6 Best Storage Solutions For Bulky Buttons To Organize
Struggling with a messy craft stash? Explore our 6 best storage solutions for bulky buttons to organize your collection efficiently. Click here to tidy up today!
Every seasoned knitter eventually reaches the point where a handful of buttons, harvested from worn-out cardigans or purchased on a whim, overflows their workspace. Searching for that perfect, slightly oversized toggles for a heavy wool coat should not require dumping a mountain of plastic onto the floor. Efficient organization transforms these tiny, essential findings from clutter into a curated resource. Proper storage protects these pieces while ensuring they remain accessible for the final, crucial step of any project.
Akro-Mils Drawer Cabinet: Best for Sorting
The Akro-Mils drawer cabinet functions as the gold standard for those who treat their button collection like a professional inventory. Its rigid, plastic frame houses dozens of small, transparent drawers that allow for near-microscopic separation of hardware.
For the knitter who frequently works with varied gauges—from delicate lace-weight silk to bulky, aran-weight wool—having a dedicated drawer for every size and material is a game-changer. These cabinets eliminate the annoyance of fishing through a jumble of mismatched fasteners when a deadline looms.
The tradeoff here is sheer bulk; these units occupy significant shelf space and offer little in the way of portability. If a project bag typically travels to the local yarn store or a knit night, this cabinet remains a stationary workstation.
CraftMates Ezy-Lock Organizer: Best Portable
Portable organizers are essential for the knitter who prefers to finish garments away from a desk. The CraftMates Ezy-Lock features individual compartments that snap shut securely, ensuring that expensive, artisan-crafted buttons do not migrate during transit.
This system excels when preparing for a specific project that requires a matching set of fasteners. The compartments are generous enough for large buttons, yet the entire unit is compact enough to tuck into a project bag alongside a set of interchangeable needles.
However, the locking mechanisms can be stiff for those with reduced dexterity, which is a consideration if hand fatigue is a common struggle. Always verify that the lid is fully snapped shut to avoid an accidental spill in the bottom of a tote.
ArtBin Photo & Craft Keeper: For Big Collections
Large collections often grow faster than the average storage solution can accommodate, leading to inefficient “dump” bins. The ArtBin system uses individual, sealable cases contained within a larger outer box, which is ideal for massive hoards of buttons.
This modularity allows for grouping by project type or button size, keeping bulky options separate from fragile, decorative items. It is arguably the best solution for housing an entire lifetime of inherited or collected notions.
The primary disadvantage is the footprint; it is not a system for a cramped crafting corner. It is, however, the most reliable way to ensure that large buttons remain dust-free and organized over many years of storage.
Beadsmith Stackable Jars: Best for Small Spaces
Vertical storage is the most overlooked strategy in the fiber arts studio. Beadsmith stackable jars use a clever threaded design to turn a single footprint into a tower of accessible compartments.
These are particularly useful for showcasing buttons that possess unique textures or colors that act as inspiration for a new pattern. Because they are clear, the contents serve as a visual palette, helping to visualize how a specific finish might complement a particular yarn colorway.
Take care when handling these towers; dropping a stack can cause them to unscrew and scatter. They are best suited for buttons used less frequently or for those who possess limited shelf space for larger organizers.
Wall Control Pegboard System: The Ultimate Setup
A wall-mounted pegboard turns buttons into a functional display, effectively treating them as part of the studio’s decor. Utilizing hooks or small bins, this system keeps your most frequently used buttons at eye level and within arm’s reach.
This method works wonders for the knitter who uses consistent button sizes across multiple garments. It eliminates the need to open a drawer or lid entirely, saving seconds that add up during an intense finishing phase.
The tradeoff is exposure; buttons stored on a wall are susceptible to dust and natural light, which can degrade certain materials over time. Avoid using this setup for rare, antique, or delicate buttons that require a climate-controlled environment.
Vintage-Style Apothecary Cabinet: Decorative Pick
An apothecary-style cabinet brings an aesthetic warmth to a workspace that modern plastic storage simply cannot replicate. These wooden units often feature small drawers that provide a tactile, satisfying experience each time a button is retrieved.
These cabinets are ideal for those who value the process of knitting as much as the product, turning the act of selecting a button into a small, intentional ritual. They bridge the gap between utility and design, anchoring a room with a timeless, crafted feel.
Be aware that wooden drawers can sometimes be tight or snag on delicate buttons if the interior isn’t finished smoothly. Consider adding small fabric liners or felt to the bottom of the drawers to protect softer finishes and prevent the rhythmic clatter of plastic against wood.
How to Choose the Best Button Storage For You
Selecting the right storage hinges on the scale of your collection and your typical knitting environment. A hobbyist with a few dozen buttons has very different requirements than someone maintaining a library of specialized fasteners.
First, assess the volume of your collection and the space currently available. Next, consider your workflow; do you prefer to see all your options at once, or do you find visual clutter distracting?
Finally, think about portability. If you frequently finish garments on the couch or at community meetups, prioritize a system that can travel safely. If you have a dedicated studio space, opt for maximum capacity and durability.
Sorting Your Buttons: By Color, Size, or Type?
Sorting by color is aesthetically pleasing but can be impractical if you frequently search for a specific size for a particular weight of fabric. Sorting by size is the most pragmatic approach, as button shank size and diameter are dictated by the gauge of the yarn and the thickness of the buttonhole.
Many experienced knitters recommend a hybrid approach: sort primarily by size, and then by material or color within those bins. This ensures that when you need a 20mm button for a worsted-weight cardigan, you immediately know which section to target.
Avoid over-sorting too early; if the system is too complex to maintain, it will eventually collapse into a “junk drawer.” Start with broad categories and refine them as the collection grows and your specific needs become clearer.
Protecting Vintage and Delicate Buttons in Storage
Vintage buttons, particularly those made from early plastics like celluloid, casein, or bone, require specialized care. These materials can react poorly to direct sunlight, extreme humidity, or prolonged contact with certain chemical finishes.
Store delicate items in acid-free containers or wrap them individually in tissue paper if they have ornate, fragile surfaces. This prevents scratches and protects the integrity of the material against oxidation or brittleness.
Never store metal buttons with a high-moisture risk, as they can rust or corrode over time, potentially staining your finished garments. If in doubt, keep them in airtight containers away from heat sources to ensure they remain ready for a future heirloom project.
Creative DIY Button Storage Ideas on a Budget
If formal organizers are out of reach, repurposed items often prove just as effective for button management. Cleaned spice jars with magnetic lids can be mounted to metal strips, utilizing vertical space and providing clear visibility.
Empty sewing kit tins, small glass jars from preserves, or even clean contact lens cases offer excellent, low-cost alternatives. These small containers are perfect for sorting buttons by set, ensuring that the eight identical buttons needed for a sweater are never separated.
The most important factor in a DIY setup is transparency and ease of access. If you cannot see the buttons easily, they will eventually be forgotten. Aim for containers that keep the buttons visible while protecting them from moisture and dust.
Organizing a button collection is an act of respect for the time and energy invested in every stitch. By choosing a system that matches your habits and protects your materials, you ensure that the final details of your work are handled with the same care as the foundation of your knitting. A well-organized button stash is more than a list of supplies; it is a repository of future projects waiting to be realized.
