6 Best Vintage Style Buttons For Heirloom Knitting
Elevate your heirloom knits with these 6 vintage-style buttons. We explore timeless designs that add durability, elegance, and character to your handiwork.
Choosing the right buttons is the final, crucial act of craftsmanship that transforms a handmade garment into a true family heirloom. While a beautiful sweater can be ruined by cheap plastic, the right vintage-style fastener elevates your knitting to a professional standard. These selections are curated to balance historical aesthetic with the durability required for long-term wear. Investing in quality hardware ensures that your hours of careful stitching are complemented by details that stand the test of time.
Genuine Mother of Pearl: The Classic Choice
Mother of pearl buttons are the gold standard for heirloom knitwear, offering a subtle, iridescent shimmer that synthetic plastic simply cannot replicate. They feel cool and substantial to the touch, providing a tactile weight that balances the softness of wool or silk.
Because these are natural products derived from shells, no two buttons are exactly alike. This slight variation in color and grain adds an authentic, organic character to your project, which is essential when you are aiming for a classic, timeless aesthetic.
However, be aware that these buttons are brittle. They can crack if put through a high-heat tumble dryer or if they strike a hard surface repeatedly, so they are best reserved for cardigans or accessories that are hand-washed and laid flat to dry.
Antique Brass Filigree: Victorian Elegance
If you are knitting a lace shawl or a delicate, fitted bodice, antique brass filigree buttons provide a stunning, period-accurate focal point. The intricate, open-work metal design adds a layer of depth and visual complexity that mirrors the effort put into complex stitch patterns.
These buttons often feature a darkened or "oxidized" finish, which highlights the fine details of the metalwork. This aesthetic pairs beautifully with deep, saturated jewel tones like navy, forest green, or burgundy.
Keep in mind that brass can be heavy. If you are using a lightweight yarn or a loose gauge, these buttons may pull or sag the fabric; always reinforce the button band with a piece of ribbon or extra stabilizing stitches on the inside to prevent distortion.
Hand-Carved Olive Wood: Rustic Charm
For sweaters knit from hearty, woolen-spun yarns, hand-carved olive wood buttons are the perfect match. The rich, swirling grain patterns of the wood complement the natural texture of sheep’s wool, creating a cohesive, earthy look.
Wood buttons are exceptionally durable and lightweight, making them ideal for heavier garments like ganseys or cabled jackets. They age gracefully, developing a soft patina over years of handling, which only enhances their heirloom status.
Be cautious when choosing wood buttons for garments that require frequent washing. While high-quality olive wood is dense and resistant to moisture, cheap wood buttons can swell or splinter if soaked for too long, so always check that they are finished with a protective wax or oil.
Glass Cabochon Buttons: Vintage Glamour
Glass cabochon buttons capture the light and provide a touch of sparkle that feels reminiscent of the 1940s and 50s. They are perfect for adding a bit of personality to a simple stockinette cardigan or a vintage-inspired bolero.
These buttons are typically domed and smooth, meaning they won’t snag on delicate lace or fine-gauge knits. This is a significant advantage over metal buttons, which can sometimes have sharp edges that catch on yarn fibers.
Because they are glass, they are prone to chipping if dropped on a tile floor. Treat them as you would fine jewelry, and avoid using them on children’s clothing where they might be subjected to rough play or impact.
Polished Horn Toggles: The Heirloom Look
Polished horn toggles offer a sophisticated, rugged elegance that is synonymous with traditional Nordic and British knitwear. Their smooth, polished surface feels luxurious, and the natural variations in color—ranging from cream to deep espresso—ensure each set is unique.
Toggles are functionally superior for heavy-duty garments because they are easier to manipulate with cold hands. If you are knitting a heavy-gauge coat, the ease of fastening a toggle through a loop makes it a practical choice for functional, everyday wear.
Always ensure the horn is ethically sourced and properly polished. A poorly finished horn toggle can have microscopic rough patches that may abrade your yarn over time, so give them a quick rub against a scrap of wool before committing to your button band.
Enamel Floral Buttons: Mid-Century Style
Enamel buttons bring a pop of color and a touch of whimsy to your knitwear. They are particularly effective for children’s heirlooms or light, spring-weight sweaters that need a playful, vintage-inspired finish.
These buttons are usually made by firing glass powder onto a metal base, creating a smooth, durable surface that retains its color for decades. They offer a clean, polished look that stands out against solid-colored yarn.
The primary trade-off is the risk of the enamel cracking if the button is struck hard. When sewing these on, leave a slightly longer thread shank to ensure the button sits comfortably on top of the fabric without putting pressure on the enamel surface.
How to Select Buttons for Heirloom Knits
When choosing buttons, always consider the "weight" of your yarn. A heavy, chunky-knit button will overwhelm a delicate lace cardigan, while a tiny, dainty button will look lost on a thick, cabled jacket.
- Balance: Match the visual weight of the button to the stitch definition.
- Durability: Choose materials that can withstand the specific care requirements of your fiber.
- Hardware: Ensure the buttonholes you knitted are slightly smaller than the button diameter to account for the natural stretch of the fabric.
Ultimately, the best button is one that feels like a natural extension of the garment. If you are ever in doubt, hold the button against your swatch and observe it from a distance; if it draws your eye immediately, it is likely the right choice.
Matching Button Size to Your Gauge and Yarn
The size of your button should be dictated by the size of your buttonhole, but also by the density of your knitting. If you are working with a tight, firm gauge, you can afford a heavier button, as the fabric will support the weight without distorting.
If your gauge is loose or the yarn has a high silk or alpaca content, the fabric will be prone to sagging. In this case, choose smaller, lighter buttons and consider sewing a small "backing button" on the inside of the band to distribute the tension.
Always test your button through the hole before you sew it on. It should slide through with a gentle push; if you have to force it, you will eventually stretch out your buttonhole and ruin the integrity of the border.
Proper Techniques for Secure Button Sewing
Never sew a button directly flush against the fabric. You must create a "thread shank" by wrapping your thread multiple times between the button and the garment to create a small gap, which allows the buttonhole fabric to tuck neatly behind the button.
Use a strong, matching thread, such as a waxed cotton or a high-quality polyester blend. Avoid using the knitting yarn itself for sewing, as it is usually too thick and lacks the tensile strength required to keep a button secure over time.
For an extra layer of security, sew a small, flat plastic button on the inside of the garment, aligned with the outer button. This creates a sandwich effect that prevents the button from pulling through the knit fabric during heavy use.
Caring for Vintage Buttons on Handknits
Vintage buttons require the same level of care as the garments they adorn. If your sweater is hand-washable, your buttons should be treated with the same gentle touch, avoiding harsh chemicals or prolonged immersion in water.
If you have used metal or horn buttons, ensure they are completely dry after washing to prevent oxidation or wood/horn swelling. A quick buff with a soft, dry cloth will keep them looking polished and prevent any residue from transferring to your yarn.
If you ever need to store the garment for a long period, avoid folding the button band in a way that puts pressure on the buttons. Laying the garment flat or using a padded hanger will keep the buttons from leaving impressions or damaging the surrounding stitches.
Selecting the perfect button is the final, rewarding step of your knitting journey. By considering the material, weight, and function of your fasteners, you ensure your handiwork remains beautiful for generations. Trust your instincts, prioritize quality, and enjoy the process of finishing your heirloom piece. Your attention to these small details is exactly what separates a simple project from a cherished family treasure.
