttons onto Delicate Knit Fabric
Never sew a button directly onto a single layer of knit fabric without reinforcement. Over time, the weight of the button will pull and distort the stitches, leading to unsightly holes or sagging.
Instead, sew a small piece of clear plastic or a scrap of sturdy fabric to the inside of the buttonband. This acts as a stabilizer, distributing the tension of the button across multiple stitches rather than just one.
Use a sturdy, non-stretching thread that matches your yarn color as closely as possible. If you are using a button with a shank, ensure you leave enough "thread room" so the button doesn’t sit too tightly against the fabric.
Essential Tools for Securing Cardigan Fasteners
To secure your buttons professionally, you need more than just a standard needle and thread. A sharp, sturdy sewing needle is essential, but a tapestry needle is often better for hiding thread ends within the knit structure.
A pair of small, sharp embroidery scissors will allow you to trim your thread ends closely without nicking your precious hand-knit fabric. Additionally, a thimble is a must-have if you are sewing through multiple layers of heavy wool.
Finally, keep a small container of clear nail polish or fabric glue on hand. A tiny dot on the finished knot can prevent the thread from unraveling, ensuring your buttons stay secure for years to come.
Selecting the right button kit is the final act of love for your handmade cardigan. By considering the weight of your yarn, the intended use of the garment, and the structural needs of your buttonholes, you can ensure a professional and long-lasting finish. Take your time during this final stage, as the right hardware will highlight your hard work for years. May your buttons be as beautiful as the stitches that hold them together.
