6 Best Enamel Buttons For Whimsical Knitting Designs
Discover six whimsical enamel buttons to elevate your knitting. This guide highlights durable, charming designs perfect for adding character to any project.
Finding the perfect button is the final, crucial step that transforms a handmade garment from a "project" into a professional-looking heirloom. Enamel buttons offer a unique blend of color and durability that plastic or wood simply cannot replicate. Whether you are finishing a whimsical cardigan or a structured accessory, the right hardware acts as the jewelry of your knitwear. These six selections provide the perfect balance of aesthetic charm and functional reliability for any fiber artist.
La Mode Floral Enamel: Best Overall Choice
When you need a button that elevates a simple stockinette sweater into something special, La Mode’s floral enamel line is the industry standard. These buttons feature crisp, vibrant designs that hold their finish even after repeated wear.
They are particularly effective for lighter-weight yarns like fingering or sport weight, where a heavy wooden toggle might drag the fabric down. The enamel surface is smooth, preventing the button from snagging on delicate stitches or loose plies.
The primary trade-off is the weight; enamel is denser than resin. If you are using a very loose, drapey yarn, ensure you reinforce the button band with a bit of ribbon or interfacing to prevent sagging.
Dress It Up Whimsical Animal Enamel Buttons
These buttons are designed for the knitter who isn’t afraid to inject personality into their work. From tiny hedgehogs to vibrant songbirds, these pieces add a distinct narrative to children’s knitwear or quirky accessories.
Because these often come in irregular shapes, they act as a focal point rather than a subtle closure. I recommend using these on the front of a cardigan where the button itself is meant to be the star of the show.
Be aware that the unconventional shapes can sometimes make the buttonhole fit a bit tricky. Always double-check your buttonhole gauge before binding off, as these buttons aren’t always standard circular dimensions.
ButtonMode Colorful Enamel Geometric Shapes
Geometric enamel buttons provide a clean, modern aesthetic that balances out the softness of hand-knitted wool. If you are knitting a garment with bold color blocking or sharp architectural lines, these are your best bet.
The enamel finish on these is typically very durable, resisting the scratching that often happens with lower-quality painted buttons. They stand up well to the friction of being pulled through buttonholes repeatedly.
If you find that your buttonhole is slightly too large for a geometric shape, consider using a "shank" style if available. It keeps the button from rotating and looking lopsided on the garment.
JHB International Novelty Enamel Collections
JHB International has been a staple in the craft world for decades, and their enamel novelty collection is a treasure trove for themed projects. They offer everything from seasonal motifs to hobby-inspired designs.
These are excellent for gift knitting when you want to personalize a piece for a specific recipient. Because they are often produced in smaller, thematic batches, they feel much more bespoke than standard mass-produced notions.
Keep in mind that some novelty shapes may have sharper edges than traditional round buttons. Before attaching, run your finger over the edges to ensure they won’t abrade your yarn over time.
Prym Decorative Enamel Buttons for Knitwear
Prym is known for high-quality engineering, and their enamel buttons are no exception. They are reliably sized, which is a massive relief when you are working on a project with ten or more buttons.
These are the most "professional" looking of the bunch, often featuring subtle metallic accents or classic patterns. They are the ideal choice for a sophisticated adult sweater that needs a touch of whimsy without looking like a costume.
They are generally lighter than other enamel options, making them safer for delicate fibers like alpaca or cashmere. You won’t have to worry about the weight distorting your beautiful ribbing.
Blumenthal Lansing Whimsical Enamel Series
Blumenthal Lansing offers a fantastic range of whimsical designs that feel slightly more "artistic" and hand-painted in appearance. They bring a vintage charm to modern patterns, perfect for those who lean toward a cottage-core aesthetic.
The enamel on these buttons often has a slight texture, which provides a lovely tactile experience. This texture also helps the button stay put in the buttonhole, acting as a natural "stopper" against accidental opening.
Because of the intricate paintwork, I suggest hand-washing garments with these buttons. While they are durable, the paint can occasionally chip if subjected to the aggressive agitation of a machine cycle.
How to Choose Enamel Buttons for Your Project
Choosing the right button is a balance of scale, weight, and visual weight. A massive, heavy enamel button on a delicate lace shawl will cause the fabric to droop, while a tiny button on a chunky cable-knit cardigan will get lost in the texture.
- Weight: Hold the button in your palm; if it feels heavy, ensure your button band is reinforced.
- Scale: The button should be roughly 1.5 times the width of the yarn’s stitch density in the buttonhole area.
- Color: Match the enamel to the secondary colors in your yarn to create a cohesive, professional look.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match if the pattern allows. A row of different whimsical buttons can turn a simple garment into a true piece of art.
Ensuring Button Durability on Hand Knits
The biggest mistake knitters make is sewing a button directly onto the fabric without a backing. Even the sturdiest enamel button can pull through a knit fabric if the yarn is soft or the gauge is loose.
Always use a small, flat "stay button" on the inside of the garment. This distributes the tension of the button across a larger area of the fabric, preventing the yarn from stretching or tearing over time.
I also recommend using a matching or clear nylon thread for the actual attachment. Nylon is stronger and less prone to breaking than standard cotton sewing thread, ensuring your buttons stay secure for years.
Tips for Attaching Buttons to Delicate Yarn
When working with delicate fibers like mohair or silk, the friction of sewing can actually damage the yarn. Use a blunt tapestry needle to gently guide your thread through the existing stitches rather than piercing the yarn fibers themselves.
If you are worried about the button shank cutting into the yarn, wrap the thread around the base of the button several times to create a "thread shank." This creates a small gap between the button and the fabric, allowing the button to sit neatly over the buttonhole.
- Avoid: Pulling the thread too tight, which creates a pucker in your knitting.
- Use: A slightly longer thread tail to allow for the natural stretch of the wool.
- Check: That the button can pass through the hole comfortably before you knot your thread.
Caring for Enamel Hardware After Laundering
Enamel is generally hardy, but it is not indestructible. When laundering your hand knits, I always recommend turning the garment inside out to protect the buttons from clanking against the drum of the washer or the dryer.
If you must machine wash, use a mesh laundry bag. This prevents the buttons from catching on other items or being pulled by the wash cycle’s motion.
Whenever possible, skip the dryer entirely. High heat can cause the metal backing of an enamel button to expand at a different rate than the enamel coating, which may lead to micro-cracking over time.
Selecting whimsical enamel buttons is the ultimate act of creative expression in your knitting journey. By considering the weight, scale, and attachment method, you ensure that your hard work remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different motifs to let your personality shine through your finished garments. Happy knitting, and may your final button be the perfect finishing touch.
