Thread: Sew-On Flat backs vs. buttons

I'm going to be purchasing some crystals to upgrade my new Desert Swirl.

I was originally going to go with regular sew-on flat backs, but the one company I was looking at didn't have the color I was looking for. In looking through all of their invantory, I stumbled across Swarvoski buttons.

I'm almost thinking that it would be easier to use the buttons instead of the flat backs, because I would be placing them inside the smallest part of some of the swirls where there is already some sequins and other beading.

Is this workable, or is it better to just get flat-backs?

Also, if I do go with the buttons, are foiled better than non-foiled, or does it not make that much of a difference?

All these different options are starting to make me feel a little nutty! ..c::

Thanks!

The buttons could definitely work, but maybe we could help you find sew-ons. What color are you looking for?

Originally Posted by luvnafctn

I'm going to be purchasing some crystals to upgrade my new Desert Swirl.

I was originally going to go with regular sew-on flat backs, but the one company I was looking at didn't have the color I was looking for. In looking through all of their invantory, I stumbled across Swarvoski buttons.

I'm almost thinking that it would be easier to use the buttons instead of the flat backs, because I would be placing them inside the smallest part of some of the swirls where there is already some sequins and other beading.

Is this workable, or is it better to just get flat-backs?

What type of button are you thinking of using? I would not use a shank-style button of any type UNLESS it had the teeny-tiniest shortest shank in the world; shank styles tend to bobble around without a buttonhole through substantial fabric and therefore look kinda messy.

If using a button that attaches to the fabric via threads through its center, you would need to add a decoration on top of the threads to hide them. This is very easily accomplished with an appropriate sized sequin and a seed bead or two.

Of course, I could be completely misunderstanding what you're posting about . . . just ignore me if that's the case.

Deborah

Originally Posted by Mintaka

The buttons could definitely work, but maybe we could help you find sew-ons. What color are you looking for?

I *really* want round crystal ab in either 14mm or 16mm, but will go down to 12mm if I have to. My coworker does a lot of jewelry making, and she directed me to this website: 3015 - Rivoli » Buttons » Swarovski Elements for usually having the least expensive swarvoskis. The think that sucks is, the don't have the biggest variety of larger size rivolis and/or buttons

Originally Posted by casbahdance

What type of button are you thinking of using? I would not use a shank-style button of any type UNLESS it had the teeny-tiniest shortest shank in the world; shank styles tend to bobble around without a buttonhole through substantial fabric and therefore look kinda messy.

If using a button that attaches to the fabric via threads through its center, you would need to add a decoration on top of the threads to hide them. This is very easily accomplished with an appropriate sized sequin and a seed bead or two.

Of course, I could be completely misunderstanding what you're posting about . . . just ignore me if that's the case.

Deborah

The button is actually kinda cool, because the shank is kinda "in" the bead. Check out the link above - it goes right to the button page.

those are very overpriced!!!! if you don't mind me saying so... call Welcome to Bead Factory and Berger Beads - Since 1941 your source for beads, swarovski crystals, rhinestones, sequins, seed beads, and glass jewels.
ask what their prices are. they will likely have your flat backs too. eshta has lots of great sources for crytals at reasonable prices too

rivolis tend to break more than the stones with the flat tops, ime, due to the point getting more impact over time. the button will also be more fragile where the holes are cut. that will also cut down on the light refractive properties somewhat due to the concave thread channel.

definitely silver back for most light refractive properties

round crystal AB 14/16 should be very easy to find. also look for precioca brand. excellent quality, lower price

good luck

Originally Posted by sabrinabellydancer

those are very overpriced!!!! if you don't mind me saying so... call Welcome to Bead Factory and Berger Beads - Since 1941 your source for beads, swarovski crystals, rhinestones, sequins, seed beads, and glass jewels.
ask what their prices are. they will likely have your flat backs too. eshta has lots of great sources for crytals at reasonable prices too

rivolis tend to break more than the stones with the flat tops, ime, due to the point getting more impact over time. the button will also be more fragile where the holes are cut. that will also cut down on the light refractive properties somewhat due to the concave thread channel.

definitely silver back for most light refractive properties

round crystal AB 14/16 should be very easy to find. also look for precioca brand. excellent quality, lower price

good luck

I don't mind you saying so, at all! I'm a belly dancer on a budget!

The Bead Factory link is looking VERY promising!!! Thank you so much!

I made a chart that I share all the time:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=dpk76gc_51hjdfdgdf

Andalee, that's brilliant. How nice of you to share that with us. I buy almost all my stuff at dreamtime, but I've heard of some of the others on your list.

Originally Posted by sabrinabellydancer

those are very overpriced!!!! if you don't mind me saying so... call Welcome to Bead Factory and Berger Beads - Since 1941 your source for beads, swarovski crystals, rhinestones, sequins, seed beads, and glass jewels.
ask what their prices are. they will likely have your flat backs too. eshta has lots of great sources for crytals at reasonable prices too

Sabrina can you explain the prices at the Bead Factory? They list the price per gross and then the price per package. That means you get less than a gross? I am confused!

Originally Posted by shahla

Andalee, that's brilliant. How nice of you to share that with us. I buy almost all my stuff at dreamtime, but I've heard of some of the others on your list.

No problem. [s]Dreamtime[/s] is having free shipping this week until August 8. ..g.:

ETA: My BAD it's Rainbows of Light who are having free shipping!!!

Andalee, you're the best. Thank you!

Oo! Thanks for the info. I need to stock up on a few crystals for some upcoming projects.

I'll see if you need a coupon code. The e-mail is on my Andalee e-mail account which I can't check unless I am at home. Hopefully you can figure it out before I get home and can check (or just ask when you place your order).

Originally Posted by Suzana

Andalee, you're the best. Thank you!

No problem. At some point I'll add other sizes and finishes, but for now this is all I have.

Dreamtime is doing free shipping on orders over $75 without a coupon code. I needed over that, so I ordered.

Awesome - Thanks so much, Andalee!!!

Does anyone know off-hand if you can get quantities of less than 72 on the swarvoskis? I really only need about half that amount, and I don't want to pay for what I don't need right now.




ETA: Nevermind! I just saw a note on Andalee's nifty chart!

Dreamtime will sell you a single stone if that's all you need. You just get a better deal when you buy more. I use alot of stones because I make costumes so I tend to stock up to save money.