Best button makers, presses, and button making kits

As someone who’s been collecting one-of-a-kind pinback buttons for years now, I have to admit things can get a little pricey after a while — especially if you’re buying trendy hand-crafted badges from hipster stores.

And while we’re all about supporting small businesses, DIYing isn’t just a more affordable approach to make the things you love, but way more fun! If you want to turn personalized pin-making into your new creative hobby, it’s time for you to get a button maker machine.

Having a button maker means you’ll be able to whip up all the customized items you want — whenever and wherever you want: tiny craft desks and kitchen tables included. To help you find your next button maker, we’ve covered some of our favorites in our guide below!

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How to choose the best button maker

When thinking of button makers, we automatically focus on the fun part: making fabulous pin-back buttons!

But there are a few things you should evaluate before purchasing a button press:

• Do you need something industrial-grade or for hobby purposes only? Will you be button-pressing large batches or sporadically?
• Take durability and sturdiness into account. Remember that a machine built with cast iron and/or stainless steel will always be more long-lasting than plastic models (although these will last a long time if taken care of properly!).
• Are you aiming to stick to one button size or looking for variety? Keeping things simple at first will speed up crafting. Multi-die machines are very useful but require some know-how and potential workarounds.
• Also, do you want to make round pins, or are you interested in a pin maker machine that accommodates different shapes too?
• We advise purchasing a button maker with a cutter to ensure precision, especially if you’re a beginner. Confirm if your machine incorporates this tool or if you’ll need to purchase one separately.

Best button makers

Discover the best button maker machines and buyer tips in our lineup below!

Best for beginners: Mophorn Button Maker Machine

Getting into pin-making for the first time? This nifty little gadget is excellent for beginners looking to make creative badges from home!

The 25mm die-size Mophorn button press is one of the most popular models on the market and boasts a compact structure and easy assembly. And while this machine isn’t ready to use right out of the box, it will only take a few minutes to assemble.

This affordable button maker kit is available in three other die sizes (prices vary) and includes 500 button parts to get you started. Better yet, this machine requires only three simple steps to complete presses, which is a lifesaver if you have to get lots done on a tight deadline!

And to make things even easier, this model incorporates a stop functionality to ensure upper and lower molds are aligned before pressing. You want to avoid pressing an image that displays upside down when pinned to your shirt!

The only con is that, compared to more heavy-duty devices, this button maker tends to shift a little as you work the handle. However, you can easily improve this with a simple DIY hack, whether clamping the device onto your table or adding extra rubber padding to the base.

Best for money for value: Happizza Button Badge Maker Machine

When looking for a button maker, you’ll see lots of Happizza Button Maker look-alikes. However, this is the one you want!

This is one of the most coveted models among hobbyists and is suitable for adults and teens. Because it’s made of hard-plastic vs. industrial-grade materials, it’s incredibly safe for kids and an excellent pick if you’re searching for affordable tools to enjoy creative hobbies as a family.

But don’t be mistaken by its toy-like appearance; this button maker is built with high-quality, sturdy plastic, ensuring durability and steadiness as you press. That means rust isn’t something you’ll have to worry about, unlike metal button makers — this is a very low-maintenance alternative.

One of this device’s greatest perks is that it’s ready to use right out of the box: no complicated setups here! This button maker kit also includes 100 buttons, button-sized drawing sheets, and a unique surprise booklet for children.

In addition, the rotary mounting base swivels smoothly and effortlessly, allowing you to press quicker and more efficiently within just a few steps. Note that this device is available in different variations: including a heart-shaped model!

Best complete button maker kit: VEVOR Button Maker

Suppose you’re looking for a premium button maker from the get-go. In that case, this model by VEVOR is easy to use and offers the perk of being a high-quality multifunctional device that’s effective enough for pros but suitable for hobbyists.

Besides 75mm pins, this machine can press various household items, such as key chains, bottle openers, rope ties, and more. Your set will include over 100 button parts, transparent film, and a circle cutter to make cuts as accurate as possible.

Built with heavy-duty cast iron and aluminum, this is one of the most resilient button makers available for home crafting. It also features interchangeable button molds meaning you’ll be able to easily adjust button sizes to different dimensions, which is uncommon in most hobby models.

And while pricier than its plastic counterparts, it will be worth every penny. This is also a great pick if you’re looking to go easy on your wrists; the device’s handle is super ergonomic and doesn’t require extra pressure as you press.

Best budget-friendly: Badge A Minit Button Maker Deluxe Kit

Perfect for students getting ready for special events, sourcing ideas to make gifts on a budget, or wanting to spruce up their jean jackets, the classic Badge A Minit button press gets the job done — and well!

Unlike other devices in our guide, this handheld badge maker includes an additional button design pack with 30 pre-made designs to get you started. In addition, each set contains ten pin back button pieces.

One of the most significant advantages of this product is that it’s handheld, making it really convenient to transport. Any vacation crafters out there? Its design is also uber-basic, a huge plus for anyone looking for something intuitive and uncomplicated.

However, unlike standard models, the Minit button press works slightly differently as it requires more manual work. Although simple, it might take you longer to craft, so it’s best for small-scale projects vs. large batches.

