Those antique buttons you got off of grandma's old clothes or from a thrift store may seem useless for anything other than replacing the buttons on your clothes, but don't give up on them quite yet! The varied shapes and sizes of antique buttons make them perfect for making an eclectic and chic vintage-looking necklace. Best of all, this craft is super easy and practically free, so you'll still have money to go out and buy a fabulous new outfit to go with your new necklace!
1.
Cut off a piece of thread that is 48 inches long and thread it through the needle until it is doubled up in length. This may seem long, but it's better to start with a piece of thread that's too long than to later discover that it's not long enough.
2.
Insert the needle and thread up through one of the holes of the first button and bring it back down through the hole across from it in the same button. Send a shout out to your high school home ec teacher for your button-sewing skills.
3.
Pull the thread almost all the way through, leaving about 2 inches of the end hanging out of the first hole of the button. If you need to, have a gal pal help you out with this part by holding onto the button to keep it steady.
4.
Tie the short end of the thread to the long base of the thread in a knot directly underneath this first button. This is going to form one end of the necklace fastener.
5.
Bring the needle and thread up through one of the holes of a second button and back down again through the next hole in the same button. If you need help stabilizing the rest of the necklace while you do this and your roomie isn't around, go ahead and tape the end to a table or your leg.
6.
Repeat Step 5 until there is only 3 inches of thread left. Easy enough, right?
7.
Loop the end of the thread around to form a loop slightly smaller than the first button and tie the loop tightly. There you go! You've now got a funky vintage jewelry piece to add to your wardrobe.
Things You'll Need
1.20 buttons (approximate)
3.Embroidery needle
2.Embroidery thread
Tips & Tricks
Make the necklace longer or shorter if you'd like to by just using less or more thread and fewer or more buttons.
When threading buttons with four button holes, make sure to thread two holes that are diagonal from each other rather than right next to each other to help the buttons stay put.
Related Videos
References
Craft Stylish: Make a Button Link Necklace Three Different Ways
Martha Stewart: Button Necklace with Sophie
Bead Jewelry Making: Button Necklace
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