Make Fabric Buttons Fast with the Sailrite W One Hand Press

Updated at: 26/05/2025

Tired of spending hours painstakingly crafting fabric buttons? Wish there was a faster, easier way to add a professional touch to your sewing projects? Then prepare to discover the revolutionary Sailrite UT1 One Hand Press! This ingenious tool transforms the tedious task of button making into a quick and efficient process, saving you valuable time and energy. Say goodbye to fiddly hand stitching and embrace a method that delivers perfectly formed buttons in a fraction of the time.

The Sailrite UT1 One Hand Press simplifies the entire button-making procedure, allowing even beginners to achieve impressive results. Its intuitive design and powerful pressing mechanism ensure consistent, high-quality buttons every time. To learn exactly how to harness the power of this amazing tool and create beautiful, durable fabric buttons in minutes, follow our comprehensive step-by-step guide below.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Sailrite W One Hand Press
  • Button Cover Die
  • Hole Cutter Set
  • Nylon Cutting Block
  • Cardstock (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always unplug the Sailrite W One Hand Press before changing dies or performing any maintenance.
  • Use caution when working with the hot die. Allow it to cool completely before handling to avoid burns.
  • Ensure fabric is properly aligned and securely positioned within the die before applying pressure to prevent uneven pressing or fabric damage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric Circles

    • Cut fabric circles using the cutting die and nylon cutting block. Place fabric (multiple layers if desired) on the block and cut.
    • Place a thin layer of cardstock under the fabric for easier cutting.
    • Use the hole cutter to create a hole in the center of the fabric circle.
    Use the hole cutter to create a hole in the center of the fabric circle.Use the hole cutter to create a hole in the center of the fabric circle.Use the hole cutter to create a hole in the center of the fabric circle.
    Prepare Fabric Circles

  2. Prepare the Sailrite W One Hand Press

    • Install the spring-loaded bottom die into the W One hand press.
    Install the spring-loaded bottom die into the W One hand press.
    Prepare the Sailrite W One Hand Press

  3. Assemble the Button

    • Place the fabric circle (decorative side down) onto the top die. Place the button top on top of the fabric.
    • Use a dowel to press the button top and fabric into the concave portion of the die. Lift the outer collar.
    Use a dowel to press the button top and fabric into the concave portion of the die. Lift the outer collar.Use a dowel to press the button top and fabric into the concave portion of the die. Lift the outer collar.
    Assemble the Button

  4. Press the Button

    • Place the button assembly back into the spring-loaded die (Y facing down).
    • Place the top die upside down on the bottom die. Depress the lever with medium to light pressure.
    Place the top die upside down on the bottom die. Depress the lever with medium to light pressure.Place the top die upside down on the bottom die. Depress the lever with medium to light pressure.
    Press the Button

  5. Remove Finished Button

    • Remove the upper die and your finished button.
    Remove the upper die and your finished button.
    Remove Finished Button

Read more: Sew a Lined Expandable Storage Bag: Easy Tutorial

Tips

  • Using multiple layers of fabric can help with a sturdier button.
  • The W One hand press makes perfectly sized buttons quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Pressure

Reason: Not applying enough pressure to the Sailrite W One Hand Press can result in poorly formed or detached buttons.
Solution: Ensure you firmly press down on the lever until you hear a distinct 'click' and feel resistance.

2. Incorrect Fabric Placement

Reason: Improper placement of the fabric within the press can lead to uneven button shapes or the fabric being damaged.
Solution: Carefully center the fabric over the die ensuring it's smooth and wrinkle-free before pressing.

FAQs

What types of fabric work best with the Sailrite UT1 One Hand Press?
Most medium-weight to heavy-weight fabrics work well. Avoid extremely delicate or thin fabrics which may be damaged by the pressure. Fabrics like canvas, denim, upholstery fabric, and even heavier quilting cotton produce excellent results.