What Can I Make With a Button Maker?
An ABM button maker does far more than make pin-back buttons. With the right machine and the matching parts, the same press turns out magnets, keychains, mirrors, jewelry, ornaments, coasters, zipper pulls, and dozens of other finished products.
ABM carries a complete line of button machines, circle cutters, and button-making supplies to fit every size and style. Use the chart below to see exactly what each machine size can produce, then click any machine size or product type to shop that line.
Button Size Chart — What Can I Make?
Each column is a button machine size. Each row is a finished product. A checkmark means that machine size can make that item.
| Product | 1" Machine |
1.25" Machine |
1.5" Machine |
1.75" Machine |
2.25" Machine |
3" Machine |
3.5" Machine |
6" Machine |
2×2" Machine |
2×3" Machine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Back Buttons | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Magnets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Key Chains | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| Mirrors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||
| Ponytail Holders | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| Badge Reels | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||
| Earrings | ✔ | |||||||||
| Tie Tacks | ✔ | |||||||||
| Medallions | ✔ | |||||||||
| Metal Flat Backs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Bracelets & Rings | ✔ | |||||||||
| Magnetic Jewelry | ✔ | |||||||||
| Zipper Pulls | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||
| Flashing Buttons | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||
| Bulldog Clips | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Bottle Openers | ✔ | |||||||||
| Necklaces | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||
| Coasters | ✔ | |||||||||
| Ornaments | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||||
| Purse Hangers | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||||
| Rosettes | ✔ | |||||||||
| Clocks | ✔ | |||||||||
| Fabric Buttons | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Endless Possibilities
Shop by Machine Size
Already know the size you want to make? Jump straight to the guide for that machine.
Not sure which size to choose? The 2.25" is ABM's most popular and most versatile size — it makes pin-backs, magnets, mirrors, flashing buttons, ornaments, rosettes, and more. The 1" is best for jewelry and small keepsakes, while the 3" and 3.5" suit larger promotional and photo buttons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one button machine make more than one product?
Yes. The machine sets the size of the finished piece, and the parts you load determine the product. A single 2.25" machine, for example, can make pin-back buttons, magnets, mirrors, flashing buttons, ornaments, and rosettes — you simply change the supplies, not the press.
What is the most versatile button maker size?
The 2.25" is the most versatile size in the ABM lineup. It produces the widest range of finished products and is the most popular choice for schools, fundraisers, and promotional work. The 1" is the best choice if you mainly want to make jewelry and small keepsakes.
Do I need different supplies for each product?
Yes. Each finished product — magnet, keychain, mirror, zipper pull, and so on — uses its own back component, while the front shell and mylar stay the same for a given size. ABM stocks the matching supplies for every product shown in the chart above, so the parts are designed and tested to fit your machine consistently.
What can I make with a 1" button machine?
The 1" machine is the jewelry workhorse. In addition to pin-back buttons and magnets, it makes earrings, tie tacks, medallions, bracelets and rings, magnetic jewelry, ponytail holders, badge reels, zipper pulls, key chains, and metal flat backs.
What can I make with a 2.25" button machine?
The 2.25" machine makes pin-back buttons, magnets, mirrors, ponytail holders, metal flat backs, flashing buttons, bulldog clips, bottle openers, necklaces, ornaments, and rosettes — the broadest range of any single size.
Which machine makes fabric-covered buttons?
Fabric-covered buttons are made on the Red-n-Black Fabric Button Machine, which covers sizes from 1" through 3.5". This is a dedicated fabric press rather than the standard mylar button machines.
How do I choose the right machine for my project?
Start with the product you want to make and find its row in the chart above, then pick a machine size that has a checkmark for it. If you want flexibility for future projects, the 2.25" covers the most product types. You can also browse the size guides linked above for full details on each machine.
