Gina-B Silkworks
How to make a simple wire torsade (bullion) trimming for tassels - also called a wire bullion drop
updated
Links to items mentioned during the feed -
Website:
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
Square cover buttons:
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/newey-trims-square-metal-cover-buttons---newvintage
Button pins:
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/button-pins-pack-50
Free PDF:
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-a-dorset-button---free-pdf-download
Button Templates:
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/button-templates
WonderFil threads:
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/wonderfil-speciality-threads
Storage tin:
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/aluminium-window-storage-tin
You can find the book and the materials I've used in this video on my website - ginabsilkworks.co.uk
These items used include:
Thread Wrapped Buttons Book
Button Wheels
Button Station & Third Hand
Wonderfil Eleganza No 8 perle cotton thread
Button Moulds No 3 (25mm MDF)
Here are the other videos I mentioned in this one -
How to make a death's head button - youtu.be/KURwwOU9Ffs
Button Back ideas - youtu.be/Vi8_7DP0irU
You can find button-making and other traditional textile craft kits, books, tools and materials on our website at ginabsilkworks.co.uk
Find us on Facebook - facebook.com/GinaBSilkworks
Instagram - instagram.com/ginabsilkworks
Don't forget to click subscribe!
This is a great way to use fabric to match a garment or project and make a button without a button press.
This button is easy to make and only needs a ring, fabric, glue, stuffing and basic sewing kit.
You can find button-making and other traditional textile craft kits, books, tools and materials on our website at ginabsilkworks.co.uk
Find us on Facebook - facebook.com/GinaBSilkworks
Instagram - instagram.com/ginabsilkworks
Don't forget to click subscribe!
These little dolls, made from fabric and threads, are often hung from mobiles for Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) in Japan. They have many regional names, some of which, such as tsurushikazari, are difficult for the English speaker. As recommended by a Japanese friend, we chose Sagemon, which is from the Yanagawa area, as it is easier to remember in English.
This template contains the pieces and instructions to make two types of crane decoration.
Crane : Tsuru
You can find this template and our other Japanese crafts on our website at ginabsilkworks.co.uk
Find us on Facebook - facebook.com/GinaBSilkworks
Instagram - instagram.com/ginabsilkworks
Don't forget to click subscribe!
This video also shows how to wrap a hexagon-shaped button mould for an even more unique look!
Don't know what a Deaths head button is? Here are my tutorials -
How to make a death's head button - for right-handed makers :
youtu.be/KURwwOU9Ffs
How to make a death's head button - for left-handed makers:
youtu.be/3dwb1KmUCHA
You can find button-making and other traditional textile craft kits, books, tools and materials on our website at ginabsilkworks.co.uk
Find us on Facebook - facebook.com/GinaBSilkworks
Instagram - instagram.com/ginabsilkworks
Don't forget to click subscribe!
You can find kits, books, tools (including rings and threads) for Dorset button making - and many other types of button - over on my website at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
00:00 introduction
00:32 Method One
07:53 Method Two
14:45 Method Three
The button design "Little Moon" shows two of these - working in two layers and changing direction. Both of these techniques can really set your designs apart.
I've used Wonderfil Eleganza cotton perle thread - size 8 - and a 25mm (about 1") hollow brass ring in this tutorial
New to Dorset buttons? Why not try the following videos next?
How to make a Dorset button -
youtu.be/OvAkKHuDAGw
Dorset buttons - adding thread & changing colours - youtu.be/QZvtpjZcI-s
Adding beads to Dorset buttons -
youtu.be/0W7ScI3oHCM
You can find this book and others, as well as tools and materials for button making on my website at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
00:00 Introduction
01:37 Preparation
02:24 Reverse back stitch (reverse rounding back stitch)
05:36 Covering a single layer
07:09 Changing direction
12:45 Covering single and double layers
17:42 Adding "stars"
Your might also like these videos -
How to Make a Dorset button -
youtu.be/OvAkKHuDAGw
Adding threads & changing colours (Dorset Buttons) -
youtu.be/QZvtpjZcI-s
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Adding beads to the spokes
04:07 Adding beads at the edge method 1
07:16 Adding beads to the edge method 2
10:44 Adding beads in the filling
16:50 Adding beads while stitching
You'll find lots of button-making books, kits, tools, and materials over on our website at ginabsilkworks.co.uk
Perhaps you want to add a splash of colour!
