Dorset buttons were a cottage industry in Dorset
during Victorian times. Women could earn up to 2 shillings
(paid per number of buttons) making them. Not only was this much more
than a woman could earn in the fields (9 pence), but she could do it
in her own home, whilst watching her children. She did not have to be
out in all weathers, or replace worn out clothes and shoes as often.
At the Great Exhibition in 1851 someone exhibited a button-making machine
which became the downfall of this industry.
Equipment
- Curtain ring or any suitable ring, which is safe to wash
- 1.5m -2.5m Yarn, dependent on the size of your ring.
The yarn should be suitable for the ring, not too bulky. Avoid joins.
- A tapestry needle
Instructions
- Buttonhole stitch firmly around the ring to cover it,
taking in the beginning tail of the yarn, with the heads
of the stitches on the outside.
- Turn the heads to the inside, do a few stitches if necessary
to be sure the ring is covered well.
- Make 8 spokes, or as many as you think it needs, by winding
the thread crossing the ring.
- Secure the spokes by a few stitches crossing the centre.
- Backstitch, starting at the centre, over each spoke onto
the next until the whole area is covered.
- Fasten the thread at the back, leaving the remainder of
the thread to attach to the button.
