Raise your hand, if you're one of the sewists who agonises over decisions like picking the one, perfect set of buttons for their garment sewing projects. (Surely, it can't be just me...right?!)
If this is you, we're thrilled to present another option that's simple to make, and fun to style - reversible, interchangeable cloak closures that you can use to completely change the look and feel of your cloaks, coats, and costumes, fastening them with ease.
Reversible, interchangeable, AND easy - what are these cloak closures, and how do they work?
The concept is simple, and the results one-of-a-kind! Inspired by the dual-sided function of cufflinks, these cloak + coat fasteners are created simply by attaching two buttons, toggles, or clasps together, with a bit of a shank-like structure between them. The techniques end up slightly different depending on the closures you choose, but the essence is the same - two closures + space to fasten.
Then, instead of a single fixed closure and buttonholes, you simply need to sew two corresponding buttonholes at the pattern markings, which allow for this cufflink-style fasteners to slip through, and close the garment securely.
Why use interchangeable/reversible cloak fasteners?
There are a great many benefits to these interchangeable coat and cloak fasteners.
- Interchangeability - you're no longer limited to a single style for your garment! Choose fancy fasteners to dress up a cloak for a formal event, or casual closures for more everyday wear.
- Reversibility - each double-sided fastener offers a unique look on each side, so that each set you make actually creates double the possibilities. Make two sets for four looks, and so on!
- Versatility - favourite fasteners can be changed between garments to be enjoyed in more ways, so you no longer feel afraid to use those special buttons you've had tucked away.
- Washability - tricky-to-wash materials like leather, wood, and metal can be removed for laundering, protecting the longevity of both the fasteners and the garment.
How to make interchangeable + reversible closures for your next cloak project
Step 1: Find your fastenings + supplies
For simplicity, we're going to begin this tutorial with the technique for attaching two buttons together. However, later on in this tutorial we'll be sharing some alternative ideas as well, so make sure to scroll down!
For this project, pick any two buttons you like - for something like the Cascades Cloak, with a single closure, you can use some of those single statement buttons that have been languishing in your button jar, or create full sets with matching (or contrast) buttons for coats. Whatever you fancy! I am making them for an Overland Cloak, so I've found two matching sets. The two sides need not be exactly the same size or style - as long as the smaller side is appropriately sized for your buttonhole, it will work.
In addition, for reversible button fasteners, you'll want some strong thread and a hand-sewing needle.
(The cup of warm tea is technically optional...but highly recommended! ;) )
Step 2: Connect your buttons together
Begin by securing your thread to one of your buttons. I find it easiest to tie a knot in the thread, and pass the needle through the two holes, starting from the back of the button. When coming back out of the back side of the button, pass the needle through your knotted loop and pull it tight to secure. Then, sew your two buttons together, leaving a gap between the two that will be wide enough to allow for the two side of your garment to sit between them. Just go round and round between the holes, until there are enough loops to feel secure.
If your two buttons don't have the same number of holes (i.e. one has two, and one has four) just experiment with stitching patterns that go through all of them in different ways, and look nice from the outside.
Step 3: Create your "shank"
To work ideally, your buttons will need to have the space between them maintained. To do so, start wrapping your thread around the loops between the two buttons. As you wrap, you'll noticed they make the loops stronger, and begin to make the buttons stand apart. Just wrap until they seem sufficiently sturdy, and then knot them off, taking the needle through the shank a few times for extra security.
And that's it! With that, your one-of-a-kind cloak closure is ready to use.
Alternate Method
If you find that you are having trouble maintaining the space between your buttons or wrapping the thread shank, you can opt to use a small bead instead. Just include it between your buttons as you pass the thread through for each loop, and knot it off once everything feels secure. You won't need to do the thread wraps for this option - below is a comparison of what the two different methods will look like.
A world of possibilities - have a bit of fun!
While buttons are the natural beginning for this technique, they are nowhere near the end of the possibilities you can create with different closure types. Here's a few examples we have imagined and experimented with so far.
Many button-like findings can be used - for example, these metal medallions with holes in the middle. (Only one side can fit through the buttonholes of my Overland Cloak, but I can still wear them both ways by always leading with the smaller medallion.)
Use toggles for one (or both!) sides of your closure - you can even make your own toggle (like mine!) by following our DIY Leather Toggle tutorial. I stitched each tail around and through the holes of a large toggle-like bead, but I simply could have threaded each tail through large buttonholes, and glued them together to secure them instead.
A large handmade wooden button would be a great statement piece, and the removable nature of the closure makes laundry day much easier without ruining your handiwork.
Consider options outside of what you would typically imagine for coat or cloak closures - items like brooches, large pendants, beads, patches, and more could be used if they are the right size, and adequately sturdy. If items can't be sewn to secure them together, they could be glued or secured by some other means. As a bit of a trinket-hoarder, I started looking through some of my supplies and experimenting with some large beads...and with a little creativity, can see possibilities for all of these!
We hope this post has your wheels turning, and inspired lots of ideas for creating your own interchangeable, reversible fasteners for your Twig + Tale projects. If you create anything inspired by it, we'd love to see them, and be inspired by your work, too! You can share them in our Twig + Tale Treehouse community, or in our Twig + Tale Chat group on Facebook.
Happy sewing! xx
For more closure inspiration for your next cloak, cape, or coat project, come check out this round-up of some of the unique DIY and purchased buttons, clasps, frogs and more we've seen here at Twig + Tale!
