Beaded Button Jewelry Component

This is a fun use for using a button as a component in jewelry and other crafts.

Supplies, Tools, Technique

Supplies:

3 1/2 cm Button
1 - 2 colour of seed beads 11̊ Delica Seed Beads
- For this project
  - 856- Mat Transparent Fire Red (AA)
  - 734- Dark Chocolate (BB)
Thread
Optional
Split Ring

Tools

Technique

Prepare a length of thread.
String a stop bead.
Add 48 AA.
- Or, string 2AA and 1 BB until you total 48 beads.
- Or, if you are using a different size button, you will need to increase or decrease the number of beads in this row.
Make the adjustment in groups of 3 beads.
Go through the first bead in the same direction to make a large loop.
- This loop will be smaller than the button but look like it would be closer the button edge.

If using accent beads in this row, exist at the first AA.
String AABBAA.
Skip 2 AA and go through the third bead.
- If you are using accent beads in this row, go through the next BB.
Keep your thread taunt.
Repeat the entire circumference of the loop.
Go back to the first row and run your needle though again to ensure a tight loop.
Now step up to start row 3.
- Exit BB in one of the first AABBAA of 2nd row.

String 3AABB3AA.
- There will be 7 beads.
- This row will fold up the side of the button.
Check the fit with the button.
Go through BB of the next loop.
Repeat the pattern for the entire circumference of the loop.
Now step up to start row 5
- Exit BB in one of the first 3AABB3AA of this row.

String 2AABB2AA.
- There will be 5 beads.
- This row will be the start of the face of the button.
As this is the decrees this is also the row that first ensnares the button.
Go through BB of the next loop.
Hold the button in the beaded cage.
Repeat the pattern for the entire circumference of the button.
Keep your thread taught.
Now step up to start row 6.
- Exit BB in one of the first 2AABB2AA of this row.

Alternate 4AA’s with 3AA’s around the circumference of the button.
- String 4AA and go through the next BB.
- String 3AA and go through the next BB.
You want this row to lay flat along the top of the button.
You may have to decrease 1AA occasionally to get this row to pay right.
Exit at the first BB to start row 7.

String AA and go back through the AA.
- This will create a picot.
Go through the next section of AA’s to the next BB and repeat a picot.
Continue this for the circumference of the button.
Keep it tight to help hold the button in.
- You want to keep the beads snug as you cage the button.
When you get back to the beginning you will exit the first picot.
- You will now be working in the opposite direction that you were originally.
  - If you were working clockwise then you want to go counter clockwise.
- You will string 4AA and go through the next picot BB.
- You will be stacking these new sets besides their counterparts in row 6.
String 3AA and go through the next picot BB.
- Alternate 4AA’s with 3AA’s around the circumference of the button.
You want this row to lay flat along the top of the button.
You will have to decrease 1AA occasionally to get this row to lay right.
- You will be more likely to need to do a decrease on this row.
Repeat the entire circumference of the button.
Keep your thread taught.
Run your thread through this row again pulling everything tight.