7 Best Novelty Buttons For Holiday Themed Knits To Try
Elevate your holiday knits with these 7 novelty buttons. From festive motifs to seasonal charms, discover the perfect finishing touches for your projects.
Adding a novelty button to a holiday knit is the quickest way to turn a simple garter-stitch cardigan into a cherished seasonal heirloom. These small details act as the finishing touch that elevates your handiwork from "homemade" to professional-level craftsmanship. Whether you are aiming for whimsical charm or sophisticated elegance, the right hardware changes how the garment hangs and functions. Choosing the perfect fastener requires balancing the weight of your yarn with the visual impact of the button itself.
La Mode Holiday Snowflake Shank Buttons
These snowflake shanks are a staple for a reason, offering a clean, classic aesthetic that works beautifully on delicate fingering-weight wools. The shank style—a loop on the back rather than holes through the face—is essential here because it allows the button to sit slightly above the fabric surface.
This elevation prevents the button from pulling or puckering your knitting when the garment is buttoned up. If you are working with a light-to-medium weight yarn, this is the most professional choice for maintaining a crisp, non-distorted buttonhole.
Keep in mind that shank buttons can sometimes "flop" if your buttonhole is too large or your yarn is too loosely spun. Always ensure your buttonhole is sized to the shank, not just the button head.
Dress It Up Holiday Resin Miniatures
If you are knitting for children or looking to add a touch of playful whimsy to a gift, these resin miniatures are unmatched in detail. They are lightweight, which is a major advantage when working with delicate fibers like alpaca that might sag under the weight of metal or heavy ceramic.
Because these are often flat-backed, you will need to sew them on securely using a strong, non-stretchy thread like a high-quality quilting cotton or a fine nylon cord. They are perfect for embellishing the cuffs of mittens or the front of a toddler’s holiday vest.
Be aware that these resin pieces can be brittle if caught on a door handle or snagged in the wash. Reserve these for decorative accents rather than high-stress closures that will be pulled daily.
Buttons Galore Festive Christmas Mix
Buying a mix is the ultimate "stash-builder" move for the knitter who loves variety but doesn’t want to commit to a hundred of the same design. These packs usually feature a wide range of sizes and shapes, making them perfect for "mystery" projects where you might not know the exact button requirement until the final row.
The trade-off with a mix is inconsistency in shank type and material quality. You might find a mix of plastic, wood, and metal, which means you need to be prepared to adjust your sewing technique for each piece.
I suggest sorting these by weight before you start your project. Pair the heaviest buttons with your sturdiest, tight-gauge wools to prevent unsightly sagging.
Dill Buttons Classic Wooden Reindeer
Wooden buttons bring a rustic, earthy warmth to holiday knits, especially those crafted from rustic wools like Icelandic or Highland sheep breeds. They offer a matte texture that contrasts beautifully against the sheen of blocked acrylic or superwash merino.
Because wood is natural, these buttons can occasionally have slight variations in their finish or the smoothness of the holes. Always run a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper through the holes before sewing them on to ensure there are no burrs that could cut your yarn.
These are best used on heavier garments like thick, woolly cardigans or cabled sweaters. The natural grip of the wood keeps the buttonhole securely in place without needing a tight, restrictive stitch.
JHB International Holiday Metal Charms
Metal charms are the jewelry of the knitting world, providing a heavy, high-quality feel that signals a premium handmade garment. They work best on structured garments, such as a double-knit scarf or a coat-weight jacket, where the weight of the metal won’t distort the fabric.
One common mistake is using these on lightweight, loose-gauge knits; the weight will cause the fabric to pull downward and create a "droop" at the center front. If you love the look but are working with a lighter yarn, consider backing the button on the inside of the garment with a smaller, flat plastic button for extra support.
Always check for sharp edges on metal buttons before attaching them to wool. A snagged fiber can lead to a broken stitch or a run in your hard work.
Blumenthal Lansing Christmas Novelty
These are the workhorses of the novelty button world, often featuring high-contrast colors and bold designs that pop against solid-colored yarn. They are typically made of durable nylon or heavy-duty plastic, making them ideal for items that will see frequent wear and tear.
They are incredibly easy to sew on because they usually feature standard four-hole patterns. This allows you to create a very secure "X" or "=" pattern, which distributes the tension of the garment across the fabric more effectively than a shank button.
If you are a beginner, start with these. Their predictability and ease of use make them the most forgiving choice for your first holiday project.
Fall River Holiday Decorative Toggles
Toggles are a fantastic alternative to traditional buttons, especially for heavy winter coats or oversized cowls. They provide a rustic, toggle-and-loop closure that is much easier to manage with cold fingers or while wearing gloves.
When using toggles, you must consider the "loop" material. You can knit a simple I-cord loop, but I highly recommend reinforcing it with a bit of matching yarn or even a thin piece of leather to prevent it from stretching out over time.
Toggles are the best choice for bulky-weight knits where a standard button might be too small to hold the heavy fabric closed. They provide a wider surface area for tension distribution.
How to Select Buttons for Festive Knits
Selecting the right button starts with your gauge and fiber content. A general rule is that the heavier the button, the sturdier your fabric needs to be to support it.
- Weight: If your yarn is delicate (fingering/lace), stick to shank buttons or lightweight resin.
- Color: Choose buttons that either match your main color for a subtle look or contrast sharply for a bold, festive statement.
- Scale: Ensure the button diameter is slightly smaller than your buttonhole to allow for easy fastening without stretching the yarn.
Always lay your buttons out on the finished, blocked garment before you commit to sewing them. Take a photo of the layout; it helps you see the visual balance better than looking down at the garment from above.
Tips for Securing Heavy Holiday Buttons
Heavy buttons require a "stay" or "backing" button on the inside of the fabric. This is a smaller, flat button that sits on the inside of the garment, directly behind the main button, with the thread passing through both.
This technique spreads the pressure of the button over a larger area of your knitting rather than putting all the strain on a single stitch. It prevents the dreaded "button-hole sag" and keeps your hard work looking crisp for years.
Use a double strand of thread for extra security, but avoid pulling it so tight that it puckers the fabric. A little bit of "float" between the button and the fabric allows the button to sit properly without straining the yarn fibers.
Caring for Novelty Buttons After Washing
Novelty buttons, especially painted ones or those with intricate details, can be sensitive to the agitation of a washing machine. If your garment is hand-washable, it is always best to remove the buttons if they are metal or have delicate finishes.
If you must wash the garment with the buttons attached, place the item inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent the buttons from catching on the drum or other clothing. Never put a garment with novelty buttons in the dryer, as the heat can melt resin or warp wooden pieces.
When in doubt, hand wash and lay flat to dry. This protects both your precious hand-knit fibers and the unique buttons you’ve chosen to finish them.
Selecting the perfect novelty button is about more than just aesthetics; it is about ensuring the longevity and functionality of your finished piece. By considering the weight of your yarn and the mechanics of your closure, you ensure that your holiday knit remains a staple of your wardrobe for seasons to come. Take your time with the final details, as these are the elements that truly define your personal style. Happy knitting, and may your holiday projects be as sturdy as they are beautiful.
