Suitable for: Adults

Considerations: Indoors, seated

Refreshments: Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available. We also have a fantastic on-site cafe, Embers, run by local chef Shropshire Lad.

What to wear: We will be indoors throughout.

What to bring: Just yourself and your enthusiasm!

Start / finish times: 10am - 1pm

The course: 

Dorset buttons are a traditional handcrafted thread button, originating in the 17th century. Their manufacture peaked between 1622 and 1850, after which they were overtaken by machine-made buttons from factories in Birmingham and other growing cities.

Easy to make and pleasing to look at, these buttons are created by wrapping floss or yarn around the ring shaped base and then stitching an intricate pattern in the centre. Instruction books will be available for purchase on the day.

Dorset buttons can be used as decorative embellishments, functional fasteners or both! 

You will learn:

- how to dress an O-ring

- how to make spokes

- how to weave the button.

Your tutor

Della Bee has been making Dorset buttons for the past 4 years, and teaching craft since 2024.

"I’m self-taught. A standout moment was making my first Dorset button and selling the second one! It’s an old craft, the history of it needs to be preserved as well as the craft itself."