• 16- to 20-gauge round steel wire (about 1 yard for each button)
• Two 16-penny nails
• Craft scissors or wire cutters
• Needle-nose pliers

• Cut 36" of wire. At one wire end, bend about 1" at a 90° angle. Lay the 1" wire length flat against the nail and hold it in place to provide leverage when wrapping the wire coils (1).

• Begin wrapping the wire tightly around the nail, leaving space between the coils. This button's charm lies in the unique, random patterns formed by the wire as you wrap.
  
  
• Wrap until the coil length is about 1". Rewrap back along the coil, still wrapping close to the nail (2).

• Wrap the third layer a bit more loosely, building up the button center to create a football shape. The button should be about 3/8" to 1/2" thick in the middle after wrapping the third layer.
  
  
• To form the button shank, position a second nail on the bottom of the button (the bottom is wherever you decide). In the middle of the button, tightly wrap the wire twice around the second nail (3).

• Wrap the wire once around the shank to hold the loops together. Remove the second nail (4).

• Finish wrapping the button, adding layers until the button center is about 5/8" to 3/4" deep or has the textural interest desired. Cut off the wire, leaving a 1/2" tail on the bottom of the button.
  
  
• Slip the button off the nail. With pliers, bend the wire ends back into the button so they won't snag the garment fabric. Use the pliers to rearrange the looser outer wires if desired.

Basic Wrapped Button Round Button With Bead Base

Beaded Wire Button Large Bead Button

Button Tips

Heather Claus has loved fabric and clothing as long as she can remember. She is living her dream sewing, testing patterns, exploring new techniques and teaching classes from her Web site, www.patternshowcase.com.

This information was current when published in the December 2002 issue of Sew News. No guarantee is made regarding availability. Stay up-to-date with current sources by subscribing today!

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