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Make Your Own Cufflinks from Buttons
I confess - I have a Cufflink Fetish and I have (far too large) a collection! However, if you like French Cuffs and don't own cufflinks, you can easily make your own from beautiful buttons. I wish I could write an entire page of instructions, but it’s just too easy! There’s really only one rule to make this work --- You can only use shank buttons - and the bigger (longer) the shank the better your finished cufflink.

1) Choose a top button for the ‘cufflink’
2) Choose a button for the ‘back’ - 3/8” to 1/2” button is perfect - but think about the size of the back button before you stitch your french cuff buttonholes!
3) Using button thread (it’s very strong) tie the two buttons together. Wrap through the shanks several times and tie very well. If you need a longer space between the buttons, leave extra thread and wrap to secure.
This technique is included in the Versailles Blouse

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Soutache Braid - More than a Trim What is Soutache? Remember the gold trim on military uniforms and costumes? That's Soutache. It can be a fabulous decorative trim applied (different tip on this later) to the surface of a fabric, but it also makes wonderful button loops. Soutache is available in any most fabric stores - comes in lots of colors - is very inexpensive - doesn’t come out of the seam - and is flat and easy to use. Give it a try and it may become your next favorite ‘Sewing Trick’. -- My favorite use for Soutache Cord is for button loops - quick, easy and I don't have to make tiny tubes :-) 1) Cut soutache into 4” lengths and set aside. 2) Mark button loops placement on the right front garment section and at the raw edge (center front). 3) Pin one end of the soutache at the loop position. Measure the loop created and pin the other end of the soutache in place. Trim the soutache so all raw edges are even. Note: It is important to make sure the ‘loop’ is a good size for the button you will be using. Here is a guide, but you may want to run a test - just to make sure: 3/8” button - 1” loop 1/2” button -1 1/8” loop 5/8” button - 1 1/4” loop This technique is included in the Tsing Tao Tunic and the Raglan Topper We carry assortment packs of Soutache Braid.

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