How Custom Buttons Are Made (and How People Build Etsy Shops Around Them)
If you’ve ever wondered how pin-back buttons come together — or how makers turn them into real side hustles and shops — this guide walks through the production steps and shares proven Etsy tactics.
Want us to press yours? Order custom buttons — no minimums, 2–3 business day production, Canada-wide shipping.
What’s inside a button?
- Metal shell: Forms the face of the button.
- Printed artwork: Your design, trimmed to shape.
- Clear mylar film: Protects the print with a glossy (or matte) finish.
- Back: Typically a steel pin-back; can also be a magnet, mirror, keychain, etc.
Equipment used in production
Buttons are pressed on dedicated machines with matching cutters for clean, repeatable results. Manual presses are great for small to mid runs; electric presses speed up high volume work and can support interchangeable die sets for multiple sizes.
- Manual button maker: reliable and portable; typical throughput ~200–300 buttons/hour depending on the operator.
- Electric button maker: built for speed; capable of up to ~600–800/hour in most real-world operation.
- Cutting tools: graphic punches, rotary/circle cutters, or a die-cutting press for volume and perfect corners on squares/rectangles.
Throughput ranges and equipment types corroborated by Tecre’s machine overview, FAQ, and instructions (manual vs. electric machines, punches/rotary cutters/die presses, and typical per-hour rates). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Step-by-step: how a button is made
- Prep the artwork. Design at 300 DPI and include bleed so the background wraps the edge. Keep text inside the safe zone. (See our Button Size Guide and Photo Button Design Tips.)
- Print. Use suitable paper for graphics or photo paper for high-detail photos. (Paper guidance referenced by Tecre.) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Cut. Trim with a graphic punch, adjustable rotary cutter, or a die press (which can produce “closed” corners on square/rect buttons). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Load station 1. In the die: shell (face up) → printed artwork → clear mylar. Pull the handle to form the face. (See Tecre’s instruction sets for models/sizes.) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Load station 2. Insert the back (e.g., pin-back). Rotate the die and press again to crimp the rim and join the parts. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Quality check. Confirm that the rim is evenly crimped, artwork is centered, and pins/magnets are properly oriented.
Popular options & finishes
- Backings: pin-back (standard) or magnet; some sizes support mirrors, bottle openers, keychains, and more. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Finish: glossy (standard) or matte by request.
- Shapes & sizes: round 1″–6″; squares and 2″×3″ rectangles are common add-ons.
From hobby press to Etsy shop: why buttons work
Buttons are small, expressive, and collectible — perfect for “micro-merch.” On Etsy, successful shops usually focus on a clear niche (e.g., bookish humor, cottage-core florals, city pride, pronoun pins) and build repeatable product systems (same sizes, consistent backings, fast reprints).
What winning Etsy sellers have in common
- Good fundamentals: clear brand story, solid listings, and dependable fulfillment (Etsy’s starter guides cover setup, shipping, and growth). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Pricing for profit: know your costs; use tiers/bundles to lift average order value. (Seller Handbook: pricing and tiered offerings.) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- SEO basics: titles, tags, and attributes matched to how buyers actually search (e.g., “1.25 inch pinback button,” “teacher gift pin”). (Seller Handbook overview.) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Inventory depth: more listings → more surface area in search, as Etsy notes. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
A (composite) success story: from 0 to steady orders
Based on Etsy’s Seller Handbook best practices; details here are illustrative, not one specific shop.
- Niche & samples: A Calgary illustrator picks “bookish pins” and designs 12 slogans at once. They order a small batch, test quality, and photograph sets on neutral backdrops.
- Listings & keywords: Each design becomes its own listing with size options (1.25″, 2.25″) and tags like “reading pin,” “library gift.” (Tags/attributes guidance.) :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Pricing tiers: Single pin, 3-pack, 5-pack; free shipping threshold to raise AOV. (Tiered pricing playbook.) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Consistency: Weekly new designs and quick reprints keep momentum (our Reorder page helps with exact repeats).
- Promotion: They cross-post photos, pin boards on Pinterest, and bundle seasonal themes (teacher week, grad season). (Etsy’s growth tools & coupons articles.) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Which sizes sell well online?
- 1.25″ round: budget-friendly “collect and trade” size; perfect for sets.
- 2.25″–3″ round: best readability for slogans; great for events and gift add-ons.
- 2″×3″ rectangle: name/role pins, teacher gifts, conferences.
Not sure what to start with? Our Button Size Guide breaks down use cases and legibility.
Prefer to outsource production?
We press in-house with consistent colour and typical 2–3 business day turnaround. Start small, then reorder fast from your approved setup. Talk to our team about dropshipping or bulk kits.
Next: Explore Conference Buttons, QR Buttons, or jump to Custom Buttons.