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Friday, November 4, 2011

Button Clips

When I am quilting, I often lose track of my rows and things get slightly off. Sometimes, it works out for the better. Sometimes, my seam ripper becomes my very best friend.

For my recent puffy quilts, I have been purposely doing patterns for them and not wanting to lose my sense of order.

In the past, I have made some paper numbers that I pin to each stack of fabric squares, but they tend to fall off, rip, or the pin that is attached to my fabric doesn't make it through all my squares. I frantically look around for the missing square.

Have you seen those button bookmarks in bloggy land that are made with a large covered button and jumbo paper clips?

I tried the paper clips, but they just didn't clip like I liked.So I thought, why not binding clips!

They snap right onto my stacked fabric rows with no problems!

And my sons can come in my room and mess around with my piles, and I will instantly know which row belongs where lickety split!

Cut 10 pieces of your scrap fabric and muslin scraps just slightly larger than the covered button template (usually on the back of the box of covered buttons).

Cut the template and then cut your 20 circles.

(Confession: I used my Sizzix die cut machine to cut out perfect circles...but they DON'T have to be perfect!)

Using a document program, type the 10 numbers you need using your favorite font.

Oh, look, I have two email messages!

It might take a few tries, but find a font size that will fit the size of your button cover.

Stack your two fabrics

Place your cut out number upside downNote: This is just an option. I really wanted to have this style of font and found this to be the best way to get the look exactly the way I wanted it.

Cut a piece of the coordinating color of embroidery floss you would like to use about 12-18inches long. Make a knot at one end and thread the other end in a regular sized hand needle.

Pierce through the paper and fabric so that you make simple back-stitch lines. You should be able to see the number through the paper.

You should have something like below. A simple number to be your guide at the front.

Then start making small satin stitches back and forth to cover the number. Use the paper number as your guide for the width. As you can see below, the stitch width changes at different places.

Again, if you are skilled with hand embroidery, there is NO need for the paper.I just like to use it as a guide and it acts as a stabilizer while stitching.

Keep stitching until your number is complete. Then make a small knot at the back.

Trim excess embroidery floss and tear away the paper.

Now get all the covered button parts from your kit together.

Stack the rubber kit part, place your circle fabric side down and the smooth button circle face down.

Then press gently on the button circle so that the fabric and circle sink completely down.

TIP: Here is my trick and is also completely optional!Add a small dot of hot glue in the center. I like it because it insures that my fabric stays tucked!

Place the backing of the covered button with the tab facing up.

Using the plastic piece, press firmly down on all layers. You should feel a pop when the circular backing clicks into the smooth button part.

My blue piece is dented up. Miss Prancer, the pug, got a hold of it at some point.

The back of your button should look like this. No fabric sticking out and backing completely secure when you pull on the tab (that normally gets hand sewn to a garment).

Time to fill the back completely with hot glue. Don't make fun of my hot glue gun. She was the very first one I ever got 18 years ago in college. She has been around the country and back again and has never failed me.

Did I mention she only cost about $1.99 back then?

Keep adding glue and then lay your binding clip into the glue. Take a moment to cover the binding clip also so that it is secure to the covered button. If you want to make a bookmark, this is where you glue a jumbo paper clip instead.

Let dry! If you are worried about the look of the glue, you can cut a small circle of fabric or paper and glue it on. I did not, because the only one who will see the back is me!

You now have 10 clips to do what you will.

When mine are not in business,

I just clip them to the basket liner of the notions basket next to my sewing machine.

They make me smile!

P.S. Mr. Boss has become my personal marketing advisor. Apparently, I need to make my blog more accessible....so I am not only on Facebook, but am on Pinterest, Google+, and Twitter and you can also follow me by email.

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Hi there!

I'm Heidi! I'm a quilter, longarmer (is that even a word?), pattern designer, and mom of four fantastic boys. Basically, I'm just trying to keep my head above water. Did I mention that I never take myself too seriously?