Thread Wrapped Buttons - Dorset and Death's Head Buttons - V- Winter 2026

*This class fulfills the None-Knitting Elective Requirement for WEKP.

Together we will look at the history and techniques involved with creating Dorset Buttons and their “cousins” Death’s Head Buttons, 2 types of thread wrapped buttons that we can use to elevate our knit and non-knit pieces. We will learn about the standard designs for these as well as beautiful alternatives, traditional materials and modern equivalents. Students will leave this course having made at least 3 yarn/thread wrapped buttons and the knowledge of how to make hundreds more!

You will receive the Zoom link 1-2 business days before the virtual class.

Format: Virtual

Materials Required:

·        Plastic Rings in at least 2 sizes – one size no smaller than 1.5 inches and the other no smaller than 1 inch. Here is an example of a set with many sizes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZQVVRRG?

·        A cake of bee’s wax that has a flat side. Here is an example: https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Beeswax-Supplies-Rectangle-Leather/dp/B07RY6SYZX/r

·        Needles in several sizes, with an eye large enough to take your different threads, and sharp tips like these examples (you’ll want a size 18 Chnille or tapestry needle for the thinner threads, and larger ones for the yarns you us:

-        https://www.dmc.com/US/en/products/chenille-needles

-        https://www.amazon.com/DMC-Tapestry-Needles-1767-18-12-Pack/dp/B0033P6STG/

-        https://www.amazon.com/Clover-Chibi-Sizes-Darning-Needles/dp/B003W0QT9Q/

·        Light worsted weight or DK weight yarn in various colors

·        Several colors (1 should be variegated) of DMC Purl Cotton in size #8 – The lowest price for this is at DMC.com - https://www.dmc.com/US/en/products/pearl-cotton but it is also available from many sellers at Etsy. Amazon prices are too high and color selection too low.

·        Wooden button mold with a center hole, either 20mm or 25mm. The larger the mold the easier to learn with:

-        https://www.etsy.com/listing/1882738416/pack-of-10-button-mould-discs-birch-ply

-        https://www.ginabsilkworks.co.uk/buttons/button-moulds/circles-domes
Please note that these ar both in England so shipping is higher than we are generally used to.

·        1 straight pin with a round head to hold it by or 1 T-pin

When possible, please buy your materials from WEBS.

Cancellation Policy: For all classes, payment of full tuition is due at time of registration. Tuition will be refunded only if the class is cancelled by WEBS, or if there is a waiting list and your spot can be filled.

Click here for complete Registration Information.

Note: If you are purchasing more than one unit of the same class, please call Customer Service with that person's name and information.