What is button and tie (aka ‘button and string’)?
Button and tie is a simple method to close (or tie shut) the face of a book, the lid on a box or a flap on a portfolio. And there are endless other applications.
Success story
What our client wanted:
- Shiny (not matte finished) gold rivets
- Pink-coloured heavy string
- Colour-matched grey “circles”
We sampled three sizes of circles and two shapes of gold string (oval/round). The designer knew exactly what was needed!
Alternatives to button and tie
- Velcro
- Dome and flap—single or double post
- Metal turn knob
- Dome snap
- Swing lock
- Ribbon tie
- Tuck and slit
- Post and flap
- Elastic and die cut
The cheapest of the nine options is Velcro. Numbers 2-9 would be either more expensive than button and tie or not as user friendly.
Features:
- 2 round paper, board or reinforced cloth circles
- 2 metal eyelets
- 1 length of string
- Round pieces of various materials can be various sizes
- Round material can be one of scores of colours
- Eyelets available in 8 different colours
- String can be various lengths
- String available in over 200 colours
Benefits
- The “circles” can be made to match a special colour
- Finished product is simple to use; highly functional
- Adds a vintage touch and traditional look
Factors to consider
- Colour matching string or button may take time; consider this early in the design process and give us a heads-up as early as possible
- Essential for us to know in advance of production the thickness of the two pieces to be eyeleted (eyelets vary in thickness)
- Highly recommended: making a mock-up in advance of production so that you and your client can see and hold the finished product!