In this tutorial I’ll show you how to make quick and stylish fabric-covered button earrings. You’ll learn how to upcycle ready-made fabric buttons, create your own covered buttons, and even turn buttons into a ring or brooch pin.
I’m back with another glue challenge featuring Bostik. Every few months I get sent products to experiment with, and this time it’s Bostik’s new Power Repair adhesive. I chose a jewellery project because it’s a great way to test bond strength on small items and to show how easy it is to make unique accessories at home.
I wanted to encourage creative problem solving and add another simple DIY technique to my repertoire. Making fabric-covered buttons looked fiddly at first, but it’s actually straightforward — and I finally used some button kits I’ve had for years.
MAKING FABRIC BUTTON EARRINGS WITH BOSTIK POWER REPAIR
Previously I used Bostik’s Fix & Flash for wood and resin costume rings, and that adhesive would also work here. For this project I tested Bostik Power Repair because it promises:
- Ultra-strong bond
- Fast drying
- Long-lasting hold
- Dries clear
- Non-drip formula
- Waterproof finish
- Safe to use without gluing fingers together
- Suitable for glass, wood, stone, metal, leather, plastics, ceramics and more
Power Repair has a texture similar to hot glue but without the need to heat, making it ideal for jewellery-making where precision and a clean finish matter.
BENEFITS OF PERSONALISED FABRIC-COVERED EARRINGS
I love coordinating accessories with outfits. As a former branch fashion manager, I helped customers create cohesive looks for everyday wear and special occasions. Making your own fabric-covered buttons means you can match colours and patterns precisely, save money, and reuse sentimental fabrics.
In this project I used pinstripe suit fabric to create a formal, tailored look that’s subtle yet bespoke — perfect when you want something not off-the-peg.
OTHER JEWELLERY IDEAS BEYOND FABRIC BUTTON EARRINGS
I also found other creative uses for buttons: brooches, statement rings, and unique pendants. Charity shops often have tubs of ready-made or vintage buttons — some are perfect for upcycling into bold costume jewellery.
For example, a decorative Julius Caesar-style button made an eye-catching brooch, and a large plain black button became a dramatic ring top. These pieces make strong style statements when added to simple outfits.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR FABRIC BUTTON EARRINGS
Basic supplies and tools for this DIY jewellery project.
- Bostik Power Repair glue
- Self-cover button kits (metal/silver type are easiest)
- Fabric of your choice (suit fabric, cotton, silk, wool, etc.)
- Earring posts and backs
- Sharp scissors
- Tailor’s chalk for marking
- Junior hacksaw for removing button loops if needed
ALTERNATIVE
Use old fabric-covered buttons salvaged from clothing or bought cheaply at charity shops. Ready-made covered buttons are often inexpensive and save time.
HOW TO MAKE FABRIC BUTTON EARRINGS FROM RECYCLED BUTTONS
Using existing fabric-covered buttons is the fastest method. If the button has a protruding shank (loop) on the back, carefully remove it with a junior hacksaw. Work slowly and securely — fine-toothed blades make this safe and neat.
After cutting, pull out the loop, then clean the back surface to remove dust and filings so the adhesive will bond well. I used a multi-purpose spray cleaner and allowed the button to dry completely.
Open the adhesive carefully over a protected surface. Because the tube is full, apply very gentle pressure at first to control the flow and avoid waste.
GLUING THE EARRING POSTS
Apply a small drop of Bostik Power Repair to the centre of the button back, position the earring post, and press firmly for around 10 seconds. You’ll have up to 3 minutes to reposition if needed. The bond sets quickly, but wait 24 hours for a full cure before wearing the earrings.
MAKING A BUTTON RING
A flat-backed button bonded to a ring blank creates a bold statement ring. There’s no need to saw anything off for flat-back buttons — simply glue the ring tray to the button back and allow time to cure. Choose striking colours or textures for a standout piece.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN FABRIC-COVERED BUTTONS
Metal self-cover kits (silver style) are easiest because the fabric wraps into teeth that hold it without sewing. Place the uncovered button face-down on the wrong side of your fabric, trace a circle leaving 1–1.5 cm of excess, then cut out the circle with sharp scissors.
Fold the fabric up around the button and press the fabric into the teeth of the button shell, stretching slightly to avoid wrinkles. Trim any excess fabric if needed, then snap the backing into place until it clicks.
PREPARING THE BACK OF THE FABRIC BUTTON
After assembling the covered button, check that no fabric is caught in the seam. If there’s excess, trim it away. If the button has a shank, remove it with a hacksaw and pull out any remaining hook, then clean the back of dust before gluing the earring post.
SAVE THIS FABRIC BUTTON EARRINGS TUTORIAL
These simple steps let you transform fabrics and vintage buttons into personalised earrings, brooches, and rings. With a reliable adhesive like Bostik Power Repair, small jewellery projects are fast, secure, and long-lasting — perfect for gifting or creating a signature accessory collection.