If you are British you might know yo-yo’s by the name Suffolk Puffs… it seems they originated long time ago in the English county of Suffolk before they became popular in the States in the nineteen twenties, which also happened to be when the Yo-Yo Manufacturing Company was founded in California.
This summer, I was teaching an embroidery class in England (actually in Suffolk)and the conversation turned to what other classes my students had taken recently. Someone mentioned Dorset Buttons. Mmm… I needed to find out more…
It turns out that there is even an entry on Wikipedia. They really are a thing!
I did a little more research. I decided I had everything I needed, except the rings that serve as a foundation for the button. They really are essential. I tracked down some plastic rings made by Dritz and ordered them in three sizes…
And here you are! From left to right, 1″, 1 1/8″ and 1 1/2″, made using #5 perle cotton.
This is a basic 1 1/2″ button with 12 spokes.
This one is a bit fancy with the spokes split into four groups of three for weaving.
I changed things up with some linen thread to cover this 1″ circle,
and I used some beads for this one.
I’ve still got a bit of fine tuning to do on my technique but how about it? Anyone want to learn how to make a Dorset Button in the new year?
I think it would make a nice three hour class. There are some other, fancier and more decorative styles out there that we could include for the determined stitcher. Once mastered they can be used as functional buttons, added to your next piece of handwork as a dimensional focal point or even worn as jewelry (a brooch or pendant?).
Watch this space!
Count me in for learning how to make a Dorset button in 2018! Thank you for keeping you blog interesting. I hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving.
I’ve tried these!
I think this would be fun try – might not ever do it again, but I’d like to try once.
Yes! Looks like fun!
Very intriguing. Reminds me of the macreme’ we did back in the 60’s.
Love this idea for custom buttons on my knitting projects! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with and learning this technique.
Yes, I’m interested!
My mom had a very old white comforter cover going way back, possibly brought from europe to canada. But at least to the ’50’s in canada. It has these kind of buttons used as closures, also in white.
Wow.! Love the idea of using old crafts for modern maked.