I love shawls. I love that they add a little extra warmth, you can even wear them bandit-style under a jacket, and they can be small enough to scrunch together when you’re not wearing them (or hung on a hanger in your closet). Bring them to a chilly restaurant, leave one in your office for when it (inevitably) gets cool, or use one like a blanket when you have a bit of a chill at home. It’s a great way to dress up your outfit or add another layer when you need it.
But sometimes, they can be hard to keep on your shoulders. I end up futzing with them a lot and pulling them back up. Or knotting them to try and keep them in place.
Enter JUL Designs‘ Pedestal Buttons and Shawl Pins. There’s so much to love.
Pedestal Buttons
I love that these look like buttons but don’t require a button hole. They give me flexibility to grab the shawl how I want that day, but I can remove the button(s) and place them in a totally different place next time!
I treat these like jewelry when I’m not using them so I (try) not to lose the backs. Honestly, the biggest challenge for me is that I remember to take them off before taking the shawl off and don’t just leave them on after I’m done wearing it. I like to create folds and gathers and they’re not great for a shawl when they’re being stored (ask me how I know).
And a word of advice – screw them in well but not so tightly that it’s hard to unscrew. Or like me, you might need to ask your husband for help.
Shawl Pins
These are another way to affix a shawl without needing to pre-plan buttonholes. They work great because they allow you to place them in different spots as your mood changes, your outfit changes or your weight changes (that never happens, right?).
Either of these give you a way to add a little something extra to your outfit. And the best part – they’re not permanent so you can choose the right one for your mood or your outfit.
My Favorite Ways to Use JUL Buttons and Pins
There are lots of ways to use them, and I keep coming up with new ways and new styles too. I never thought I was a rectangular shawl person, but with JUL Buttons I think they can make a real statement.
Since I have a TON of triangular shawls, I’ll show you a few of my favorite ways to use them.
This is such a great way to wear a cowl. You know how you need to make a cowl wide enough to go over your head without messing up your hair? But then it ends up being too loose around your neck? Well, Pedestal Buttons are the answer. I often thought about using a shawl pin for this but decided against impaling myself in the process 😉
This is better.
More Ideas
JUL created a few videos to show you how to style with their pedestal buttons.
And here’s another one that shows both the pedestal buttons and their no-sew closures.
Win a Pedestal Button or Shawl Pin
Would you like one of your very own? Leave us a comment on this post: tell us which you would prefer – one of the shawl pins or the screw-in pedestal button styling tack – why you would choose the one over the others, and what you would use it on.
The fine print: One entry per email address. Leaving a comment here gives you one entry into the contest and also signs you up for both the Knotions and JUL Designs Newsletters. You can unsubscribe from either at any point and we never sell or rent your email address. It’s safe with us. The contest ends at 12 Midnight EDT on Sunday, October 8th, 2017.
Good luck!
Second Entry
A second way to win!
Post an image on Instagram of where you’d place the buttons/pin (Don’t have any yet? Use paper and removable stitch markers to indicate the placement) and use the hashtag #knotionsJULdesigns.
The fine print: This is a second entry so you need to comment here first. This is part of the same contest, so the contest ends at 12 Midnight EDT on Sunday, October 8th, 2017.
10% Off Now
Don’t want to wait? Laura from JUL gave me a coupon code just for Knotions readers. Pick any of the designs featured here from their website and use the code knotions10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase.
What delicious hardware! I’d love to try the pedestal button, but the shawls pins and other closures are really cool as well.
I think a shawl pin is more classic looking. I don’t own any yet which is why I don’t wear my shawl yet…
I really want a pedestal button. I keep meaning to pick one up but always forget. I was introduced to them and the company I think it was last year when I did the Walking dead MKAL with Jimmy Beans.
I would love to try the screw in button! I have a shawl pin and it’s pretty but ends up poking me with the actual pin/stick part. I love how easy and pretty the button looks. Thank you for the chance!
I’d love to try the pedestal buttons. I currently use shawl pins, but the buttons would be great for shortening my cowls!