This video will show you how to add threads at different stages in Dorset button-making without using knots. Although, remember, knots are not bad!
0:00 Intro
0:35 adding thread to the ring (beginning)
1:33 adding more thread onto the ring
3:39 changing the thread for the spokes
6:48 changing the thread at the centre
11:55 changing the thread during filling
For kits, books and supplies, do visit our website at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
our Dorset Button Shuttles can be found here
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/dorset-button-shuttles
We'll look at the ways described in Dillmont's "Encyclopedia of Needlework" for both linen and webbed buttons, as well as method to add a small shank as you work, and a worked shank.
Do please also take a look at one of my previous video that has loads of other ideas for finishing the backs of your buttons - including many shank ideas.
You can find button-making books, tools and supplies over on our website at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
This is a singleton button - in other words, a fabric-covered ring. This has added decorative stitches and a pretty beaded edge.
The tools, threads and rings can be found on my website -
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
Direct links:
Rings (I used 16mm brass)
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/buttons/button-moulds/rings/ring-button-moulds-no-51-16mm-brass-x-8
Wonderfil Spagetti 12wt cotton thread
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/wonderfil-speciality-threads/spagetti
Button Templates set
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/button-templates
For more Dorset ring button designs, both traditional and original, why not take a look at my book "Dorset Ring Buttons"
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/dorset-ring-buttons-book-by-gina-barrett
You'll also need beads and fabric!
The originals probably date from the late 19th / early 20th century. It is always nice to see the same design used in different ways on vintage and antique buttons, so I'll also show you some other examples I've made using different materials.
You'll need:
A button mould (I've used our No 117 turned wood mould - 20mm) - ginabsilkworks.co.uk/buttons/button-moulds/circles-domes
Fabric - I've used a medium/light weight linen
Thread - I've used Wonderfil Spagetti - ginabsilkworks.co.uk/wonderfil-speciality-threads/spagetti
basic sewing kit (needles, scissors)
I've also used our Button Template to measure out my fabric circle - ginabsilkworks.co.uk/button-templates
(which I may have called a gauge.... )
Please refer to my "How to make a basic medallion" video for holding stitches and warping up.
This video will show you knotting, working darned bars, festoons, and a picot edge.
Tools and materials used can be purchased on our website at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
Items used:
Teneriffe Lace Loom No 8 (Square) by Gina-B
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/lace
Wonderfil Spagetti 12 wt cotton thread
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/wonderfil-speciality-threads/spagetti
I take you through all of the steps, and show you a couple of ideas to make your button unique.
Zwirnknopf Buttons Book -
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/publications/zwirnknopf-buttons-book-by-gina-barrett
I have used:
30mm flat ring (button No 105) -
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/ring-button-moulds-no-105-30mm-aluminium-x-6
Cotton perle size 8 - (you'll need 4 colours)
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/threads
Optional -
Circle Gauge Tool -
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/circle-gauge-set---new-updated-design
Buttonmaker's Third Hand & Tool Tin -
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/button-makers-third-hand-tool-tin
Beeswax -
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/beeswax-button-pack
I'll also show you how to work a shank for a professional finish.
The video will also take you through using fine fabrics, making a button back and decoration ideas.
