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Introduction
Introduction
The Makerspace has a button maker, which you can use to make classic pin-back buttons. There are two sizes of buttons: 2.25" and 1.5"
How to use the button maker
How to use the button maker
The sewing/embroidery machine is located in the Cooper Makerspace, which is on the 5th floor of Cooper Library. The sewing/embroidery machine is free to use but you must complete online training to be able to use it.
Additionally, the makerspace has supplies for you to make a couple of buttons, but if you want to make more than five of your own design, you should buy your own button making materials. Here are supplies for 2.25" buttons.
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Makerspace Canvas training
Makerspace Canvas training
Join the Clemson Makerspace Canvas page by clicking here
2
General safety training
General safety training
In Canvas, complete the Makerspace's General Safety Training + the General Safety Quiz
3
Creating your design
Creating your design
Decide whether you are going to make 2.25" or 1.5" buttons. Using a design software, create the proper sized circular design. Once you've finalized the design, duplicate the design so that you have multiple copies per page.
Print as many of the designs as you want to make - make sure you print extras!
4
Cooper Makerspace
Cooper Makerspace
Visit Cooper Makerspace when you're ready to use the button maker. Locate the sewing machine - it should be under one of the tables.
5
Cut your design
Cut your design
Using scissors, cut out your circular designs from the paper.
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Setting up the button maker
Setting up the button maker
Identify the pickup die and the crimp die. The crimp die is deeper than the pickup die.
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Preparing the button
Preparing the button
Place the shell (rounded side to the ceiling), graphic, and mylar in the pickup die in that order so that the mylar is the top layer.
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Place in button maker
Place in button maker
Place the pinned back in the crimp die with the pin opening facing down into the crimp die.
To ensure the button is not made upside-down, turn the graphic so that the top is on the outside of the button maker and the bottom is on the inside of the button maker.
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Making a button A
Making a button A
Rotate the die table so that the pickup die with the shell, graphic, and mylar is under the button maker.
Pull the handle all the way down until it is at a 90-degree angle. Then, raise it back up to its rest position. The first half of the button should now be inside the button maker. If not, try pushing the handle down harder.
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Making a button B
Making a button B
Rotate the die table again so that the crimp die with the pinned back is under the button maker.
Pull the handle all the way down until it is at a 90-degree angle. Then, raise it back up to its rest position. The first half of the button should now be inside the button maker. If not, try pushing the handle down harder.
Rotate the die table one last time to reveal your finished button.
If you need help at any point, just ask one of the Makerspace interns! They are very friendly and are there to help.
If you need help at any point, just ask one of the Makerspace interns! They are very friendly and are there to help.
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