Introduction: Beaded Button Jewelry Component

This is a fun use for using a button as a component in jewelry and other crafts.

Step 1: Supplies, Tools, Technique

Supplies:

  • 3 1/2 cm Button
  • 1 - 2 colour of seed beads 11̊ Delica Seed Beads
    • For this project
      • 856- Mat Transparent Fire Red (AA)
      • 734- Dark Chocolate (BB)
  • Thread
  • Optional
  • Split Ring

Tools

  • Beeswax/Thread Conditioner
  • #10 needles
  • Scissors

Technique

  • Circular netting

Step 2: First Row

  • Prepare a length of thread.
  • String a stop bead.
  • Add 48 AA.
    • Or, string 2AA and 1 BB until you total 48 beads.
    • Or, if you are using a different size button, you will need to increase or decrease the number of beads in this row.
  • Make the adjustment in groups of 3 beads.
  • Go through the first bead in the same direction to make a large loop.
    • This loop will be smaller than the button but look like it would be closer the button edge.

Step 3: Second Row

  • If using accent beads in this row, exist at the first AA.
  • String AABBAA.
  • Skip 2 AA and go through the third bead.
    • If you are using accent beads in this row, go through the next BB.
  • Keep your thread taunt.
  • Repeat the entire circumference of the loop.
  • Go back to the first row and run your needle though again to ensure a tight loop.
  • Now step up to start row 3.
    • Exit BB in one of the first AABBAA of 2nd row.

Step 4: Third Row

  • String 2AABB2AA.
  • There will be a total of 5 beads.
  • Go through BB of the next loop.
  • Repeat the pattern for the entire circumference of the loop.
  • Now step up to start row 4.
    • Exit BB in one of the first 2AABB2AA of this row.

Step 5: Fourth Row

  • String 3AABB3AA.
    • There will be 7 beads.
    • This row will fold up the side of the button.
  • Check the fit with the button.
  • Go through BB of the next loop.
  • Repeat the pattern for the entire circumference of the loop.
  • Now step up to start row 5
    • Exit BB in one of the first 3AABB3AA of this row.

Step 6: Fifth Row

  • String 2AABB2AA.
    • There will be 5 beads.
    • This row will be the start of the face of the button.
  • As this is the decrees this is also the row that first ensnares the button.
  • Go through BB of the next loop.
  • Hold the button in the beaded cage.
  • Repeat the pattern for the entire circumference of the button.
  • Keep your thread taught.
  • Now step up to start row 6.
    • Exit BB in one of the first 2AABB2AA of this row.

Step 7: Sixth Row

  • Alternate 4AA’s with 3AA’s around the circumference of the button.
    • String 4AA and go through the next BB.
    • String 3AA and go through the next BB.
  • You want this row to lay flat along the top of the button.
  • You may have to decrease 1AA occasionally to get this row to pay right.
  • Exit at the first BB to start row 7.

Step 8: Seventh Row

  • String AA and go back through the AA.
    • This will create a picot.
  • Go through the next section of AA’s to the next BB and repeat a picot.
  • Continue this for the circumference of the button.
  • Keep it tight to help hold the button in.
    • You want to keep the beads snug as you cage the button.
  • When you get back to the beginning you will exit the first picot.
    • You will now be working in the opposite direction that you were originally.
      • If you were working clockwise then you want to go counter clockwise.
    • You will string 4AA and go through the next picot BB.
    • You will be stacking these new sets besides their counterparts in row 6.
  • String 3AA and go through the next picot BB.
    • Alternate 4AA’s with 3AA’s around the circumference of the button.
  • You want this row to lay flat along the top of the button.
  • You will have to decrease 1AA occasionally to get this row to lay right.
    • You will be more likely to need to do a decrease on this row.
  • Repeat the entire circumference of the button.
  • Keep your thread taught.
  • Run your thread through this row again pulling everything tight.

Step 9: Finish

  • Tie off all ends.
  • Trim loose threads.
  • Finished buttons can be sewn together to make a chain or in a stacked pattern.
  • A bead loop can be added for a pendant.
  • Sew on split rings to add other finding.

Jewelry Challenge

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