A job that has been on the back-burner for many months is finishing off some late period woven buttons. The main part of the buttons were done, I just needed to add the decorative flossing and make the buttonhole bar 'shank' to go across the bottom of the buttons. (Some people prefer to omit the bar and use the long tail of thread that is left at the end to sew the button on, but I prefer a buttonhole bar as the button will be easier to remove if the buttons get re-used or if the garment needs a good soak.)
You can see the leftover thread 'tail' on the button on the right.
All the half-finished ones finished and ready to be part of an A&S display that I am organising for an upcoming SCA event.
Here is a link to a previous post that I made which shows how I make these buttons:
https://broidermebethan.blogspot.com/2014/01/woven-button-tutorial-back-stitched.html
I've used a range of thread types and a range of sizes of wooden and plastic bead bases. A sturdy needle with a large eye really helps (it doesn't have to be sharp- a blunt tapestry needle is ideal). I have also found that a narrow circular rod file is very helpful in smoothing the edges inside the hole of some of the wooden beads, as rough wood will shred or weaken your thread.
