Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our FAQs. I've answered some of the questions we're most often asked about our buttons, ordering, delivery and visiting us here in Cornwall.

If you can't find what you need, please get in touch. I'm always happy to help.

About Buttons & Things Co

Who are Buttons & Things Co?

We're a small, family-run button and craft business based in Cornwall, with over 30 years of experience in buttons and haberdashery.

We specialise in buttons for knitting, sewing, dressmaking and crafts, alongside buckles, fastenings and a growing selection of craft supplies.

I choose our ranges carefully and I'm always on the lookout for something a little different.

Where are you based?

We're based in Cornwall, where orders are prepared and packed from our workshop.

You can shop with us online, and visits to the workshop are also available by appointment.

Can I visit your workshop?

Yes, we'd love to see you.

Visits to our Cornish workshop can be booked by appointment. You can browse our buttons and craft supplies, compare colours and sizes and bring along a knitting or sewing project if you'd like some help choosing the right buttons.

We also have roving wool, needle-felting supplies and a small range of haberdashery available to browse.

Please book before visiting so we can make sure we're here and ready for you.

Choosing Your Buttons

How do I know what size button I need?

If you're following a knitting or sewing pattern, check whether it recommends a button size.

If you're replacing an existing button, measure across the widest part of the original button in millimetres.

For a finished garment, you can also measure the buttonhole. Your button needs to pass through comfortably without being so small that it slips back through when the garment is being worn.

Can you help me choose buttons for my project?

Absolutely. This is something I love helping customers with.

If you're unsure which buttons would work with your cardigan, jacket, coat or other project, send me a photograph and let me know the size you're looking for.

If you're knitting, you can send a photograph of your yarn or knitting too. I'll happily have a look and suggest some options from the shop.

What buttons are best for cardigans?

It depends on the weight and style of your cardigan.

Fine knits usually work well with smaller, lighter buttons, while chunky cardigans can take something a little larger. Wood, shell, corozo, resin, metal and glass buttons can all work beautifully on knitwear.

If you're not sure, just ask and I'll help.

What buttons are suitable for jackets and coats?

For jackets and coats, look at the weight of the fabric and the size of the buttonholes first.

Metal, corozo, horn-effect, resin and larger buttons are popular choices for jackets, blazers and coats. We have lots of styles suitable for tailoring, and I'm happy to help you choose.

Do my buttons need to match my fabric or yarn exactly?

No, and sometimes it's much more interesting when they don't.

You can choose a close match, go a shade darker, pick out another colour in your fabric or yarn, or choose a contrasting button.

Natural wood, shell and corozo shades are also useful when you don't want an exact colour match.

Why can the colour look slightly different on my screen?

We photograph our products as accurately as we can, but colours can vary between phones, tablets and computer screens.

The colour shown is therefore for guidance, as all screens vary.

If you're trying to match a particular colour and aren't sure, please get in touch before ordering.

Ordering

Are your buttons sold individually or in sets?

It varies depending on the button.

Some of our buttons are sold individually, while others are available in sets or packs. The quantity will always be shown clearly on the product page, so please check the listing before ordering.

How quickly will my order be dispatched?

We usually dispatch orders within 1–2 working days.

We're a small family business and your order is prepared and packed here in Cornwall.

Can I order several different types of buttons together?

Of course.

In fact, we encourage it!

With our flat-rate UK postage, you can add different buttons and craft supplies to your basket without paying postage for every individual item.

One postage rate – fill your basket!

What if I realise I've ordered the wrong size?

Please contact us as soon as you can.

If your order hasn't been dispatched, we'll see what we can do to help. If it has already been sent, our normal returns policy will apply.

Delivery

Do you deliver throughout the UK?

Yes. We send orders throughout the UK from our workshop in Cornwall.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, international delivery is available to selected countries.

The countries currently available for delivery will be shown at checkout. If your country isn't listed, please contact us before ordering.

How long will my delivery take?

Delivery times depend on the destination and delivery service.

Please remember that our 1–2 working day dispatch time is the time it takes us to prepare and send your order. Delivery time starts after your parcel has been dispatched.

International orders naturally take longer and may also be affected by customs in the destination country.

Returns

Can I return an item?

Yes. We accept returns within 14 days, subject to our returns policy.

Please contact us if you'd like to arrange a return.

For full details, please see our Returns Policy.

What should I do if there's a problem with my order?

Please get in touch.

We're a small business and we'd much rather have the opportunity to help if something isn't right with your order.

Our Buttons & Craft Supplies

What types of buttons do you sell?

We stock a large and changing selection of buttons for knitting, sewing, dressmaking, tailoring and crafts.

Depending on what's currently available, you'll find metal, wood, shell, corozo, resin, glass and decorative buttons, alongside buckles, fastenings and other haberdashery.

We also have designs suitable for cardigans, jackets, coats, blazers, dresses, shirts and craft projects.

Do you sell buttons for dressmakers and costume designers?

Yes.

Our customers include home dressmakers and knitters as well as professional costume departments, theatres and designers looking for buttons, buckles and fastenings.

If you're trying to source something in particular, please get in touch and I'll see if I can help.

Do you sell craft supplies as well as buttons?

Yes. Buttons will always be a big part of what we do, but you'll also find a selection of craft and haberdashery supplies, including roving wool and needle-felting supplies.

Our ranges change as I find new things that I think our customers will enjoy using.

Still Need a Little Help?

Please ask.

Whether you're trying to find the right size button, match a cardigan, choose buttons for a new jacket or simply can't find what you're looking for, I'm very happy to help.

You can shop online with Buttons & Things Co or book an appointment to visit our workshop here in Cornwall.

Lou

Buttons & Things Co