Choosing Buttons for Hand-Knit Cardigans
Buttons are a small detail that significantly affect the perceived quality of a finished cardigan. Choosing well-matched buttons can elevate an otherwise simple cardigan; choosing poorly can detract from a beautifully knit garment.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
Material
Wood, horn, shell, glass, ceramic, and metal buttons all suit different aesthetic goals. Wood and horn for rustic; shell and glass for elegant; ceramic and metal for modern. Avoid plastic buttons on high-quality knitwear.
Size
The button diameter should match the buttonhole width within 1–2 mm. Too-small buttons slip through unintentionally; too-large buttons strain the buttonhole and may cause distortion.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Quantity
Most adult cardigans need 5–8 buttons. Children's cardigans 3–5. The button spacing should be even, with one button at the bottom of the band, one at the neckline, and the rest evenly between.
Sewing on
Use strong matching thread (not project yarn — yarn breaks too easily). Sew through to the wrong side of the band and back to anchor. For shanked buttons, leave a small thread shank to allow the button to sit on top of the buttonhole.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MC | main colour |
Tips
- Choose buttons before knitting the band — buttonhole sizing depends on button diameter.
- Use strong matching thread, not project yarn, for sewing on buttons.
- Test the button-and-buttonhole fit on a swatch before committing.
In depth
Buttons are one of the most overlooked details in cardigan finishing. The right buttons elevate the cardigan from "homemade" to "handmade"; the wrong buttons (or poorly sewn buttons) undo many hours of careful knitting. Spend the time to choose buttons carefully and to sew them on securely.