DIY Button Necklace and Bracelet: The Easiest Jewelry Project Ever!

Updated at: 24/03/2025

Tired of boring jewelry and craving a unique, personalized accessory? Look no further! This easy DIY project will show you how to create stunning button necklaces and bracelets using materials you probably already have at home. Forget expensive jewelry-making kits and complicated techniques; this project is perfect for beginners, crafters on a budget, and anyone looking for a fun, quick creative outlet. You'll be surprised at how many beautiful pieces you can make with just a few simple steps and a little imagination. The possibilities are endless – mix and match colors, patterns, and button sizes to create accessories that perfectly match your style.

Ready to unleash your inner artisan and transform ordinary buttons into extraordinary jewelry? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step process to create your own beautiful, button-embellished necklaces and bracelets – it’s easier than you think!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Buttons
  • Ribbon (approx. 3/4 inch wide)
  • Velvet ribbon
  • Collapsible needle
  • Scissors
  • Felt
  • Glue gun
  • Pen
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when using sharp objects like scissors or needles, especially when working with small parts like buttons.
  • Be mindful of button types; avoid buttons with sharp edges or loose parts that could pose a choking hazard, especially if making jewelry for children.
  • If using strong adhesives, ensure adequate ventilation and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Buttons

    • Gather your buttons and arrange them in the desired order for your necklace.
    Gather your buttons and arrange them in the desired order for your necklace.
    Prepare the Buttons

  2. Prepare the Weaving Ribbon

    • Cut approximately 2 feet of ribbon for weaving through the buttons.
    • Thread the ribbon onto the collapsible needle.
    Thread the ribbon onto the collapsible needle.Thread the ribbon onto the collapsible needle.
    Prepare the Weaving Ribbon

  3. Weave the Buttons

    • Weave the ribbon through the buttons, starting from the bottom hole of each button and then diagonally through the top hole. Leave a small tail of ribbon (about 1.5 inches) at the beginning.
    • Overlap buttons slightly as you work.
    Overlap buttons slightly as you work.Overlap buttons slightly as you work.
    Weave the Buttons

  4. Create the Felt Backing

    • Cut a piece of felt slightly larger than the back of the button arrangement.
    • Place the felt behind the button arrangement and trace a 'U' shape on the felt, slightly away from the buttons' edges. This will be the backing for your necklace.
    • Cut out the 'U' shape, leaving a small margin around the traced line.
    Cut out the 'U' shape, leaving a small margin around the traced line.Cut out the 'U' shape, leaving a small margin around the traced line.Cut out the 'U' shape, leaving a small margin around the traced line.
    Create the Felt Backing

  5. Attach the Felt Backing

    • Flip your button arrangement over, making sure the ribbon is now on the bottom, and carefully arrange the buttons.
    • Apply glue to the felt backing and attach it securely to the back of the button arrangement.
    • Trim any excess felt.
    Trim any excess felt.Trim any excess felt.Trim any excess felt.
    Attach the Felt Backing

  6. Attach the Neck Strap

    • Measure and cut a length of velvet ribbon for the necklace's neck strap.
    • Tie the ends of the velvet ribbon to the sides of the button arrangement, creating a bow or knot.
    • Trim the ends of the velvet ribbon to your desired length and tighten the bow.
    Trim the ends of the velvet ribbon to your desired length and tighten the bow.Trim the ends of the velvet ribbon to your desired length and tighten the bow.Trim the ends of the velvet ribbon to your desired length and tighten the bow.Trim the ends of the velvet ribbon to your desired length and tighten the bow.Trim the ends of the velvet ribbon to your desired length and tighten the bow.
    Attach the Neck Strap

Read more: Elegant Russian Spiral Necklace Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use a variety of buttons for a more unique necklace.
  • Overlap buttons slightly to create a more secure and visually appealing necklace.
  • Don't pull the velvet ribbon tight until it's positioned correctly on the necklace.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Button Spacing

Reason: Buttons are haphazardly placed, leading to an unbalanced and unprofessional look.
Solution: Measure and mark the string before attaching buttons for consistent spacing.

2. Weak Knots/Unsafe Clasps

Reason: Poorly tied knots or flimsy clasps can cause the necklace or bracelet to break easily, losing buttons.
Solution: Use strong, double-knotted knots and secure clasps designed for the string's thickness.

3. String Too Short/Long

Reason: An incorrectly measured string makes the jewelry uncomfortable or impractical to wear.
Solution: Measure your neck or wrist circumference and add extra length for the clasp before stringing the buttons.

FAQs

What kind of buttons can I use for this project?
You can use any buttons you like! Try different sizes, shapes, colors, and materials – plastic, wood, metal, etc. The more variety, the more unique your jewelry will be. Thrift stores and craft stores are great places to find a wide selection of buttons.