Tools & materials used
(basic button)
wool fabric, scissors, needle
sewing thread (I used Wonderfil Spagetti)
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/wonderfil-speciality-threads/spagetti
Optional :
Button Templates set - ginabsilkworks.co.uk/button-templates
Button Finishing Tools - ginabsilkworks.co.uk/button-finishing-tools-slicker-buttonhole-gauge
For two designs using this technique, see my Fabric Buttons book
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/fabric-buttons-by-gina-barrett
00:00 Intro
00.40 Getting started using wool fabric
03:13 Folding & stitching
12:32 Adding a thread shank
17:05 Using thin fabrics
18:26 Making a button back
27:44 Other ideas
I'll also show you how to roll the bowl / cup shapes
The PaperLathe® System has been developed by Gina-B Silkworks to allow the maker to roll unique paper tassel moulds, beads and shapes - allowing you to enjoy the art of passementerie without needing to find a friendly wood turner to make the forms.
Our system is available as the original
PaperLathe® System, with pdf patterns and 6 rolling rods
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/paperlathe-usb-or-disc-option
and the
PaperLathe® Companion, additional designs (including stands) and 1 rolling rod
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/paperlathe-companion-usb-or-disc-option
Other tassel making tools and materials can also be found on our website at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
00:00 Introduction
00:19 Getting Started (printing patterns)
02:21 Cutting the pattern
05:25 Rolling the design
14:57 Dried & completed
15.27 Different sizes & rolling rods
17.47 Rolling bowl / cup moulds
You'll find the original here if you wish to watch it -
youtu.be/xC2ko3-B-QI
I've worked two buttons in this video, the traditional Dorset Crosswheel (also known as a cartwheel) and another from my book (Dorset Ring Buttons) known as a pinwheel. They are fairly different techniques, so worth watching if you enjoy button making!
For extra information, I've used the following in this video:
25mm brass ring (crosswheel) / 19mm ring (pinwheel) : ginabsilkworks.co.uk/buttons/button-moulds/rings
Wonderfil Spagetti 12 wt cotton thread :
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/wonderfil-speciality-threads/spagetti
Dorset Button Shuttles : ginabsilkworks.co.uk/dorset-button-shuttles
Book link - Dorset Ring Buttons : ginabsilkworks.co.uk/publications/dorset-ring-buttons-book-by-gina-barrett
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - Materials
02:50 - Casting (Covering the Ring)
05:17 - A bit about rings & threads
07:34 - Removing thread kinks
08:20 - A bit of history and examples
10:33 - Locking & Slicking
15:05 - Laying the Spokes
18:40 - Centre the Spokes
20:09 - Changing thread before filling
21:36 - Filling - Rounding Back Stitch
25:32 - some hints for holding
27:18 - Changing thread while filling
31.22 - Finishing & fixing
34:54 - How to work the Pinwheel design
In this video I'm finishing off - adding tufts of grasses, little leaves and cup fungi, as well as a little butterfly.
I will also show adding a border to the stretched piece.
For the video showing how to cover a button -
youtu.be/Ts4JZsn92pw
You will find the tools on our website - ginabsilkworks.co.uk/needlework/frames-stands/stumpwork-tool-set
Today I am working a background mushroom, and then adding a few little mounds of grass using our comb tool from the set, before placing the mushroom caps worked in Part 1. I'll be using raised stem stitch band for the stems (stalks) of the mushrooms, with additional padding for the dimensional ones.
In the next video I'll finish off the picture with more little textural bits that can be made using the tools.
You will find the tools on our website - ginabsilkworks.co.uk/needlework/frames-stands/stumpwork-tool-set
00:00 - Introduction
01:06 - working the background mushroom
03:19 - raised stem stitch band
06:13 - tufts of grass with comb tool
09:12 - adding the dimensional cap
10:11 - padded raised stem stitch
In this video, I'll show you how to make a couple of stand alone needle lace mushroom caps.
