Cufflinks or cuff links date back centuries. They first appeared in the Middle Ages but weren't really popular until the fashion for ruffled sleeve ends changed over to simpler styles. These link cuffs (sometimes known as French or Double Cuffs) had two buttonholes. As there were no buttons, cufflinks were needed. The cufflinks were used such the sleeve ends were held together as "kissing cuffs" as shown the left or the less common barrel-style where the ends overlapped.
Cuff links are commonly the type where the most visible side is a larger disc which can be monogrammed. Double button cufflinks also exist where the buttons are connected by a strand of some sort.
Free Tutorials1. One of the best free tutorials on how to make cuff links is the project by Beadsbaublesandjewels.com.
Basic wire working skills, a bit of chain and the bar from a bar and toggle set quickly turns any cylindrical beads into a one of kind men's jewelry item. Perfect for Father's Day.
2. Cuff links can be worn by both men and women not just in shirts but jackets too. One way to coordinate with the garment's buttons is to make a double button cufflink. It requires the simple wiring of shank buttons as shown in the tutorial by Burdastyle.com.3. If you are more crafty, you could sew yourself some monogrammed cuff links (below left). Purlbee.com has detailed instructions on how to contruct some using blanks.
4. For a geeky solution, use unconventional material like geektechnique.org's tutorial using network hardware like transparent UTP-plugs and twisted pair wire. A very creative design on short notice! Inexpensive too.
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
I remember my dad wearing cuff links sometimes when I was a kid. But they are rare these days.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't get into the first tutorial - the link doesn't go thru by the way.
Thanks for letting me know, BetteJo. I have corrected the link and one more thing which was preventing readers from seeing the homepage.
ReplyDeleteI guess cufflinks are really for extra formal wear these days.
Pearl
OMG!! You've done it again! I LOVE cuff links and have a 'fantasy' about having a WOMEN'S cuff-link sleeve shirt... Now if only I could sew... GREAT post!!
ReplyDeleteNow that is an idea, Tammy. Women could also wear cuff links. They will add fashion pizzaz.
ReplyDeleteI think all it needs to convert an ordinary shirt over to one for cuff links is to take out the button and sew a buttonhole in its place.
What a great idea for Father's Day. I do wish they were more popular. My Dad wore them a lot and it was always a good choice for a gift for him.
ReplyDeleteI have seen many varieties of this same project. They were made with typewriter keys and scrabble tiles so you could monogram them. You could also do the same thing for a pair of earings. Just buy the earing posts that have a flat mounting front. Great post Liz!
ReplyDeleteI think you meant Pearl, not Liz!!But thanks!
ReplyDeleteThese seem so simple, when I thought about making cufflinks it was on a whole other level but I love the simplicity of these instructions..thanks for sharing! My husbands wears cufflinks all the time so this is going to be great!
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