Dorset & Yorkshire Button Workshops

Dorset Button making began in the 1600s in Shaftsbury, Dorset. It became a thriving cottage industry promoting independence and security for many women and families. Sadly, the introduction of the button making machine in 1851 caused the industry to go into decline.

Dorset Button making is now considered a heritage craft, and once mastered can be adapted to create everything from beautiful buttons to jewellery and decorative art.

More recently Debbie has been researching the similarities in the design and creation of Dorset and Yorkshire buttons and had included this in her new workshops for 2026.

What to expect at a Dorset & Yorkshire Button workshop:

Participants are taken through the history of the Dorset button and how both designs of button can be used today for embellishment, a piece of quirky jewellery or a work of art.

Debbie will demonstrate how to make a simple cart wheel Dorset button and a Yorkshire button, guiding the participants in the creation of their own buttons. Further development and experimenting with yarns and button templates may lead on to the creation of jewellery, artwork or accessories to take home. 

What to expect at a Textile Art Workshop:

Participants will be given the opportunity to explore different textile applications including simple weaving on handmade mini looms, adding textile elements including i cords, Dorset and Yorkshire buttons and decorative slow stitching. Each participant will design and create a mini textile artwork to take home.

If you would like Debbie to facilitate a workshop or demonstration, please get in touch.

Email: debbie@weeyarndesigns.com

Phone: 0771 8924 166

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND DEMONSTRATIONS :

WORKSHOPS

Textile Art

Weave - Knit - Stitch - Button

Email Debbie at debbie@weeyarndesigns.com

Dorset & Yorkshire Buttons

Exploring the history and similarities

Email Debbie at debbie@weeyarndesigns.com

DEMONSTRATIONS