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
Dorset & Yorkshire Buttons
Exploring the history and similarities
Friday 6th March 2026 - 10am - 12.30pm
Haptik Cafe, 29 Frances Street, Newtownards, BT23 7DW
£45 per person - All materials supplied - Haptik hot drink and traybake included
Email Debbie at debbie@weeyarndesigns.com to book
Textile Art
Weave - Knit - Stitch - Button
Friday 27th March - 10am - 1pm & Friday 10th April - 10am - 1pm
Haptik Cafe, 29 Frances Street, Newtownards, BT23 7DW
£90 per person - All materials supplied - Haptik hot drink and traybake included each morning
Email Debbie at debbie@weeyarndesigns.com to book
DEMONSTRATIONS