Materials used in this video
Gina-B Silkworks' "For the Needle" Stumpwork Tool Set - ginabsilkworks.co.uk/needlework/frames-stands/stumpwork-tool-set
cotton fabric
paper / pencil to draw shapes
perle cotton size 8
sewing thread
sewing needle, tapestry needle
scissors
clear tape
00:00 Intro
00:36 Materials
02:07 Make a lace pad
03:54 Lay the cordonnet
08:15 Work the first layer
12:09 Start the second layer
12:44 Attach the tool
14:40 Adding new thread
15:41 Blanket stitch edge
16:14 Remove the tool
18:00 remove the lace pieces
This is a pretty, two colour design that I first made during my One Button a Day challenge back in 2016.
In my book, I use a smaller button mould and a size 12 thread; for this video I'm using a slightly larger mould (25mm) and size 8 thread.
This button does require a lot of stitching as you work!
You can find all sorts of button making items including the books, moulds, threads and kits over on my website
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
Thread Wrapped Buttons book -
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/publications/thread-wrapped-buttons-book-by-gina-barrett
Materials used
Button Mould No 3 (25mm)
Wonderfil Dazzle thread
Wonderfil Eleganza size 8 thread
The kit contains five specially designed reusable acrylic tools, designed to create woven pieces to cover button moulds.
Weaving directly onto a button mould - as was done in the past - can be very difficult, especially at small sizes. Using these tools, you can create woven covers that can be used to cover the moulds
The kit is available on our website:
Gina's Basketweave Button Kit
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/buttons/button-kits/ginas-basketweave-button-kit
Items I have used:
3mm Soutache braid /Russia braid -
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/soutache/czech-soutache
Stacked Style Ring Button Moulds No 164
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/stacked-ring-button-mould-no-164---25mm-x-4
or -
Circle Stacker Button Moulds No 123
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/circle-stacker-button-moulds-no-123-25mm-mdf-x-4-sets
Integral Shank Button Backs No 153
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/integral-shank-button-backs-no-153---18mm-x-5-choice-of-colours
Fabric, sewing thread, pva glue
Tool (optional) - Button Templates
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/button-templates
This work is exclusively for Her Majesty's Livery Tailors - Henry Poole & Company of Savile Row, working under the direction of Keith Levitt, Master Livery Tailor.
This video has been put together from filming while I worked on the most recent batch, as well as discussing some of the making over over of antique tassels that I have done in the past. Nothing goes to waste - if it can be repaired and re-used it is.
The following videos may also be of interest:
How to make a simple wire torsade (bullion)
youtu.be/j2AMeiX-xBw
How to satin wrap a tassel head
youtu.be/RELjBhuWQcI
The set contains reusable templates specially designed by Gina-B Silkworks to make round, square and hexagon twist boxes - and are really easy to use!
These pretty little boxes are made in a variety of different ways and originate from the Japanese incense container. The clever way of twisting the box to close it creates a portable box, and make the perfect place to store little treasures.
They are known by different names in Japanese, including Nuno-kogo (cloth kogo), Nejiri-kogo (twist kogo) and Nejiru-hako (twist box)
You can purchase the template set over on our website at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/japanese-crafts/nejiri-hako-japanese-twist-boxes-template-set
You'll need:
Gina-B Silkworks Nejiri-Hako Twist Box Template set
Fabric
Glue (PVA/white glue)
Card (a 250/300gsm copier card weight will do)
needle thread & scissors
00:00 Introduction
01:48 Creating the round base
05:43 Covering the round base with fabric
08:14 Measuring the round box's top strip
08:59 Creating the box body (same for all shapes)
11:30 Inserting the top strip (same for all shapes)
13:55 Twist!
Items I have used:
The original "Yorkshire Button Kit" : ginabsilkworks.co.uk/yorkshire-button-kit
a design shown in the Yorkshire Buttons Booklet :
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/yorkshire-buttons-booklet-by-gina-barrett
And No 8 perle cotton :
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/presencia-threads/finca-no-8-perle
If you've never made a Yorkshire Button, why not take a look at this video to learn how:
youtu.be/5AlrOakn2gU
This easy technique is great for fabulous decorative buttons - you could also just use this technique to add embellishments to other textile projects.
