6 Best Plastic Button Sets For Childrenswear To Use
Discover the top 6 plastic button sets for children’s clothing. Learn how to select durable, safe, and stylish options that ensure both quality and comfort.
Selecting the right button for childrenswear is as much about structural integrity as it is about aesthetic charm. A button must withstand the rigorous, daily tugging of an active toddler while remaining gentle against sensitive skin. In my two decades of teaching, I have learned that the wrong fastener can ruin the drape of a hand-knit cardigan or, worse, pose a safety risk. These six recommendations balance durability, style, and the practical demands of the nursery.
Dress It Up Tiny Buttons: Best Overall Choice
These buttons are the gold standard for those delicate, heirloom-quality baby sweaters. They feature a refined, low-profile design that sits perfectly flat against the fabric, preventing that annoying "gaping" you often see on button bands.
Because they are lightweight, they won’t weigh down fine-gauge yarns like cashmere or high-twist merino. They are my go-to when I want a professional, polished finish that doesn’t distract from the stitch pattern.
The tradeoff here is size; they are quite petite, which can be challenging if you have dexterity issues or if your buttonholes are slightly over-stretched. If your gauge is loose, be sure to reinforce your buttonhole with a bit of invisible thread.
La Mode Basic Round Buttons: Best for Durability
When you are knitting a "workhorse" sweater that will be passed down through three siblings, you need hardware that won’t crack or discolor. La Mode buttons are crafted from high-density nylon, making them virtually indestructible in the laundry.
I often use these for heavy-gauge cotton or wool blends where the button needs to anchor a thicker fabric. They have a slightly deeper shank, which provides the necessary clearance for thick, chunky knit plackets.
Be aware that these have a more utilitarian aesthetic. They aren’t meant to be the "star" of the show, but they will hold your garment together long after the yarn has started to pill.
JHB International Novelty Set: Best for Fun Designs
Children love tactile, visual interest, and sometimes a simple round button just won’t cut it. JHB International excels at creating shapes—from tiny stars to geometric patterns—that turn a basic garter stitch cardigan into a favorite piece of clothing.
These are excellent for teaching children how to dress themselves, as the unique shapes provide a better grip for small, developing fingers. They add a layer of playfulness that makes the garment feel special to the wearer.
However, avoid using these on items for infants who are still in the "everything goes in the mouth" stage. Intricate shapes can have small protrusions that are harder to secure firmly than a standard round button.
Blumenthal Lansing Assorted Pack: Best Value Set
If you are a prolific knitter who churns out baby hats and sweaters for charity, buying individual cards of buttons gets expensive quickly. This assorted pack provides a wide range of colors and sizes, ensuring you always have a match on hand.
The variety is the real strength here, as it allows you to experiment with different button placements during the finishing phase. You can lay out your buttons on the blocked garment and swap them around until the visual weight feels balanced.
The downside is that you may end up with a few "filler" buttons you never use. Treat this set as your "button library" rather than a single-project solution.
Dritz Baby Button Collection: Best for Soft Knits
Dritz focuses on the specific needs of baby garments, prioritizing smooth edges and soft, rounded surfaces. When a baby is laying on their stomach, the last thing you want is a sharp, hard button pressing into their skin.
These buttons are typically finished with a matte or soft-gloss coating that feels much warmer to the touch than cheap, glossy plastic. They are ideal for delicate, lace-weight baby shawls or fine-gauge cardigans.
Because they are so soft and lightweight, they are not suitable for heavy-duty closures. Use them for decorative purposes or for light-weight button bands that don’t take much tension.
Buttons Galore Pastel Mix: Best Color Selection
Color matching is the bane of many knitters, especially when working with hand-dyed yarns that have subtle tonal shifts. This mix offers a curated palette of soft, nursery-appropriate pastels that blend seamlessly with high-end wool.
Using a button that matches your yarn perfectly creates a sophisticated, cohesive look. It makes the garment look store-bought in the best possible way, hiding the closure within the texture of the knit.
Since these are often sold in mixed bags, you might not get enough of a single color for a full-length cardigan. Plan your project by choosing a contrasting color if you run short, or use them as a "color gradient" down the front of the sweater.
Safety Considerations for Childrenswear Fasteners
Safety is non-negotiable when knitting for children. A button that detaches can become a significant choking hazard, which is why I always insist on using a double-strand of matching sewing thread or even a thin, strong nylon cord to attach them.
Never use buttons with loose shanks or those that appear to have hairline fractures from the manufacturing process. Even if a button looks sturdy, a child’s persistent picking can loosen the stitching over time.
Always perform a "tug test" after sewing on your buttons. If there is any movement or if the button feels wobbly, your thread tension is likely too loose and needs to be reinforced.
How to Choose the Right Button Size for Your Knit
The size of your button should be dictated by the size of your buttonhole, not just the aesthetic preference. A good rule of thumb is that the button should be slightly larger than the buttonhole so it sits securely without slipping out during movement.
If you are knitting a buttonhole into your project, remember that it will stretch significantly after blocking. I always recommend knitting a small swatch with a buttonhole to test the "snap" of the button before committing to the full garment.
If your button is too small, the garment will pop open; if it’s too large, you will stretch the buttonhole until it eventually tears. Aim for the "Goldilocks" fit where the button passes through with a gentle, satisfying resistance.
Tips for Securing Buttons on Delicate Baby Knits
Sewing a button onto a fine knit can easily distort the fabric if you aren’t careful. I always sew a small square of scrap fabric or a "stay button" on the inside of the garment to act as a stabilizer.
This prevents the button from pulling through the knit fabric over time and adds a layer of structural support. You should also use a "thread shank" when sewing; this creates a small gap between the button and the fabric, allowing the buttonhole to slide underneath smoothly.
Avoid knotting your thread on the right side of the work. Always start and end your thread on the inside of the button band, burying the tails securely within the plies of the yarn.
Caring for Plastic Buttons Through Machine Washing
While most high-quality plastic buttons are machine-washable, they are susceptible to heat damage. I strongly advise turning baby garments inside out before placing them in a mesh laundry bag to protect the buttons from the agitator.
If you are using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting or air-dry the garment flat. High heat can cause plastic to become brittle or even warp, which will ruin the finish and potentially make the button prone to cracking.
If you notice a button becoming dull or scratched after many washes, it is a sign that it is reaching the end of its life. Don’t hesitate to replace it before it breaks, as a cracked button can have sharp edges that might irritate a child’s skin.
Choosing the right button is the final, essential step in honoring the time you spent at the needles. By prioritizing safety, size, and material quality, you ensure that your hand-knit gift remains a cherished, functional item for years to come. Take the time to test your fasteners, and your project will be as durable as it is beautiful. Happy knitting, and may your buttonholes always be the perfect size.