Note that this pin maker machine is available on Amazon and Etsy. That said, if you’re looking to pay more but have more delivery options, Amazon is your best bet. On the other hand, Etsy sells the device for a slightly lower value but only delivers in the US.

Best for hobbyists: We R Memory Keepers Button Press Bundle  

We R Memory Keepers is a popular stationery and papercraft brand known for its beautifully presented, high-quality tools for hobbyists. And this button maker machine is definitely one of our favorites by the company!

This machine is extremely user-friendly, easy to set up, and won’t take up much room due to its compact structure. However, the best thing about this device is its versatility: each bundle features three different press inserts and die sizes, paper cutters, and button parts.

In other words, you’ll be able to create three button sizes with a single machine. We also love that this press machine accommodates more than paper: you can also use cardstock and light fabrics.

And besides buttons, it’s also compatible with other projects, such as keychains, magnets, scrapbook cutouts, and more! To switch things up, the brand also sells this square insert! See what I mean about the versatility?

One of the most significant differences between this model and most hobby button makers is that this device only works with We R Memory Keepers materials, which may seem restrictive for some. On the other hand, it keeps things simple, especially if you’re happy with the brand!

Best heavy duty: Neil Button Maker Machine

The Neil Button machine is one of the priciest recommendations in our guide but for good reason.

For a little under $300 on Amazon, this heavy-duty model presses through photograph paper and thicker cardstock better than standard machines, leaving you with sleek, professional-looking results.

If you just intend on sticking to button-making as a sporadic pastime (or at least for now!), this machine may be a little over the top for a first purchase. But if you’re aiming to jumpstart a small business or want to promote your art by showcasing them on some pins, this is an excellent option!

It’s also perfect for start-ups looking for creative ways to promote marketing campaigns or create merchandise. Not to mention, a great tool for creating customized gifts and giveaways at special company events or holiday parties.

This button maker features a rotary cutter with a glass base, a sturdy metal build, an ergonomic lever, and 100 metal button pieces for pressing. Despite its industrial appearance, the machine’s system is relatively straightforward and easy to learn.

Best design: ChiButtons Badge Maker Kit  

Last up is the ultimate button maker for hobbyists looking to spruce up their craft station with beautifully designed devices packed with possibilities.

Available in various colors (this golden model is our favorite!), the compact ChiButtons button maker costs over $200 on Amazon and includes everything you need to make customized buttons.

The highlight of this specific product is that it features magnetic connectors and interchangeable die molds for three different sizes. These accommodate a variety of shapes, too, meaning you’ll be able to make round, oval, rectangular, square, and triangular-shaped pins.

Along with the device, this button maker kit includes 200 pin-back button parts, a cutter, and online instructions to help you set up and learn the ins and outs of your machine. You’ll even have access to an online design editor to help you tweak your projects!

This is a highly sturdy stainless-steel built device, so you’ll be investing in a tool that will last a lifetime. Apart from badge-making, this button maker machine is also compatible with fabric and can take on other projects, such as fridge magnets, keychains, bottle openers, and more.

What to know about button makers and button pressing

While uncomplicated and easy to do, your button-making experience will be more satisfying in the long run if you know a few things before getting hands-on.

So what should you know?

Make sure you consider every step of the process, from button designing to pressing. For example, your design’s quality and print will impact the outcome of your projects more than you may think.

If you’re not a graphic design wiz, don’t fret. There’s a lot of online software (besides Photoshop and Illustrator) to help you edit your designs like a pro, many of which offer free trials and templates, such as the following:

• Canva
• Buttonmakers.net
• Photopea.com
• AMB Built-a-Button Software

Also, decide what kind of printer you want to use. A household printer is always convenient, but a laser printer will undeniably give you better results if you’re aiming for more professional finishes. If you don’t own one of these (they’re pretty expensive!), you can always look for shops that offer this service.

If using a home printer, sticking to paper by the same brand is a good idea; printing on different paper brands may alter the outcome of your print. And most importantly, ensure your printed design is completely dry before button pressing — any moisture locked in your button will lead it to rust over time.

It’s also crucial to know the make of your machine beforehand. Because button makers are manufactured in different parts of the world, features may vary, including measurements and supply compatibility.

Therefore, if you buy a pin maker and source extra supplies or refills from other companies or countries, they may not be a match, and results can be far from what’s desired.

Also, it’s worth noting that some button maker brands are designed to work exclusively with materials developed by the same brand. On one hand, this helps keep things simple. On the other, if you’re one to scavenge the internet looking for great deals and new materials, we advise looking for something more universal.

Lastly, while having a button maker that accommodates several die sizes is convenient, this can also present some challenges. For example, if your device needs repairing, you won’t have a backup. Having individual button makers will always provide an alternative.

Also, it may seem more costly to invest in several button makers instead of an all-in-one model. But did you know that dies are the most expensive parts of any button maker? Therefore, whether you have one die per machine or distributed per device, prices tend to match up at the end of the day.

In general, single-die machines are also known to be manufactured with higher quality, but this is not to say that there aren’t excellent all-in-one options that will be just as long-lasting!

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That’s it for our guide to the best button makers, presses, and button making kits you can buy! Any advice for other intrepid crafters? Let everyone know in the comments below!