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finished buttons of different sizes with the different sayings and the title reads "how to make buttons, abcrafty.com"

How to Make Professional Buttons

I have shared my professional process for making custom buttons in my craft studio. This guide covers how to use my free templates, avoid common jams, and choose the right paper weight for a perfect result every time.
Yield 1 Button
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Project Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Materials
  

  • 1 Button Maker
  • Button Template
  • Circle Cutter or Punch
  • 20lb Printer Paper
  • Button Base and Backing and Plastic Cover that comes with the Button Make

Equipment

  • 1 Scissors or Circle Cutter

Instructions
 

Make the Button Design

  • Use my free template to create your design. Ensure your main design stays within the 'safe zone' and print on 20lb basic printer paper for the best results. I've also included a link to the digital template within Canva.
    Button Template
    screenshot of Canva showing the AB Crafty button template with one of the buttons filled in with the AB Crafty logo
  • Cut out your designs using a circle punch or rotary cutter (such as this one). A precise, clean edge is necessary for the machine to tuck the paper under the metal shell properly.
    Circle Cutter or Punch, 20lb Printer Paper
    using a button punch to cut out the AB Crafty logo from a piece of paper with the logo printed across

Press the Buttons

  • Place the metal shell, your design, and one layer of Mylar into Side 1 of the machine. I always check to make sure I haven't grabbed two pieces of Mylar by mistake
    Button Base and Backing and Plastic Cover that comes with the Button Make, 1 Button Maker
    pointing to the button base placed into the button making machine
  • Rotate the machine and pull the lever down firmly to crimp the shell, paper, and Mylar together. The pieces will stay in the top die of the machine.
    pressing down on the button press
  • Place the pin backing into Side 2, ensuring it is aligned with the top of your design. Rotate the machine base and pull the lever again to finish your button.
    holding the finished button with the AB Crafty logo

Notes

Download the button template here for free to make your own button designs.
Note: If the lever feels stuck, don't force it. This is usually caused by paper that is too thick or a double layer of Mylar. I suggest using a tiny bit of silicone lubricant on the sliding parts of your machine once every few months to keep everything moving smoothly.
Keyword Accessory, Button, Pin