Making Dorset Buttons

ScrapHappy July 2025

by Jan

Back in 2020, when were were all rather limited with our activities (lockdown - remember that?) I learned about making Dorset buttons. At the time I made lots of them, but then I got distracted by opening a shop and other stuff and I didn't make many more. However, I'm currently rediscovering them because I've been teaching other people how to do it (click here to book onto the next class).

It's a great way of using up small amounts of yarn or thread and my latest creation has included some seed beads left over from long, long ago when I used to use them in embroidery and jewellery.

My most recent experiment has been making posy buttons, which aren't ideal to use as buttons, but do make lovely brooches or embellishments. Indeed, this is what we made at last week's class.

flower stems for my posy button

Nearly ready for some embellishment

All done

The buttons can be made using any sort of ring - old curtain rings, washers, even key rings once you get a bit more confident. I particularly like using left-over sock yarn for my Dorset buttons, and I have lots and lots of that. Actually, the one pictured above was made from some sock yarn that had been knitted into something I clearly didn't like, because it had then been unravelled (as you can see from the kinks in the wool in the first two pictures).

Next I'm going to have a go at a Christmas tree and possibly a wreath, for a class in November.

-oOo-

On the 15th of each month a group of bloggers share their ScrapHappy activities, encouraging others to get creative with scrap. You can check them out by following the links: Kate, Eva, Sue, Lynda, Birthe, Turid, Tracy, Jan, Moira, Sandra, Chris, Alys, Claire, Jean, Dawn, Gwen, Sunny, Kjerstin, Sue L, Vera, Ann, Dawn 2, Carol, Preeti, Viv, Karrin, Alissa, Hannah and Maggie