For materials, visit our website at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
You can find both of these on our website at
Gina's Grantham Button Kit:
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/ginas-grantham-button-kit
Grantham Buttons Booklet:
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/grantham-button-booklet-by-gina-barrett
This is a nice textured button, with a basket weave design between the dimensional ribs - very tactile and mindful to work
At the end, I also show you a variation that will give a neat zig-zag pattern in the woven section.
This video was a special request - do feel free to give me suggestions for future videos, I may not always be able to do them, but can certainly take a look!
For the ladybug I used our "Elizabethan Inspired Stamp set #1003 :
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/stamping/stamps/stamp-set-elizabethan-inspired-1003-8-stamps
The braid shown is a fingerloop braid from my book "Tak V Bowes Departed - a Fifteenth Century Braiding Manual Examined (co-written with the late Elizabeth Benns)":
ginabsilkworks.co.uk/publications/tak-v-bowes-departed---a-15th-century-braiding-manual-examined
I've also used DMC stranded cotton.
Thank you contributors!
Thank you contributors!
Thank you contributors!
Peppermints and M&Ms, liquorice allsorts, caramels, sweets in wrappers, candy rock, bon bons, lollipops, marshmallows, nougat, ribbon candy - and lots of buttons with happy candy colours!
Thank you contributors!
Thank you contributors!!
Thank you contributors!
There are a wonderful selection of buttons again! There is the night sky through a window, a city scene, a bed and a sleeping person. There are all types of star - sparkly, constellations and moons - full, crescent, and sleepy!
We even have polymer clay buttons this week, as well of course, as Dorsets, zwirnknopfe, thread, embroidered and everything in between.
Thank you contributors!
I think you'll agree with me that every button is quite wonderful.
Thank you contributors!
Don't forget, you can see the buttons as makers add them over in the Gina-B Silkworks Facebook group, and can find kits, books and so much more for button making over at our shop at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
As always, the contributors have really used their imagination to represent the prompt, creating some really marvellous buttons!
Thank you contributors!
Why "Grantham"?
Well, simply because we are based in Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK!
And, if you make these using the right colour of wool they do rather resemble the famous Grantham gingerbread... ;)
(see below for a link to a Grantham company who makes it)
An initial technique to create the basketweave was first published by Gina back in 2013. These unique templates bring that technique on, allowing the woven piece to be made on a reusable loom as opposed to being worked directly onto a button mould. This not only makes it easier, it means that many types of threads can be used and the pieces can be made into soft or hard buttons in many shapes.
And, coming soon, we'll have a booklet with variations to weave, work and create!
The kit is available on our website at
ginabsilkworks.co.uk
You can buy Grantham Gingerbread from Hawkins Gingerbread - made in Grantham from an original recipe
hawkensgingerbread.com
(please note - there's no affiliation, I just really, really like these biscuits)
As always, thank you contributors!
Needleweaving, basketweave, checkerboards, then there are the lattice, interlaced and all of the weaves using unbalanced fibres. There are designs with interwoven areas, and we even have a lovely spider's web!
Thank you contributors!!
Thank you contributors!
Thank you contributors!!
Thank you contributors!
I'd love to know if you'd like to participate in a live stream over here on YouTube? Do let me know in the comments.
In this video I'm showing you just some of the ways you finish off handmade buttons. There are a variety of button backs, from simple felt to more complex thread backs and adding metal shanks. There are also a few ideas for creating something to sign - a vital part of making and selling studio button to collectors.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:07:45 Signing textile buttons
00:11:29 Plain, sealed fabric & ring shank
00:17:42 Covered back, wire shank
00:24:36 Covered interfacing, wire shank
00:34:07 Covered ring back
00:41:28 Cover button backs
00:52:25 Cover button fronts
00:57:08 zwirnknopfe / Dorset back
00:58:26 Thread back
01:03:44 Adding a signed tag
Thank you contributors!
Thank you contributors!