Learning from home at your own pace, in your own time. There is no time limit to access this course.

This course will teach you how to make 15 different ring buttons using a variety of techniques.

Ring buttons have a long history - it is believed that the first ring buttons in England were made in the Dorset region around 1720. However, other European countries also have traditions of ring buttons - called Zwirnknopf/e (literally "thread button"). This course will show you how to make buttons using both the Dorset and zwirnknopf techniques. The buttons featured range from traditional designs to modern variations.

This is a great introductory course for complete beginners, and an equally good refresher course for anyone who has tried thread button making in any form in the past. Each button instruction is by way of a video - shot from above, enabling you to see what is happening. Gina explains the process, and you can start and stop the videos as you require. The button modules are sequential, with a few more challenging designs to test your skills.

There are also&nbsp;9 exercises - ideas for you to try once the&nbsp;initial buttons are successfully created. There are no direct instructions here, rather suggestions to encourage your creativity, just as if you were in a workshop with Gina.

You will also receive access to a closed Facebook group where you can share images of your work, ask questions, or just say hello to other students.

As a bonus, all students of this course will also receive free access to an additional course - Finishing Your Buttons.

Materials &amp; tools required:

The following tools and materials have been used on the course. You may of course choose a differently sized button mould or thread, but in order to follow the instructions as shown, you may find it easier to use the same materials.
A Materials pack - including threads, moulds, needles, fabric and beeswax has been put together and is available in our online shop - <a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/dorset-other-ring-buttons-course-materials-pack" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">Dorset &amp; Other Ring Buttons Course Materials Pack</a>.
You can use your one-time student discount code (which you will find in the tools &amp; materials section when you enroll) at the shop checkout for a 20% discount*
Materials:
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/ring-button-moulds-no-32-19mm-brass-x-8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">Ring Button Moulds No 32 (19mm) - at least&nbsp;3</a></li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/ring-button-moulds-no-39-24mm-silver-tone-zinc-alloy-x-4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">Ring Button Moulds No 39 (24mm) - at least 4</a></li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/ring-button-moulds-no-70-27mm-acrylic-x-6-flat-edge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">Ring Button Moulds No 70 (27mm) - at least 3</a></li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/ring-button-moulds-no-103-18mm-aluminium-x-8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">Ring Button Moulds No 103 (18mm) - at least 2</a></li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/ring-button-moulds-no-105-30mm-aluminium-x-6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">Ring Button Moulds No 105 (30mm) - at least 3</a></li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/threads/presencia-threads/finca-no-8-perle" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">Cotton Perle Thread No 8 - at least 4 colours</a></li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cotton / linen fabric</li></ul>
Tools:
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Scissors</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Beeswax</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tapestry needle</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sharp needle</li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pencil/chalk</li></ul>
Optional Tools:
<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/circle-gauge-set---new-updated-design" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">Circle Gauge&nbsp;Set</a></li>
<li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/button-makers-third-hand-tool-tin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">Button Maker&#39;s Third Hand &amp; Tool Tin&nbsp;</a></li></ul><ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</ul>
A<a href="https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" fr-original-style="" style="user-select: auto; font-size: var(--font-size); box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: inherit;">vailable in our online store at www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk</a>&nbsp;
*Code may only be used once per student&nbsp;

Learning from home at your own pace, in your own time. There is no time limit to access this course.
This course will teach you how to make 15 different ring buttons using a variety of techniques.
Ring buttons have a long history - it is believed that the first ring buttons in England were made in the Dorset region around 1720. However, other European countries also have traditions of ring buttons - called Zwirnknopf/e (literally "thread button"). This course will show you how to make buttons using both the Dorset and zwirnknopf techniques. The buttons featured range from traditional designs to modern variations.
This is a great introductory course for complete beginners, and an equally good refresher course for anyone who has tried thread button making in any form in the past. Each button instruction is by way of a video - shot from above, enabling you to see what is happening. Gina explains the process, and you can start and stop the videos as you require. The button modules are sequential, with a few more challenging designs to test your skills.
There are also 9 exercises - ideas for you to try once the initial buttons are successfully created. There are no direct instructions here, rather suggestions to encourage your creativity, just as if you were in a workshop with Gina.
You will also receive access to a closed Facebook group where you can share images of your work, ask questions, or just say hello to other students.
As a bonus, all students of this course will also receive free access to an additional course - Finishing Your Buttons. 
Materials & tools required:

The following tools and materials have been used on the course. You may of course choose a differently sized button mould or thread, but in order to follow the instructions as shown, you may find it easier to use the same materials.
A Materials pack - including threads, moulds, needles, fabric and beeswax has been put together and is available in our online shop - Dorset & Other Ring Buttons Course Materials Pack.
You can use your one-time student discount code (which you will find in the tools & materials section when you enroll) at the shop checkout for a 20% discount*
Materials:
Ring Button Moulds No 32 (19mm) - at least 3
Ring Button Moulds No 39 (24mm) - at least 4
Ring Button Moulds No 70 (27mm) - at least 3
Ring Button Moulds No 103 (18mm) - at least 2
Ring Button Moulds No 105 (30mm) - at least 3
Cotton Perle Thread No 8 - at least 4 colours
Cotton / linen fabric
Tools:
Scissors
Beeswax
Tapestry needle
Sharp needle
Pencil/chalk
Optional Tools:
Circle Gauge Set
Button Maker's Third Hand & Tool Tin
Available in our online store at www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk 
*Code may only be used once per student 

Gina-B Silkworks

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Needlework

Embroidery

Learn how to make beautiful Dorset buttons! This is the perfect course for beginners, teaching you a selection of different ring buttons

Dorset and other Ring Buttons

General Admission

This course shows how to work different back finishes to buttons.&nbsp;While most historical buttons were left &#39;as is&#39;, covering the workings at the back can be an important feature in modern button-making.&nbsp; <div fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </div><div fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
The course is free for students of any online button-making course (excluding free courses)</div>

This course shows how to work different back finishes to buttons. While most historical buttons were left 'as is', covering the workings at the back can be an important feature in modern button-making. 


The course is free for students of any online button-making course (excluding free courses)

buttonmaking, dorset buttons, zwirnknopf, thread button, fabric button, button backs, button shanks, handmade buttons

Courses in Cardiff

Online Options

Dorset and other Ring Buttons

By Gina-B Silkworks

Finishing Your Buttons

By Gina-B Silkworks

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