Crafty Barrettes BY CHASIT Y GORDON

They’re fun, easy, and great
for using up your fabric stash.

Are you a fabric hoarder? As a way to use some of my mountains of fabulous tiny scraps, I made these fabric-and-button barrettes. They’re fun, easy, and great for using little stashed vintage textile treasures and lonely buttons. You can make them in coordinating pairs or fun singles.

1. Select and cut.

Cut ironed scraps of fabric into rectangles just larger than the barrettes. Choose cute buttons.

MATERIALS
» Ironed fabric scraps, at least 1"× 3"
» Cute, flat (sew-through) buttons
» Hot glue gun and glue
» Pliers or tweezers
» Scissors

» Non-painted barrettes I use binding or hem clips; they’re cheaper and bare metal. The glue has a hard time grabbing the painted barrette; if you only have painted ones, use a metal file to scuff up the paint to help the glue grab hold.

» No-fray spray (optional) I find it increases the life of my barrettes.

2. Glue.

Apply hot glue generously to the top of the barrette. Use pliers to hold the barrette open while gluing.

3. Apply and trim fabric.
Position the fabric on top of the hot glue.
Press evenly as the glue cools, with medium
firmness. Allow to cool completely. Trim around
the barrette, taking care to leave a slight edge
(less than 5") to allow for any needed fabric
expansion when you close
the barrette.

4. Optional fixative.

Spray the entire fabric side of the barrette with no-fray spray. Allow it to dry completely.

5. Glue button on.

Dollop hot glue onto the back of the button. Then, with the barrette open, position the button where you want it. Press slowly and evenly. Leave it to cool on the open barrette.

Chasity Gordon lives in Central Texas and runs a business called Belle and Burger, selling her wares at the local farmers’ market and on Etsy. She discusses how her creative energy is fueled by the Texas heat and honky-tonks at belleandburger.blogspot.com.

Photography by Chasity Gordon