Wooden buttons for knitwear and children's clothes are among the most natural and cosy finishing touches. The warm colour and soft grain of wood bring out hand-knitted stitches, and the light weight means they do not pull on stretchy fabric. In this article you'll learn which size to pick, how to sew them on securely and how to care for the garments so they last.
Why wooden buttons for knitwear
- Natural look – they pair beautifully with wool, cotton, alpaca and other natural yarns;
- Light weight – they do not stretch the stitches or make the button band sag;
- Warm to the touch – unlike metal buttons, they are never cold and do not irritate skin;
- Versatile colours – from pale beech to dark walnut, easy to combine with any yarn.
Which size wooden button to choose
The size depends on yarn weight and on how large you knitted the buttonhole. As a guide:
| Yarn weight / needles | Recommended size | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fine, 2–3 mm needles | 15 mm | Baby cardigans, rompers |
| Medium, 3.5–5 mm needles | 18–22 mm | Kids' and women's cardigans |
| Bulky, 6–8 mm needles | 25–28 mm | Chunky cardigans, wraps |
| Super bulky, 9 mm+ needles | 30 mm | Ponchos, knitted coats, decoration |
A practical tip: choose the buttons first, then knit the buttonholes. That way the opening fits the button exactly – neither loose nor too tight. Wooden buttons at Bul-tex come in sizes from 15 to 30 mm.
How to sew a wooden button onto knitwear
- Use strong thread, or a split strand of the same yarn if it is sturdy enough.
- Do not pull the thread tight – leave a shank as tall as the button band is thick, so the button passes easily through the buttonhole.
- Wrap the shank a few times and secure it on the wrong side.
- On fine knits, add a small backing button or a piece of felt on the wrong side – it takes the strain so the stitches do not stretch.
Safety on children's clothing
With baby and children's clothes, security comes first:
- Sew every button on with doubled thread and plenty of stitches;
- Choose buttons with smooth edges and no flaking varnish;
- Check regularly that buttons have not loosened, especially after washing;
- For the youngest children, larger buttons (18 mm and up) are often preferred – they are harder to pull off and easier for parents to fasten.
How to wash garments with wooden buttons
Wood does not like prolonged moisture. Hand wash or use a gentle wool cycle, avoid long soaking and dry flat. If the garment goes in the machine often, you can remove the buttons, or button it up and place it in a laundry bag.
Colour and shape of wooden buttons
Pale beech or maple buttons look fresh on pastel and white yarns – perfect for baby cardigans. Darker tones such as walnut and mahogany bring out earthy colours, grey, burgundy and deep green. Round buttons with 2 or 4 holes are the most practical, but for children's clothes you can also choose buttons with an engraved pattern for a playful touch. Matte, wax-finished buttons scratch less easily than varnished ones.
Frequently asked questions
Can wooden buttons be machine washed?
Yes, on a gentle low-temperature cycle, but frequent long soaking can fade or crack them. Hand washing is the gentlest option.
How many buttons does a child's cardigan need?
Usually 4–6, spaced about 5–7 cm apart depending on the length of the button band.
Are they suitable for baby clothes?
Yes, as long as they are firmly sewn on and checked regularly. Avoid very small buttons on clothes for the youngest.
Browse all wooden buttons and our other natural buttons. Looking for more ideas? Take a look at our coconut buttons too.
