Cloth (Canvas) Back

A historic button style that actually predates wire eyes, in which a small piece of cloth serves as the shank. Sometimes called a pad back, tuft back, or pad shank button. This is the traditional bridal button (especially when made with satin) because they can be sewn very quickly in long rows on wedding dresses. Also used when a very low shank is desired, often for decorative applications, because the canvas can be pressed flat after attachment. Excellent for doll clothes, christening gowns, and period costumes. *** SEE BELOW

American canvas backs are no longer in production so we found a German factory to make them for us! Plain aluminum only because RR is no longer in production anywhere in the world. WB Exclusive!

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Canvas backs are absolutely authentic to the American Civil War period, however... modern materials are not. Mid-19th century factory-made canvas backs were made of steel, cotton, and cardboard and were manufactured until the early 1980s when the last assembly machine in existence broke down for good in New Jersey. Appearance and function of the modern version is identical to the old. Finished buttons can even be washed, which is a definite improvement over the original.

We recommend aluminum canvas backs be paired with either low wall aluminum or ultra low aluminum shells although some customers report success with flat steel shells in larger sizes. Low wall works well with most fabrics but ultra low might be a better choice for some fussy synthetics. Please ask for samples!

Fits Rowley button dies in larger sizes —as always, please ask for samples to be sure.

Button shells (fronts) sold separately.

*** Before you use your new canvas backs... PLEASE READ!!!

Unmodified Wade #22, and Osborne and newer C & C Metal #16, #18, #20, and #22 button dies have inside diameters that are slightly smaller than international standard. This means that standard diameter backs are too big for these brand dies in these sizes; dies must be modified to fit smaller canvas backs. We once offered this as a complimentary service but rising machining costs no longer permit it. Please contact us for details.

Link to "How To Sew On Satin Covered Buttons" used with permission from the author.