Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Custom fabric-covered buttons are made with the client's own material: you send fabric or leather, specify the size, profile, back type and quantity, receive a trial button for approval and, after confirmation, the whole batch. The key to a fast, trouble-free order is for the fabric to arrive on time and in sufficient quantity, and for the specification to be complete from the very first inquiry.
Who wholesale orders are for
- Clothing brands and manufacturers – buttons in the fabric of every style in the collection.
- CMT garment factories – fulfilling the client's specification.
- Ateliers and bridal boutiques – small runs for dresses and suits.
- Furniture manufacturers and upholsterers – buttons for buttoned upholstery in the furniture fabric.
- Theatres and costume designers – buttons for stage and historical costumes.
Custom fabric-covered buttons – step by step
- Inquiry. You send a description of the product, the sizes, profile, back type, number of buttons and a photo of the fabric.
- Quote and clarifications. You receive a proposal and, if needed, a recommendation on size or backing depending on the fabric.
- Sending the fabric. The fabric or leather is sent clearly labelled.
- Trial button. A sample is made in the real size and profile.
- Approval. You check the sample on the product and confirm in writing.
- Production and inspection. The buttons are covered, checked and packed.
- Delivery to your warehouse or sewing factory.
What to include in the inquiry
| Parameter | Example |
|---|---|
| Product | women's coat, wedding dress, bed headboard |
| Size | 36L for the front, 24L for the sleeve |
| Profile | domed, half-domed, flat |
| Back | wire loop shank, reinforced shank, upholstery back |
| Quantity per size | per style and in total, plus a reserve |
| Fabric | type, composition, thickness, photo |
| Special requirements | pattern centring, pile direction, backing |
| Care | washing, dry cleaning |
| Deadline and address | when and where the buttons are needed |
How much fabric to send
For each button a circle about twice its diameter is cut, with waste left between the circles. The quantity depends on:
- the size and number of buttons;
- the fabric width and layout of the circles;
- pattern centring and pile direction;
- a reserve for trial buttons and rejects.
For plain fabrics and small sizes the quantity is relatively small; for patterned fabrics, velvet and leather it is larger. The safest approach is to give the size and quantity in your inquiry and get an exact recommendation of how much fabric is needed. It is always better to send a little more than to have the order stop because of a shortage.
How to send the fabric
- Label each piece with the style name, colour and number of buttons it is intended for.
- For velvet and directional fabrics, mark the direction with an arrow on the reverse side.
- Send fabrics folded, not crumpled – creases are hard to smooth out on a small button.
- If several styles are in similar shades, pack them separately.
- Enclose a list of the contents of the parcel.
The sample – the most important step
The trial button shows whether the fabric covers smoothly, whether the base shows through, whether the size and profile look right on the product and whether the button passes through the buttonhole. Try it on the real garment or furniture, not just on a piece of fabric. If the product will be washed, wash the sample. A correction at the sample stage costs very little; after the production run, considerably more.
How to plan lead times
Fabric-covered buttons depend on the fabric, so they cannot be produced before the fabric is available. In the collection schedule, allow time for sending the fabric, making and approving the sample, and the production run. The most common mistake is sending the button fabric after sewing has already started. If the fabric comes from a supplier, order an extra quantity for the buttons when ordering the fabric. Specific lead times depend on the quantity and complexity and are confirmed in the quote.
What determines the price
- size and type of base and back;
- complexity of the fabric – thin, slippery and thick fabrics require more work;
- pattern centring, fusing, backing;
- quantity in the batch;
- packing by style and labelling.
For a specific price, send a request for a quote. Minimum quantities depend on the article.
Packing and receiving the batch
Specify how the finished buttons should be packed – by style, by size or by colour, with a label on each pack. This is especially important when one order contains dozens of shades that are hard to tell apart with the naked eye. On receipt, compare a few buttons with the approved sample, check the quantities per size and the strength of the shanks. Any leftover fabric can be returned with the buttons if you request it in advance.
Repeat orders and collections
If one fabric is used in several styles or seasons, order the buttons for all styles at once – there is less fabric waste and the shade stays the same. Keep the approved sample and the technical description so that a repeat order matches the first one.
See the styles and bases in the fabric-covered buttons category and the full range in buttons.
Why Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, based in Sofia, selling wholesale and with over 30 years of experience. We make custom fabric-covered buttons in the client's own material – for brands, garment factories, ateliers and furniture manufacturers – produce samples quickly and deliver across the EU. Send an inquiry via the contact page, to info@polkom.com or on +359 876 76 60 50.