I would like to try one of these buttons… I think they are kind of “steampunk” compared to the classic shawl pin.
I prefer the shawl pin because I like the look of the shawl pin. I would use it on shawls.
Shawls are my absolute favorite items to knit!!! As I know where to purchase shawl pins easily, but have never even heard of the pedestal buttons, I would choose the buttons. I am intrigued by this product.
Pedestal button – more universal. Shawl pins are pretty, but every pin does not fit with every shawl.
The Runa Penannular Brooch is my preference because the two pieces are securely attached together (not likely to lose just one part) and you can put on a shawl and fasten the brooch from the front while seeing everything’s going well — no fumbling underneath the fabric blindly!
I should add that I already own (purchased) two JUL pedestal buttons to use with bulky art yarns and find that they work well for that purpose and are of excellent quality.
Wow–those buttons are very cute. I would like to try them.
I love your screw in shawl pins~ really I love them both!
I have many shawls and use shawl pins all the time. And just like the article, I use them to tighten up loose or infinity cowls! I have several beautiful Jul shawl pins, so I guess I would like to try the buttons as something different!
Ooo hard choice as I love the look of a shawl pin on my knits! That said, the pedestal buttons look amazing and a great alternative!
Definitely the button.
I have a number of shawl pins, but on lightweight/fine shawls, they end up dragging down the shawl (even light pins are sometimes too much). The button would be the perfect alternative
I would choose the pedestal button, as I really like the aesthetic it adds, and I have more than a few shawl pins already, including some lovely JUL pieces. In particular, I have a lace cowl that could really do with having a button to create some shape to it!
I LOVE the idea of the pedestal pin! Sometimes my smaller crescent shawls need a little something to keep them in place. A shawl pin can be awkward in those times, but without SOMETHING, one of the “tails” of the shawl always falls off my shoulders! Great idea!!
I would prefer a shawl pin because most of my shawls are knitted with fingering weight yarn and I am afraid that the buttons would be too heavy to use on them.
I’ve never seen the pedestal button before. I think it is clever but maybe a little chunky for my taste. I love the shawl pins! I was first introduced to this brand through The Fiber Factor contest put on my Skacel. They had a Jūl challenge and I’ve been wanting their products ever since!
The shawl pins are beautiful! But the pedestal buttons, what a clever solution to cinch a shawl! I like them because they are small and don’t have sharp ends.
Pedestal pin please
I’d definitely choose the shawl pin – they’re just so interesting looking!
Thanks for the contest and for the helpful pictures. I’ve never really understood – or seen a pedestal button worn. I would love to try a pedestal button as I do have a few shawl pins
The shawl pins are gorgeous, but i have several already and the pedestal buttons are new to me and look like they work great, so that would be my choice.
The buttons are a very cool idea and would suit my style … so versatile, but that shawl pin is absolutely stunning. I would go for the pin.
i would choose the shawl pin as they are bigger and more of a statement piece which to me is a great addition to any shawl. kep@nbnet.nb.ca thx for having a contest. The screw button is a great idea though, I am just into louder things.
I prefer the button. I have some beautiful shawl pins with scrolls that are really works of art. I can’t wear them because the scrolls/decorative edges get tangled in the lace or just stitches of the knitting.
I have a rather, uhmm, extensive shawl pin collection, but those buttons look intriguing! And I totally agree about cowls needing a little something to tighten them up when it is actually cold enough to wear them. So, button would be my pick!
Ohhhh… I’ve lusted after a shawl pin for soooo long I’d love to have one, especially since I’ve been on a shawl kick of late!!!
The buttons are cool, but I like the traditional look of the shawl pin!
brilliant … the pedestal button is just that. somehow these have escaped my notice until now. thanks for the introduction.
I would love to win one of the pedestal buttons. I immediately saw how useful these would be in cinching in a cowl. Great idea and product!
