How to Decorate a Bag with Buttons and Pins
By Holly Bones Art & Design | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to easily personalize a tote or backpack using pin-back buttons and magnets. Get step-by-step tips for placement, attachment, and care without damaging your bag.
Quick answer
To decorate a bag with buttons and pins, choose pin-back buttons for fabric bags and magnets for non-fabric surfaces. Plan your layout, then attach securely to avoid damage or loss.
Why pin-back buttons work best for fabric bags
Pin-back buttons are designed to pierce and hold onto woven textiles like canvas, denim, or cotton tote bags. The sharp pin goes through the fabric and fastens at the back, keeping the button flat against the surface. This makes them ideal for daily-use bags where you want the art to stay put.
Magnets are a great alternative for bags with a metal interior frame or for attaching art to the outside of a metal lunchbox-style bag. However, on fabric-only bags, magnets can slide or fall off if bumped. Choose the backing type that matches your bag material.
Planning your button arrangement
Before you push any pins, lay out your buttons on a flat surface or directly on the bag to test the composition. Overlapping buttons or placing them too close to seams can cause the fabric to pucker or the pin to miss the backing. Give each button at least 1 inch of space from zippers, handles, and other hardware.
For a balanced look, start with your focal button in the center or at the top-left corner, then build outward. If you are using multiple buttons, mix sizes and colors for visual interest, but keep the overall arrangement tidy.
Step-by-step guide
- Choose the right backing for your bag: Use pin-back buttons for any fabric bag (canvas, cotton, polyester). Use magnets only for bags with metal components or for attaching to metal surfaces. Check the bag's care tag—delicate fabrics may get small holes from pins. A common mistake is using a magnet on a fabric-only bag. It will fall off when the bag is moved or bumped.
- Plan the layout without attaching: Arrange your buttons on the bag in the desired pattern. Take a photo to remember the placement. Leave at least 1 inch between buttons and away from zippers, handles, and seams. Skipping this step often leads to uneven spacing or buttons that interfere with the bag's function.
- Attach pin-back buttons one at a time: Hold the button firmly against the fabric. Push the pin through the fabric from front to back. On the inside of the bag, press the pin into the clasp until you hear a click. Do not force it—if the pin bends, remove it and try a different spot. Pushing too hard can bend the pin or tear the fabric. Work slowly and check the clasp is fully closed.
- Secure the backs and check stability: After all buttons are attached, turn the bag inside out and gently tug each button to ensure the clasp is locked. If any feel loose, re-seat the pin. An unsecured clasp can cause the button to fall off and get lost, especially on a busy commute.
- Care for your decorated bag: Remove buttons before machine washing the bag. Hand wash the bag gently, then let it air dry. Reattach buttons after the bag is completely dry. For spot cleaning, wipe the bag with a damp cloth while buttons are still on. Washing with buttons attached can damage the fabric or the button finish. Always remove them first.
Product facts
- "A Woman Scorned" Magnet or Button: This button or magnet measures approximately 40x60mm and is hand-pressed in the artist's Ypsilanti studio. Choose between a pin-back button for fabric or a magnet for magnetic surfaces. The pin-back option is perfect for attaching to a canvas tote or denim jacket, while the magnet works on a metal locker or fridge—so you pick the backing based on your bag's material.
"A Woman Scorned" Magnet or Button - "Skip to the End" Magnet or Button: This button or magnet also measures approximately 40x60mm and is available in pin-back or magnet backing, hand-pressed in the same studio. Its compact size fits well on smaller bag panels or alongside other buttons without overwhelming the design.
"Skip to the End" Magnet or Button - "Escape" Magnet or Button: This button or magnet measures approximately 40x60mm and offers the same hand-pressed quality and backing options. The 'Escape' artwork adds a calm, nature-inspired accent to any bag, and the durable construction ensures it stays attached during daily use.
