How Can I Keep Buttons From Coming Off My Backpack?

August 12, 2007 9:27 PM

How do I stop losing buttons/badges that I fasten to my backpack?

Without really trying, I tend to accumulate various and sundry buttons that please me. I'd to fasten them onto my backpack, but invariably, I lose the ones that I try that with. They knocked off. They fall off. They disappear in a puff of smoke.

Anyone suggestions for fastening them better? I schlep my bag everywhere (New Yorker) and it gets shoved into various spaces all the time. I don't see that changing much.

Help save my buttons from a life on the shelf collecting dust!

posted by ursus_comiter to clothing, beauty, & fashion (9 answers total)

If they're safety pin type buttons, a couple of stitches through the loop end of the safety pin will help keep it attached even if the pin pulls free.

Alternately, you might be able to solder the pins shut, though that would make it quite a lot more difficult to change bags when this one wears out.
posted by jacquilynne at 9:35 PM on August 12, 2007 [1 favorite]

And by 'a couple' I actually mean 4 or so done with a double strand of heavy weight thread like the stuff made for stitching jeans.
posted by jacquilynne at 9:37 PM on August 12, 2007

crazy glue
posted by Julnyes at 10:44 PM on August 12, 2007

With safety pin type-button I usually take a pliers and bend the needle-bit after I fastened the button. Makes it stay put, and when I need to remove it, I can straighten the pin.
posted by Rabarberofficer at 1:02 AM on August 13, 2007

Easiest fix is clear nail polish applied to the fastened button end.
posted by agregoli at 6:50 AM on August 13, 2007

I've made buttons for years and of course have waaay too many covering every cloth surface. You're generally going to lose buttons 2 ways:

The button becomes separated from the clasped pin

The clasp comes undone and the entire structure goes bouncing away

I suggest 2 steps to avoid both problems. Every time you get a new badge, put a dab or 2 of hot glue inside the collet rim to keep the 2 parts attached. Then when you find a good spot for it, as mentioned above, a couple loops of thread around the clasp. You're probably adding a minute or 2 to what would normally be a simple process, but it's worth it!
posted by Drew_Blood at 2:01 PM on August 13, 2007

Solder also works.
posted by nebulawindphone at 3:46 PM on August 13, 2007

Are you really, really sure that they haven't been stolen instead of falling off somewhere?
posted by Memo at 9:26 PM on August 13, 2007

Hot glue is one of the weakest glues I've ever used. Go with nail polish, solder, or crazy glue.
posted by agregoli at 7:23 PM on September 1, 2007