Guide Step by Step: Make Your Own Avocado Pit Buttons for Knitting Projects
Do you want to add a special touch to your knitting or crochet projects?
Use something as simple as an avocado pit! This natural material, which we often discard, can be transformed into unique, eco-friendly buttons that will perfectly complement any garment or accessory made with your favorite yarns. Follow these steps to create buttons that not only look amazing but also add a sustainable detail to your projects.
Materials:
- Avocado pits
- Small knife or fine saw
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Hand drill with a small drill bit (for making holes)
- Natural oil (optional, for a shiny finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the avocado pits
First, remove the pits from the avocados. Clean them thoroughly to remove any fruit residue. Then, let the pits dry completely in a well-ventilated area for at least 2 or 3 days. This step is important for hardening the pit, making it easier to work with.
2. Cut the pit
Once dry, it’s time to cut the pits. Using a small knife or fine saw, slice the pit into discs of your preferred thickness for the buttons. Typically, the buttons should be about 5-7 mm thick. Be careful while cutting, as the pit can be hard.
3. Sand the edges
After cutting the discs, take the fine-grit sandpaper and start smoothing the edges of each button. This step is crucial to give the buttons a softer, more professional finish, eliminating any roughness or imperfections that may have remained after cutting.
4. Make the holes
With a hand drill and a small drill bit, create two or four holes in each button, depending on your preferred design. The holes should be large enough for the needle and thread to pass through when you use them in your knitting or crochet project. Tip: Mark the spots where the holes will go before drilling to ensure they are well aligned.
5. Final finishing (optional)
If you want a more polished and durable finish, you can apply a small amount of natural oil (like olive or coconut oil) over the buttons. This will not only give them an attractive shine but also protect the material and extend its durability.
Incorporate Your Buttons into Knitting Projects
Once you have your buttons ready, it’s time to put them to use! These handmade buttons are not only sustainable but also perfectly blend with your knitting projects. Whether you’re creating a cardigan, a vest, or a scarf, these unique avocado pit buttons will give your creations a handcrafted and personalized touch. Additionally, since they are made from natural materials, they pair beautifully with natural fibers like llama or merino wool that we use at Villama.
Additional Tips:
- Customize your buttons: If you want to add color, you can dye the buttons naturally using beet juice, black tea, or even onion skins. Just soak the buttons in the dye for a few hours and let them dry.
- Creative uses: These buttons are perfect for knitting projects, but you can also use them in crafts or as decoration on your natural yarn creations.
Conclusion
Making buttons from avocado pits is an easy and fun way to reuse natural materials that would otherwise end up as waste. Give your projects an eco-friendly and unique touch with these handmade buttons, and use them in your knitting to add that artisanal finish that makes every piece special.
