Quick answer: Vintage leaf buttons are decorative resin sewing buttons with a carved leaf-wreath pattern around the rim and a simple four-hole design for stitching. They come in five soft, antique-inspired shades, cream white, khaki, cappuccino, coffee and grey black, in sizes from 15mm to 28mm, and suit knitwear, cardigans, coats, shirts and all kinds of DIY sewing and craft projects.
Want to give a hand-knit cardigan or a plain coat a warm, vintage feel? Vintage leaf buttons add a quiet, handmade touch, with a delicate carved leaf border that looks far more special than a plain button. But what are they made of, what sizes should you choose, and how do you sew and care for them? This buying guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy.
At a Glance
- Design: Round button with a carved leaf-wreath (laurel) pattern around a flat center, four-hole sew-through back
- Material: Smooth resin with a soft matte finish
- Back: Four-hole sew-through, flat back (not a shank)
- Color: Five antique-inspired shades: cream white, khaki, cappuccino, coffee and grey black
- Size: Six sizes: 15mm, 18mm, 20mm, 23mm, 25mm and 28mm
- Pack: 4 buttons per pack
- Best for: Knitwear, cardigans, coats, jackets, shirts, bags, hats, scrapbooking and DIY crafts
What Are Vintage Leaf Buttons?
Vintage leaf buttons are decorative sewing buttons with a carved or embossed leaf-wreath pattern circling the rim, made from smooth resin with a four-hole sew-through design. The delicate laurel-style border gives them a rustic, antique look, while the muted, earthy colors suit both classic and handmade pieces. They work as practical closures and as decorative accents that lift a plain garment with a subtle, nature-inspired detail.
What Are Vintage Leaf Buttons Made Of?
Each button is made from smooth, lightweight resin with a soft matte finish that holds the carved leaf detail crisply and takes warm, antique-inspired color well. Resin is durable, easy to sew and gentle on fabric, so the flat four-hole back sits neatly against knits and wovens alike. Because the buttons are lightweight, they will not drag down softer fabrics, which makes them a practical choice for cardigans, shirts and lighter coats.
Why Is a Button Upgrade the Easiest Style Win?
Swapping plain factory buttons for vintage leaf buttons is one of the cheapest ways to make a piece look considered and handmade. The carved leaf border reads as a small, thoughtful detail, so a row of them can turn a basic cardigan or coat into something that looks bespoke. Even changing the buttons on a single garment instantly refreshes it, with very little time or cost.
How Do You Choose the Right Vintage Leaf Buttons?
Color
Pick the shade that suits the mood you want. Cream white feels soft and classic on light knits and shirts, khaki adds an earthy, rustic touch, cappuccino and coffee bring warm, vintage browns to cardigans and coats, and grey black gives a smart, dark finish on jackets. Choose one color for a coordinated look, or mix shades for a relaxed, handmade feel.
Size
These buttons come in six sizes: 15mm, 18mm, 20mm, 23mm, 25mm and 28mm. Match the button size to the weight of your garment, the smaller 15-18mm sizes suit shirts, blouses and lightweight knits, the mid 20-23mm sizes work for cardigans and dresses, and the larger 25-28mm sizes make a statement on coats and jackets. If you are replacing existing buttons, measure your buttonhole and original button first so the new ones pass through easily.
Back & Attachment
These have a flat four-hole sew-through back, so they stitch on quickly by hand or machine and sit flush against the fabric. The four-hole format is secure and lets you finish with a neat parallel-bar or cross stitch through the holes.
Quantity
Each pack contains 4 buttons, so work out how many your project needs and add a spare pack for future repairs. Buying a little extra means you can replace a lost button later without hunting for an exact match.
How Do You Style Vintage Leaf Buttons?
The carved leaf detail and earthy colors make these buttons easy to style:
- Run a row of matching leaf buttons down a hand-knit cardigan or coat for a warm, vintage finish.
- Use cream white on light shirts and blouses for a soft, classic look.
- Add khaki, cappuccino or coffee buttons to bags, hats and pockets as warm, rustic accents.
- Mix several antique shades on a craft project for a relaxed, handmade feel.
- Use them on scrapbook pages, gift wrapping and nature-themed crafts for a botanical touch.
How Do You Sew On a Four-Hole Button?
- Mark the button position and thread a needle, doubling the thread and knotting the end.
- Bring the needle up through one hole from the back of the fabric.
- Pass it down through the diagonal or opposite hole, keeping a little tension so the button sits flat, then repeat across both pairs of holes to form parallel bars or a cross.
- Stitch through the holes several times to secure the button.
- Finish with a few small stitches on the back of the fabric and knot the thread.
How Do You Care for Vintage Leaf Buttons?
Resin 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 prolonged heat, which can dull the finish, and wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Store somewhere dry between projects to keep the carved detail looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are vintage leaf buttons made of? They are made from smooth, lightweight resin with a soft matte finish that holds the carved leaf-wreath detail crisply and takes warm, antique-inspired color well.
Are they shank or sew-through? They have a flat four-hole sew-through back, so you stitch them on through the holes and they sit flush against the fabric.
What colors do they come in? They come in five antique-inspired shades, cream white, khaki, cappuccino, coffee and grey black, so you can match a classic, rustic or smart look.
What sizes do they come in? They come in six sizes, from 15mm up to 28mm, so you can match small shirts and knits or larger coats and jackets.
What can I use them for? They suit knitwear, cardigans, coats, jackets, shirts and bags, and work well as decorative accents on pockets, collars and craft projects.
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 warm, vintage finish, match cream white or khaki leaf buttons to light knits and shirts, and cappuccino, coffee or grey black to coats and jackets; buy a spare pack so you can replace one later without hunting for a match.
Where to Buy
Ready to give your next make a vintage touch? Browse our vintage leaf buttons in cream white, khaki, cappuccino, coffee and grey black, in sizes from 15mm to 28mm, and pick the shades that suit your project. Not sure which color 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 Vintage Leaf Buttons Wholesale?
Yes. As a button manufacturer, we offer these vintage leaf 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 at the bottom of this page, and we will reply with a wholesale quote and bulk availability.
Get in Touch
Have a question about our vintage leaf 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