In message , mike ring
writes
Peter Parry wrote in
:


As has been suggested - spacers for use by a tailor sewing buttons on
to trousers and suits. Placing one of these between button and
fabric gives you a degree of stand-off which makes the button easier
to fasten.

Any idea where they come from?

I'm afraid I don't quite believe this - I've always used a matchstick, and
it's so much more convenient in use than thes would be I'd think tailors
would have a precision reusable matchstick.

I, on both occasions I've stitched a button on, wrapped a couple of
turns of thread round the the thread between the fabric and button - as
my mother showed me.

--
geoff