Quick answer: Metal bird buttons are decorative metal-alloy shank buttons with a raised branch-and-bird relief design and a smooth, color-filled face. They come in four colors — black, white, white-edge coffee and beige-edge coffee — in four sizes from 18mm to 25mm, and add a nature-inspired, vintage touch to coats, knitwear and all kinds of DIY sewing and craft projects.
Want to give a plain coat or cardigan a touch of storybook, designer-style charm? Metal bird buttons are one of the easiest ways to do it. Each button carries a finely detailed bird-on-a-branch motif that catches the light like a small piece of jewelry, yet sews on as easily as any ordinary button. This buying guide walks you through what they are made of, which colors and sizes to choose, how to sew on a shank button, and how to care for them, so you can pick the perfect set with confidence.
At a Glance
- Design: Round button with a raised branch-and-bird relief motif
- Material: Durable metal alloy with a quality finish and warm gold-tone accents
- Back: Shank (loop) back — not sew-through
- Color: Four shades — black, white, white-edge coffee and beige-edge coffee
- Size: Four sizes — 18mm, 20mm, 23mm and 25mm
- Pack: 5 buttons per pack (one color and size)
- Best for: Coats, jackets, blazers, cardigans, knitwear, blouses, bags and DIY crafts
What Are Metal Bird Buttons?
Metal bird buttons are decorative sewing buttons cast in metal alloy, with a raised branch-and-bird design standing in relief across a smooth, color-filled face. The little bird perched on a branch gives each button a nature-inspired, vintage storybook character, while the secure shank back keeps them practical as everyday closures. They work as both functional fasteners and as eye-catching decorative accents that lift a plain garment.
What Are Metal Bird Buttons Made Of?
Each button is made from durable metal alloy with a quality, weighty feel and a smooth color finish in black, white or warm coffee tones. The branch-and-bird motif is cast into the surface as a raised relief, so it catches the light and reads as a small, refined detail. The warm metallic highlights are a gold-tone color finish rather than solid or real gold, which gives you the elegant, designer-inspired look at a friendly, everyday price. The sturdy shank back keeps your stitching hidden for a clean, professional front.
Why Are Metal Bird Buttons Worth It?
Swapping plain factory buttons for metal bird buttons is one of the cheapest, fastest ways to make a piece look considered and expensive. A row of detailed, sculpted bird buttons reads as a small, intentional touch that completely changes the feel of a coat or cardigan. Because they come in four easy-to-match colors and four sizes, they coordinate with what you already own — and a pack of just five buttons is enough to refresh a jacket, finish a handmade garment, or replace a lost button without hunting for an exact match. For makers and sellers, that high-end look at a low cost is exactly what makes them so easy to recommend.
How Do You Choose the Right Metal Bird Buttons?
Color
Pick the shade that sets the mood you want. Black gives a bold, graphic contrast on light fabrics and a sleek, tonal look on dark ones — perfect for tailored coats and blazers. White keeps things soft and clean for spring and summer makes. The two coffee tones — one with a white edge, one with a beige edge — add a warm, earthy touch that pairs beautifully with cream, camel, tan and other natural shades. Match the button color to your fabric for a coordinated finish, or let the bird motif stand out as a deliberate, decorative detail.
Size
These buttons come in four sizes: 18mm, 20mm, 23mm and 25mm. Match the size to the weight of your garment — the smaller 18mm and 20mm sizes are lovely for blouses, shirts and lightweight cardigans, while the larger 23mm and 25mm sizes make a bolder statement on coats, jackets and blazers. If you are replacing existing buttons, measure your buttonhole and the original button first so the new ones pass through easily.
Back & Attachment
These are shank buttons, which means they have a small loop on the back instead of holes on the front. You stitch through the loop, so no thread shows on the face of the button — giving a clean, polished look. The shank also lifts the button slightly off the fabric, which helps it sit neatly on thicker coats and knits.
Quantity
Each pack contains 5 buttons of one color and size, so work out how many your project needs and add a spare for future repairs. Buying a little extra means you can replace a lost button later without trying to find an exact match.
How Do You Style Metal Bird Buttons?
The sculpted, nature-inspired finish makes these buttons easy to style:
- Run a row of black metal bird buttons down a tailored coat or blazer for a refined, graphic finish.
- Use white metal bird buttons on cream knits and light spring coats for a soft, elegant look.
- Add the warm coffee tones to bags, hats and pockets for a cozy, vintage accent.
- Mix sizes on a craft project for a playful, collected-over-time feel.
- Swap just one or two plain buttons on a cardigan for an instant, designer-inspired upgrade.
How Do You Sew On a Shank Button?
- Mark the button position and thread a needle, doubling the thread and knotting the end.
- Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric to the front at the mark.
- Pass the needle through the shank loop, then back down through the fabric close to where it came up.
- Repeat through the loop several times to secure the button, keeping a little slack so it sits comfortably.
- To finish, wrap the thread a few times under the button to form a neat thread shank, then knot the thread on the back of the fabric.
How Do You Care for Metal Bird Buttons?
Metal buttons are easy to care for. Hand wash garments with the buttons attached, or fasten them inside a laundry bag for a gentle machine cycle. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners that can dull the finish, and keep the buttons away from prolonged moisture to protect the metal. Pat dry and wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth to keep the color finish and gold-tone highlights looking their best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are metal bird buttons made of? They are made from durable metal alloy with a smooth color finish and warm gold-tone accents. The branch-and-bird motif is cast into the surface as a raised relief.
Are they shank or sew-through? They have a shank (loop) back, so you stitch through the loop on the back and no thread shows on the front of the button.
Is the metal real gold? No. The warm metallic highlights are a gold-tone color finish on a metal alloy base, not solid or real gold, which gives the elegant vintage look at an everyday price.
What colors do they come in? Four shades: black, white, white-edge coffee and beige-edge coffee.
What sizes do they come in? Four sizes, from 18mm up to 25mm, so you can match small blouses and cardigans or larger coats and jackets.
Can I order them in bulk? Yes. These buttons are available for wholesale and bulk orders with trade pricing, alongside smaller packs for home sewing.
Rule of Thumb
For a bold, formal finish, match black metal bird buttons to tailored coats and blazers; for a soft, feminine look, choose white on light knits and spring coats, and reach for the warm coffee tones on natural, earthy fabrics. Match the button size to the garment weight, and buy a spare pack so you can replace one later without hunting for a match.
Where to Buy
Ready to add a touch of nature-inspired, vintage charm to your next make? Browse our metal bird buttons in four colors — black, white and two warm coffee tones — in sizes from 18mm to 25mm, and pick the colors and sizes that suit your project. Not sure which shade or size to choose? Get in touch using the contact details at the bottom of this page and we will be happy to help.
Can You Buy Metal Bird Buttons Wholesale?
Yes. As a button manufacturer, we offer these metal bird buttons for wholesale and bulk orders, with trade pricing for boutiques, fashion brands, tailors and craft studios. Whether you are stocking a shop, fitting out a production run or filling craft kits, we ship factory-direct worldwide. Tell us the colors, sizes and quantities you need, using the contact details below, and we will reply with a wholesale quote and bulk availability.
Get in Touch
Have a question about our metal bird buttons, or want a wholesale quote? Contact our customer service team and we will be happy to help.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +86 158-8823-7906
- Address: No. 163, Hanbu Road, Qiaoxia Town, Yongjia County, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, 325106