DIY fabric-covered buttons for custom hair clips that pop

Hair clip crafting has quietly become one of the most popular weekend hobbies across Australian homes, with parents and teens alike searching for budget-friendly ways to personalise their accessories. From weekend stalls at the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne to school holiday workshops in Brisbane libraries, the appetite for handmade hair pieces keeps growing. Covering buttons in fabric is a small-scale project that delivers maximum visual impact without requiring a sewing machine or expensive supplies.

What makes this particular craft so appealing is its flexibility. You can use leftover cotton from a previous garment, raid the remnants bin at your nearest Spotlight, or repurpose a vintage scarf picked up from a Salvos op shop. The finished clips make thoughtful gifts, match effortlessly with school uniforms, and work as keepsakes for special occasions. Best of all, the technique scales from beginner to advanced, so the whole family can join in.

Gathering materials from local craft retailers

Most of what you need is probably sitting in your craft cupboard already. Cover buttons (also called self-cover buttons) come in packs from Spotlight, Lincraft, and most Kmart stores, typically in 18mm, 22mm, and 28mm sizes. You'll also need flat hair clip blanks with pad plates, which are stocked in the jewellery-making section of Big W and independent haberdashery shops in places like Adelaide's Rundle Mall or Parramatta Westfield.

A few extra tools round out the kit: sharp fabric scissors, a hot glue gun or strong fabric adhesive, a needle and thread for decorative stitching, and a pencil for tracing circles. Many crafters in Perth and Hobart source their metal blanks from Bunnings' hardware section, where snap clips and barrette findings appear in the small components aisle. A small embroidery hoop helps when pulling fabric taut over the button, though fingers work just as well.

Choosing fabrics suited to the Australian climate

Australian conditions can be tough on accessories, so fabric choice matters more than beginners realise. Lightweight quilting cotton is the go-to for everyday clips because it holds colour, washes well, and comes in countless prints. Liberty-style lawns and craft cottons stocked at Tessuti in Sydney give a boutique finish for special occasion pieces.

For coastal living in places like the Gold Coast or Byron Bay, pick fabrics with a tighter weave that resist fading from salt air. Avoid very slippery satins for everyday clips, as they tend to slip off the button shank during wear. Linen-cotton blends work beautifully for a relaxed Sunday brunch look and breathe well through humid summer days, while printed flannelette makes cosy winter clips for kindy kids in Melbourne and Canberra.

The button-wrapping process explained

Start by tracing the button front onto your chosen fabric and cutting out the circle roughly 3-4mm wider all the way around. This extra margin gives you enough material to fold over the button's teeth and secure the back piece. Press the fabric circle right-side down into a soft surface, then press the button into the centre so the shank pokes through.

Once the fabric is centred, tuck the edges inward around the back of the button. Press the metal back disc firmly down into place until you feel a satisfying click as the teeth grip. If the back disc feels loose, use pliers to give it a small extra squeeze. The result should be a smooth, drum-tight cover with no visible wrinkles or loose threads on the front.

Button size Best for Recommended fabrics
18mm Toddler clips, fine hair, delicate styling Lawn, voile, silk blends
22mm Everyday adult clips, school-age children Quilting cotton, poplin
28mm Statement pieces, thick hair, bun accessories Brocade, light denim, double gauze
38mm Costume pieces, photo props, dramatic looks Felted wool, heavier tapestry

Attaching covered buttons to hair clip bases

Once your buttons are wrapped and looking sharp, it's time to attach them to a clip. Flat snap clips, alligator clips, and French barrette bases are the most common options and all work beautifully with this technique. Apply a generous dot of hot glue to the centre of the clip's pad plate, then press the covered button firmly on top. Hold for thirty seconds to let the glue set.

For extra security, especially on clips worn by energetic kids, stitch through the button shank and around the pad plate with a few rounds of strong thread. This double-fix method is popular among crafters at Sydney's Glebe Markets who sell their handmade pieces commercially. Allow the glue to cure fully for at least four hours before wearing, and avoid wetting the clip for the first day so the bond holds properly.

Creative variations to suit every style

Once the basic technique feels comfortable, the real fun begins. Layer two covered buttons of different sizes on a single clip for a dimensional look, or mix complementary prints from the same fabric range for a coordinated set. Many Australian crafters use fabric scraps from local designers found at Finders Keepers markets in Brisbane and Sydney to create truly unique pieces.

For festive occasions, swap in printed fabric with native botanicals like wattle or gum leaves for a distinctly Australian touch, perfect for Australia Day barbecues or spring racing carnival outfits. Embellish the centre with a tiny bead, a small bow, or a stitched monogram for a personal finish. Kids love helping with the embellishment stage, making this an ideal project for a rainy Saturday in Darwin or a wintery afternoon in Ballarat.

Smart habits for lasting results

Looked after well, fabric-covered button clips can last for years. Store them flat in a small box lined with tissue paper rather than tossing them in a handbag, which can bend the clip mechanism. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush to remove lint, and spot-clean with a damp cloth if they get marks. Avoid submerging them in water, as the metal components can rust.

Op shops around the country, including Vinnies and Red Cross stores, are excellent places to find old clip bases you can recycle, giving new life to forgotten pieces. For a quick refresh, spritz lightly with fabric freshener and let them air dry, then rotate your collection rather than wearing the same few clips every day.

Your next project is waiting. Pull out that fabric stash and set aside a couple of hours this weekend, whether you're crafting solo after school drop-off or hosting a crafternoon with friends in your Adelaide backyard. Fabric-covered button clips are a small project with big creative rewards, so share your finished makes online, gift one to a mate, or save them for your next market stall. The possibilities stretch as far as your imagination, and the next great clip starts with a single circle of fabric and a quiet moment to play.