Dorset buttons had been hand stitched in Dorset since the 1600s, employing more than 4000 people at the height of the cottage industry's popularity and sending the buttons they made all over the world. Unfortunately, this came to an abrupt end with the invention of a new button machine that was showcased at the Great Exhibition of 1851, making Dorset buttons obsolete and plunging Dorset families into extreme poverty. The art of Dorset button making was almost lost entirely. Thanks to the efforts of artists and crafters since this time, Dorset buttons have not died out completely. The pattern for this Dorset button design has been created by the incredibly talented Jen Best, champion of the Dorset button, and is used with her kind permission. Should you wish to have a go at making your own Dorset buttons, everything you could possibly need to do so can be found in Jen's shop, Beaker Button, here.
