In this issue, we'll give you some helpful information and handy tips that are "right on the button" when it comes to adding the perfect finishing touch to that special crocheted sweater or jacket. We'll also include some questions from readers about several less commonly known stitches, and share with you some cute crocheted embellishments you can stitch to dress up your favorite little girl's outfits (or even your own!).

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Right on the Button
In our April 22, 2008 issue of Talking Crochet, we featured an article about the history of buttons, which also included some suggestions for using them in a variety of ways to embellish your crochet work. Buttons, of course, are used mainly for clothing, so in this issue, we'll offer some practical advice for purchasing the right buttons for your crocheted garments and tips for applying them properly.

The right button can make or break a sweater or jacket, but choosing the right one can sometimes be more difficult than you might think. Here are some hints for finding the perfect button that will enhance your garment rather than detract from it (or worse, cause an unexpected "wardrobe malfunction").

• Try to purchase your buttons before making the button bands. That way, you can pick the button without fear that the buttonhole will be too large or too small. Once the buttons are chosen, you can make the buttonhole to fit the button.


• Take along your gauge swatch when button shopping. If you have time, try stitching a small buttonhole band onto the swatch, using a couple of different-size buttonholes. At the store, you'll be able to try the buttons on your buttonholes to see how they look on your garment and which ones work best.


• Decide whether your garment needs buttons that stand out as part of the overall design, or whether they should be unobtrusive. You may want to match the yarn color, or you may find that a great-looking contrasting color gives the best appearance.


• Scale is important. Tiny buttons belong on garments made with fine yarns, and large buttons look better on garments made with heavy yarns.


• Shank buttons generally work better on thick fabrics; they are easier to apply and provide good stability.


• To sew on buttons, use sewing or embroidery thread in a matching color. A button can be stabilized to prevent wobbling, drooping or pulling through the crocheted fabric by adding a small "stay" button on the wrong side of the fabric. The designer button on the right side of the fabric and the stay button on the wrong side are sewn on at the same time in one operation.
  
  Choose a stay button that is flat and at least as large as the designer button. Use a button with two holes for a designer button with two holes or a shank. Use a 4-hole stay button with a 4-hole designer button.


• Mix button styles on one garment. You can create some fun, unique looks, and it's a great way to use some of those lovely one-of-a kind buttons in your grandmother's button box!


• If you are using buttons that are non-washable or require special cleaning, fasten them onto the garment with button pins. These special safety pins have a curve to accommodate the button and allow easy removal of the button for cleaning.


• Make your own buttons. You can purchase a button-covering kit and cover them with matching fabric, or use Fimo or Sculpy modeling clay to make eye-catching, machine-washable buttons. You can also crochet simple buttons to complement your garment. Try one of these:

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Crocheted Ring Button
Materials: purchased bone ring in desired size from craft store, yarn of choice, appropriate-size crochet hook and tapestry needle.

Leaving a beginning 6-inch tail, sc around the ring as many times as possible so the ring is completely filled. If you are using a large bone ring, you may need to work an additional round or two of sc. Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. With tapestry needle, weave longer tail through every sc around and pull tight, bringing stitches to inside of ring. If needed, work one or two stitches across to tighten and secure the center. Use the beginning and ending tails to sew the button onto the garment.

Crocheted Ring Button - Front		Crocheted Ring Button - Back

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Crocheted Stuffed Button
Materials: yarn of choice, appropriate-size crochet hook and tapestry needle.

Rnd 1: Leaving a beginning 8-inch tail, make a slip knot on the hook. Ch 2, 8 sc in 2nd ch from hook, join with a sl st in first sc. (8 sc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, 2 sc in next st, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 3 times, join in first sc. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: Sc in each sc around, join in first sc.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, [pull up a lp in each of next 2 sc, yo, pull through all lps on hook (dec made)] 6 times, fasten off, leaving a 10-inch tail.
Stuff small scraps of matching yarn into the ball. With tapestry needle, weave the 10-inch tail through all sts on last rnd and pull tight. Thread the 8-inch tail down through center of button and use both ends to sew button to garment.

