Make Mid-century Modern Stitcher’s Magnets

UpdatedJune 23, 2020.
Inspired by a post on Brit + Co, you can easily turn bottle caps into mid-century modern clocks. Now that you have the idea why not go one better and turn them into stitcher’s magnets?

Begin by looking for Mid-century Modern style art, clip art, or pictures from books or vintage magazines. Make a color copy. If the art is not the correct size, scan it into your computer and use an editing program (I use Photoshop Elements) to resize it. Print off the picture.

Although you can use any bottle cap that has a flat top, look for new blank ones. You can find these online, at craft stores, or at brewer supply stores.

Cut out your picture and glue it onto the cap. Seal the cap with ModPodge and let dry. White glue can be used for this.

My tests show that the magnets from the hobby store are not strong enough. Buy a bunch of ceramic or Rare Earth 1/2″ disk magnets (I buy mine on eBay). These hold really well, but and are thick enough for the bottle caps. They are strong but still easy to pry apart.

Often the ceramic magnets have some rough edges. Take a rag and rub these off (they will stain the cloth, so use a rag). Rub the top and bottom edges.

Glue the magnets into the bottle cap. Use a strong glue such as ES-3000 or Super Glue for this.

Place a second magnet, also cleaned against it.

Voila, a unique stitcher’s magnet!

P.S. — You can use art in any style to make these great magnets.