VINTAGE

While sorting out my old buttons last week for my vintagebutton tags ,I found this really old Dorset Crosswheel Button in mycollection. After reading all yourlovely comments on my button tags (thank you) I know how much some of you lovebuttons too, so I thought I would share this one with you. This tag measuresjust 1” x 1½”, I hope this helps to show how tiny the button is. I have kept decoration to a minimum as befitsits rustic origins.

This antique button measures just 3/8" across. A metal ring has been covered withtiny buttonhole stitches (casting), thenthe spokes have been ‘layed’ by winding the thread around the ring. I counted around 40 spokes! The next step is ‘rounding’,where the needle and thread are woven in and out of the tiny spokes.

Abrief history of Dorset Buttony

Dorset householdershad made buttons for generations, using tiny disks of Purbeck sheep horn as thebutton foundation. The disk was then overworked with a fine tracery oflinen thread; the diameter of the buttons ranging from 1/2" down to anunbelievable 1/8" There were many different styles andtechniques. The Dorset Crosswheel wasthe last technique to appear (around 1700)and became the most popular andfamous. Duringthe early 1700′s, the introduction ofmetal rings, which were cheaper and quicker to use, transformed the custom intoa small industry which reached its peak during the 18th and 19thcenturies. The buttoners were paid an average of two shillings per day formaking approximately six or seven dozen buttons. Many designs for the Crosswheel evolveduntil the invention of a button machine in 1851 wiped out the cottage industry.Contemporary buttons often incorporate tiny beads and brightly colouredthreads.Here is my vintage Button tag alongside acontemporary Dorset Button:

Lookingforward to seeing all your lace tags this week.

Best wishes

Jane xx