Crocheted Stuffed Button - Front		Crocheted Stuffed Button - Back

It's easy to get even spacing for an odd number of buttonholes. Place pins at point where top and bottom holes will be. Fold piece in half so that pins are together. Place a third pin at center and unfold. Fold again so that center pin and top pin are together. Place a fourth pin at this fold, unfold. Fold again so that center pin and bottom pin are together. Place a fifth pin at this fold, unfold. If necessary, continue to split the difference between the pins until the desired number of holes is marked.

Here is a final tip: Sloppy, loose buttonholes look amateurish and don't stay fastened very well. Remember that most yarns stretch slightly with use over time, so your new buttonholes should fit snuggly over your buttons.

Try applying these tips and techniques when using buttons on your garments to ensure successful results. Buttons really can make or break the finished look!

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Inquiring Minds Want to Know ...

More About Plastic-Bag Crochet
A number of readers have written to say they would like more information about crocheting with plastic bags after reading the articles we have included on the subject in Talking Crochet. A quick Google search for plastic bag crochet will bring up a lot of great Web sites with helpful instructions for crocheting with plastic bags, as well as a variety of patterns using the technique. There is also a creative pattern book available online at Annie's Attic called Classy Trash Bags & Accessories that features a sassy collection of projects showing the versatility of plastic-bag crochet.

It really is a fun, out-of-the-ordinary way to crochet, and you can create some very unique items that almost always get noticed with their eye-catching looks. If you have never done plastic-bag crochet, step out of your usual crochet box and give it a try (and help the environment at the same time)!

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What Are These Stitches?

Pamela wrote with the following question:

"Can you please explain the lark's foot stitch? I have a friend who would like to make a rug using this stitch, but we cannot find an explanation of it anywhere."

Irene wrote to inquire about another stitch:

"Does anyone have information on a stitch called the wimpet stitch? I have been unable to find a description of it anywhere."

I must admit that I, too, have never seen instructions for either of these stitches. If any of our readers know of sources where instructions for these stitches are available, please write and let me know, and I will share the information in an upcoming issue.

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What Is a Chain of Single Crochets?

I received the following question from Joyce:

"One of my patterns reads 'Begin with a chain of single crochets.' What does this mean? I have never come across this before in 30 years of crocheting."

A chain of single crochets, also known as a double chain, creates a sturdier base for your project than an ordinary chain stitch. This stitch may also be used to create a cord or other trim for your work. Here's how to make it: Ch 2, work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, *insert hook under vertical left front lp of sc just made, yo, pull through lp, yo, pull through 2 lps on hook (sc made), rep from * to desired length. Give it a try -- it's super easy to do!

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Boutique Chic for Little Girls
I've received a lot of requests from readers to please include easy patterns to make for children. Mothers and grandmothers love to crochet for their young children and grandchildren, and especially seem to enjoy using their stitching skills to dress up the little girls in their families.

With that in mind, our Little Girl's Dragonfly Outfit offers some cute ideas to turn your favorite little girl into a "boutique baby" with some snazzy crochet-embellished clothing. Transform colorful bits of crochet thread into a darling assortment of flowers, dragonflies and lacy edgings to dress up a little girl's purchased tops, skirts, pants, shorts and more (and did you notice -- these cute embellishments include buttons!). We've even added a sweet little flower-adorned mesh beanie to complete the look.

These versatile crochet embellishments can further be used to decorate a variety of other items, such as purses, hats, shoes, belts, sweaters, jackets and even things like notebooks, backpacks, picture frames -- almost anything!

Here's an idea: As a special treat, take your favorite little girl on her very own shopping trip and let her pick out an inexpensive outfit for you to embellish with our cute crocheted accents. She'll love it and feel extra-special at being part of the decision-making for the project.

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