Ring Shank

Definition and Overview

A ring shank refers to a ring-shaped foot attached to the back of a button. Because the sewing thread does not appear on the front side, it is easy to show decorative surfaces and patterns, and it is characterized by the space it creates between the button body and the textile.

A round ring shank is called a circular ring shank, and a square-shaped one is called a rectangle ring shank. However, these names indicate the shape of the foot and do not limit the material or design of the button body.

Structure and Materials

Ring shanks include those made by bending metal wire and those integrally molded with the button body. They are sewn on by passing thread through the inside of the ring, and they differ from perforated buttons in that they do not have sewing holes such as two-hole or four-hole holes on the surface.

The button body may be made of various materials such as resin, metal, shell, and glass, and the material and joining method of the foot also vary by product. For heavy buttons, not only the strength of the foot but also the durability of the joint between the body and the foot should be checked.

• Circular ring shank: the ring is circular or rounded.
• Rectangle ring shank: the ring is nearly square or has corners.
• Perforated button: thread is passed through holes on the surface, so the sewing structure differs from a ring shank.

How Size Is Expressed

Button size is generally expressed by the outer diameter in mm or lignes. Lignes are a unit used for button dimensions, and in specifications it is easier to verify if the same notation is used consistently, whether lignes or mm.

For ring shanks, in addition to the outer diameter, the inner diameter of the ring, the height of the foot, and the position of the foot also affect usability. Especially when attaching to thick fabric or using thick thread, check on the actual item whether the inner diameter of the ring allows the thread to pass through without strain.

Main Applications

They are used for buttons whose surface design should be visible, or buttons that need to blend into thick textile. In addition to front openings for jackets, coats, dresses, blouses, and cardigans, they are also used for cuffs, necklines, and decorative fasteners.

Because the height of the foot creates a space between the button and the textile, they may make fastening and unfastening easier on thick or bulky textiles. On the other hand, for thin textiles, check whether the shape of the foot shows through on the front side.

Attachment and Handling Precautions

Ring shanks are attached by passing thread through the ring portion. If the button body is not pressed too tightly against the textile and a thread shank is reinforced with a thread wrap as needed, it becomes easier to accommodate the thickness of the textile. A backing button may also be used on the reverse side to reduce damage to the textile caused by pulling.

Resistance to washing, dry cleaning, and ironing cannot be judged by the ring shank shape alone. It varies depending on the materials and joining specifications of the button body, foot, and plating, so before mass production, test with the planned care method and check for cracking, discoloration, and looseness or detachment of the foot.

As a basic rule, avoid direct pressure or high-temperature contact from an iron on the button. In particular, buttons made of resin or with adhesive or plating may be affected by heat, steam, detergent, or solvents, so consider using a pressing cloth or pressing while avoiding the button.

FAQ

What is the difference between a ring shank and a shank button?

A shank button is the general term for a button attached by passing thread through a foot on the back side. A ring shank is one specific shape of that foot, referring to the ring-shaped portion. Tunnel shanks and parachute shanks are also foot shapes for shank buttons, but their structure differs from a ring shank.

Can ring shank buttons be used on thin textile?

Yes, but check the combination of the button weight, foot height, and the thinness of the textile. On thin fabric, the step created by the foot and sewing thread may show through on the front side. If necessary, use a backing button or reinforcing cloth, and it is important to confirm the appearance and tensile strength with a prototype.

What should be checked for ring shank button sizes?

Check the outer diameter in lignes or mm and match it with the corresponding buttonhole size. In addition, the inner diameter of the ring relates to the thickness of the thread used, and the height of the foot relates to the thickness of the textile. When placing an order, include not only the outer diameter but also the shape and dimensions of the foot in the specifications.