Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Horn buttons for knitwear are a natural and classic choice for wool cardigans, sweaters, and pullovers with collars. The most common sizes are 20L–28L (about 13–18 mm) with two or four holes, while larger hand-knitted pieces use 30L–40L or shank buttons. Matte or naturally polished horn complements wool, mohair, and alpaca, and sewing should include a backing to prevent stretching the knit.
Why horn and knitwear go well together
Knitwear is soft, warm, and has visible texture. Shiny plastic buttons often look out of place on such surfaces, whereas natural horn with its warm brown tones and lively pattern blends in naturally. Horn is lightweight for its size, does not break on impact, and withstands normal delicate washing of wool garments. That is why horn buttons are traditional for Scottish and Irish knits, shawl-collar cardigans, and classic wool cardigans.
Sizes according to knit type
| Knit Type | Size | Approx. Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Fine machine knit (merino, cashmere) | 18L–22L | 11–14 mm |
| Classic cardigan, medium gauge | 22L–26L | 14–16.5 mm |
| Shawl collar cardigan | 26L–32L | 16.5–20 mm |
| Chunky hand knit, knitted coat | 32L–40L | 20–25 mm |
| Polo sweater or shoulder button | 18L–24L | 11–15 mm |
The rule for knitwear is simple: the thicker the knit, the larger the button should be, to avoid slipping through the buttonhole and to maintain visual balance.
Holes or shank?
Two- or four-hole buttons are most common for machine knits. They lie flat and are lightweight. Four holes distribute stress better, which is important for knitwear as it stretches when fastened.
Shank buttons suit thick hand knits. The shank lifts the button above the knit, allowing the buttonhole to close around it without puckering. The shank opening must be wide enough for thicker yarn if sewn with yarn from the garment itself.
Surface and colour
- Matte or naturally polished horn – best for wool, tweed yarns, and rustic knits.
- Semi-matte – for fine merino and cashmere cardigans.
- Polished – for more formal ladies’ cardigans and evening knits.
When choosing colour, follow the main tone of the yarn: for cream, ecru, and oatmeal shades – light or marbled horn; for grey and mélange – grey-brown horn; for navy, burgundy, and olive – dark horn. For multicolour jacquard knits, select a tone from the darkest colour in the pattern.
Sewing buttons onto knitwear
Knitwear stretches, and incorrect sewing can quickly tear the knit. Follow these proven rules:
- Grosgrain ribbon backing – machine cardigans often have reinforced front edges with a ribbon on the inside, onto which buttons are sewn and buttonholes made.
- Small button inside – for hand knits, place a small flat button under each button to distribute stress.
- Thread shank – leaves space for the thick buttonhole and protects the knit from puckering.
- Thread or yarn – use strong thread matching the yarn colour, or the yarn itself if durable and able to pass through the holes.
- Do not overtighten – the knit must remain elastic.
Washing knitwear with horn buttons
Wool knitwear is usually hand washed or machine washed on a delicate wool programme at low temperature with gentle detergent. These conditions suit horn buttons as well. Avoid prolonged soaking, drying on radiators, and direct ironing on buttons to preserve their shine and shape. Horn also tolerates dry cleaning well.
Natural-look alternatives
If you want a natural look but with a different character, explore wooden buttons – suitable for rustic and children’s knits, and bone buttons – with a light cream tone. Horn remains the most versatile for classic wool cardigans because it combines density, colour depth, and durability.
Common mistakes
- Button smaller than the knit’s buttonhole – slips off easily.
- Sewing directly onto a single knit layer without backing.
- Polished shiny buttons on rustic knitwear.
- Heavy buttons on fine knitwear, pulling the front down.
- Sewing with thread that visibly contrasts with the yarn.
Seasonal collections and matching sets
In knitwear collections, the same horn buttons are often used across several models – cardigan, sweater, and knitted coat. It is best to order these quantities together to ensure batch harmony. If a collection combines knits and sewn garments, horn buttons can visually link the series, especially when in one tone and with the same engraved logo.
Logo and customisation for knitwear
Horn buttons are a convenient place for a discreet brand mark – initial, symbol, or monogram engraved by laser. For knitwear, engraving is usually small and tonal, so it does not disrupt the material’s natural look. Some brands place the logo only on the bottom or top button of the cardigan, leaving others plain.
Horn Buttons for Knitwear by Polkom
Polkom manufactures horn buttons from natural buffalo horn for knitwear collections – in various sizes, with holes or shank, matte and polished finishes, with logo engraving options. We produce samples quickly and deliver across the EU. Send us a description of your knitwear, yarn sample, and quantity via the contact form; minimum order quantities depend on the item.
