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At Noyac Knits, our signature ribbon cardigans are composed of three essential ingredients that work in harmony to create sweaters that smile and bring smiles to those who wear them:
Today, we're diving deep into the third ingredient: buttons. We'll explore what goes into selecting them, from understanding the ligne measurement system to the intentional design questions that guide every choice we make.
At Noyac Knits, we embrace the principles of slow fashion—intentional design where details matter. We believe in creating things that matter, pieces that are thoughtfully crafted to be cherished for years to come.
Button selection is never arbitrary. We ask ourselves critical questions with every choice:
These are all thoughts that go into button selection. Every button must earn its place on the garment, contributing to the overall harmony and story of the piece. This level of consideration is what separates thoughtful, enduring design from fast fashion.
Buttons are measured in ligne (from the French word for "line"), a traditional unit of measurement that remains the industry standard today. One ligne (abbreviated as "L") equals 0.635mm. This precise measurement system allows manufacturers and designers worldwide to communicate button sizes accurately. For reference, a 40L button has a 1-inch diameter, making it easy to convert between ligne and more familiar measurements.
To accurately measure button diameter, professionals use a vernier caliper—a specialized precision tool designed to measure small objects with accuracy. This instrument ensures exact measurements, which can then be converted to ligne for standardized sizing.
Shirt buttons typically range from 12L (5/16 inch) to 20L (1/2 inch). We use 20L on our ribbon cardigans because they are not too small to be hard to button and just the right size for lightweight cardigans.
Jackets and chunky sweaters typically feature larger buttons ranging from 30L (3/4 inch) to 36L (7/8 inch). These substantial buttons provide both functionality and a polished, professional appearance.
While diameter is the primary measurement, button depth is equally important in garment design. Buttons come in various profiles—some are thin and flat, while others are thicker or feature rounded, domed tops. This dimensional variation significantly affects both the aesthetic and functional qualities of your finished piece.
Thin, flat buttons create a sleek, understated look ideal for fine-gauge knits and elegant cardigans. Thicker buttons with rounded tops add visual interest and tactile dimension, making them perfect for chunky sweaters or statement pieces. The depth and profile you choose will impact how the button sits against the fabric, how it catches the light, and ultimately, the overall character of your garment.
The material you choose for your buttons plays a crucial role in the final look and feel of your garment. Buttons are crafted from a wide range of materials, each offering distinct characteristics.
Natural button materials bring organic beauty and luxury to knitwear:
Each material brings its own weight, texture, and visual appeal, allowing you to customize the character of your knitwear to match your design vision.
At Noyac Knits, we source our buttons from the renowned Lou Lou Buttons, located in the heart of New York City's historic Garment District. Lou Lou designs and manufactures custom buttons, including exclusive designs for Noyac Knits, ensuring that every piece features the perfect finishing touch.
With over 5 million buttons in their inventory, Lou Lou offers an extraordinary selection that includes vintage buttons and specialty designs you won't find anywhere else. The shop is owned by Roz, a master button maker and an invaluable source of garment industry history and button expertise. His knowledge and craftsmanship allow us to select buttons that perfectly complement the quality and character of our premium knitwear.
Noyac Knits works directly with Lou Lou Buttons to select buttons that coordinate perfectly with our sweaters, complementing both the fabric and our signature grosgrain ribbon trim. For some designs, we choose buttons that contrast beautifully with the yarn, while for others we opt for a subtler approach that lets the knitwear take center stage.
Holly Puff-Sleeve Cardigan - Our holiday offering features American-made vintage gold resin buttons paired with vintage American-made plaid grosgrain ribbon trim, creating a festive and nostalgic aesthetic.
Valentina Puff-Sleeve Sweater and Mary Crop Cardigan - These elegant pieces showcase beautiful mother-of-pearl buttons, whose natural luminescence adds a touch of luxury and sophistication.
Isabelle Classic Cardigan - This design features rare Japanese cold water mussel shell buttons with a subtle iridescent sheen, offering an understated elegance that elevates the classic silhouette.
Custom Pearlized Resin Buttons - Because we love pinks, blues, and greens, we asked Lou Lou to create special pearlized resin buttons in those signature colors to elevate the happy vibes of our most colorful sweaters.
Buttons are intentional. In our fast-paced world, buttons invite a moment of attention to the act of dressing. Each button fastened is a small, mindful moment—a pause in the morning routine that connects us to the craftsmanship of our garments.
There's also a nostalgia to buttons that resonates deeply. Many of us remember our mother's button boxes, filled with treasures collected over decades—each button holding a story, a memory of a beloved garment. This nostalgic quality aligns perfectly with the vintage vibe of our ribbon sweaters, evoking a sense of cherished tradition.
When you wear a Noyac Knits cardigan, you're experiencing the harmony of premium yarns, American-made ribbon, and thoughtfully selected buttons—three ingredients working together to create a sweater that truly matters.
