Metal sunflower buttons are an easy way to add a touch of vintage, antique-style charm to coats, cardigans and craft projects. With their sculpted flower centers and ornate frames, they look like little pieces of jewelry, but how do you choose the right color and size? This buying guide explains what these buttons are, what to look for before you buy, and how to use them so every project looks its best.
What Are Metal Sunflower Buttons?
Metal sunflower buttons feature a sculpted, gold-tone metal sunflower at the center, framed by a glossy enamel-filled ring and an ornate, baroque-style scrolled border. The raised petals catch the light for a three-dimensional, antique look, while the enamel ring adds a smooth pop of color. Most designs use a shank (loop) back, which hides the stitching and keeps the front of the button clean. The gold tone is a plated metal finish rather than real gold, so the buttons stay affordable and easy to sew.
Black vs. White: Which Color to Choose
These buttons usually come in two enamel tones, and the color you pick changes the whole mood of a garment.
- Black enamel pairs the warm gold sunflower with a deep black ring for a bold, opulent contrast. It looks striking on coats, blazers and darker fabrics.
- White enamel uses a soft, creamy ring for a lighter, more delicate finish that pairs beautifully with knits, blouses and pastel fabrics.
You can keep one tone for a clean, coordinated look, or mix both across a project for extra contrast.
How to Choose the Right Buttons
Size
Match the button to the weight of your garment. The smaller 17mm buttons are ideal for shirts, blouses and lightweight cardigans; 20mm and 23mm suit jackets and dresses; and the larger 25mm buttons make a bolder statement on coats and chunky knits. If you are replacing buttons, measure both your buttonhole and the original button before ordering so the size and shank height suit your fabric.
Shank vs. Sew-Through
Shank-back buttons have a single loop on the back instead of two or four holes. They sit slightly raised, which suits thicker fabrics and layered garments, and they keep stitching hidden for a neat finish. The metal sunflower buttons in this guide use a shank back.
Color & Finish
Decide whether you want the buttons to blend in or stand out. A single large sunflower button can act as a feature closure, while a row of them adds an ornate, antique finish down a coat or cardigan.
Quantity
Check how many pieces come per pack and order a spare or two in case you lose one or want to add decorative accents later. A pack of 6 covers most cardigans and coats with buttons to spare.
Styling Ideas
- Use one large sunflower button as a statement closure on a plain coat or cardigan.
- Run a row of matching buttons down a blazer for a vintage, tailored look.
- Stitch them onto cuffs, pockets, collars, hats and bags as decorative accents.
- Repurpose them for jewelry making, hair accessories and other craft projects.
How to Sew On a Shank Button
- Mark the button position and bring your threaded needle up from the back of the fabric.
- Pass the needle through the shank loop and back down through the fabric.
- Repeat several times until the button feels secure, keeping the stitches in the same spot.
- Finish with a few small stitches on the back and knot the thread.
Care Tips
To keep the metal and enamel looking their best, hand wash garments with these buttons or fasten them inside a laundry bag for a gentle machine cycle. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals and prolonged moisture, which can dull the metal or enamel. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth and store in a dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these real gold buttons? No. The gold tone is a plated metal finish that gives a warm, antique look without the cost or weight of real gold.
What is the colored ring made of? It is an enamel-filled ring, available in black or white, that adds a smooth, glossy pop of color around the metal sunflower.
What size should I buy? Choose 17mm for shirts and light cardigans, 20-23mm for jackets and dresses, and 25mm for coats and heavier knits. Measure your buttonhole if you are replacing existing buttons.
How many buttons come in a pack? Each size and color comes in a pack of 6 pieces.
Where to Buy
Ready to add a touch of vintage romance to your next project? Browse our metal sunflower buttons in black and white enamel and pick the color and size that suit your garments.