I love to make and wear shawls/shawlettes. Is have only ever used shawls pins, both wooden and metal. The screw-in pedestal button styling tack is of interest to me now. It will give an entirely different look to some of my shawls. I want to add that Jul design shawl pins are some of my favorites!!
I love Jul designs. You’ve listed some great options, too! I concur with your review.
It’s great to have a video, thanks. I would love a pedestal button because it’s seems more versatile and I have a few shawl pins already.
Hm, I have several shawl pins (okay, I have a small collection), but I don’t have any of the pedestal buttons. Thanx to your tip, I now know how to cinch up a cowl in a decorative fashion. Therefore, I would have to say that I would luv to win one of those.
Wow. Where have I been that the pedestal buttons are new to me? I would love to use these.
I think that I would prefer the shawl pin. Although the buttons are intreguing, I prefer lacy shawls and I fear that the buttons will work their way through the holes in the lace as if it were a button hole
I’d like a pedestal button. I’ve been known to stab myself with pointy shawl pins. 🙂 I’ve got lots of shawls to use it on and I’ve avoided cowls because I don’t like the way many of them puddle uselessly; I think a pedestal button would be a perfect way to gather them around my neck to keep warm.
The Pedestal Button is my fave! It’s a versatile design that I would use on both shawls and open sweaters. Thanks for the generous giveaway!
love the mod leather shawl pin….but really, I should try a pedestal button as I’m a mama with active small boys and I’m always afraid of poking someone with shawl pins or having my shawl end up in a mud puddle. The button would solve all that!
Pedestal button as I think you could be more active in your knitwear then. 🙂
I would love to try a pedestal button. I have a nice shawl pin but have poked myself a number of times with it while wearing the shawl at work and without something holding it, I spend all day fussing with the shawl.
Love them both. I can see the pedestal buttons being a great way to close a cardigan. But given a choice between the two pieces, I would choose the shawl pin because I love the idea of having my jewelry be a functional piece as well. So shawl pins are a staple of my wardrobe. And I am a sucker for a beautifully worked piece of metal.
Hard decision, but, since I have to choose, I will go with the shawl pin
I love the pedestal button idea. I have made linked buttons before now to cinch my cowls but this looks to be an easier solution ( Mine use a smaller button linked to a larger button with a 1/4 ” thread chain )
I would love the pedestal button. I like the clean look of it.
I loe the look of the pedestal button! It is different than most items that use a shawl pin, just gives it an extra pop.
Love shawl pins, they add so much to a shawl. thanks for the contest!
I love the shawl pins , they are so beautiful. I might consider a button in the future, but for now it’s the pin.
I like the pedestal buttons because they will stay put and can be used on heavier weight shawls and scarves. While I admire (okay, I actual drool over) lace shawls, the heavier ones are more practical for me. Those clever pedestal buttons are just perfect!
I would love a pedestal button- I have lots of shawl pins. I would love to try different ways of changing my sweaters and cowls by using a button.
Good morning! I love both the pins and buttons, but I find the buttons to be easier to use and keep in place. I find that the pins tend to become heavy and never stay where I put them. I have a button and love it. I never thought to use it on my cowls that is a definite try. Thank you for the chance to win one. I honestly didn’t know what they were called so had no way of finding one.
I adore the shawl pin. The pedestal button is wonderful.
I definitely prefer the shawl pin as I feel it looks like heirloom jewelry. I might be a tomboy at heart, but sometimes one needs something elegant.
I love the Jul shawl pedestal pin – it would give stability to the knitting, and not come loose or have parts that can drop off. I also think it is a very modern looking accessory that will look beautiful on any shawl.
I would want the pedestal pin. It is a more modern look. Thanks!
I already have a few shawl pins (Okay, more than a few…), but this is the second time in less than 24 hours that I’ve seen the pedestal buttons mentioned and now I *really* want them. I’m working on a piece right now that they’d be great on!
I think I will go with the pin, it can be a piece of jewelry on many garments
What a blever idea. I’d like to try the button. Thanks for a contest and introducing new products.
Buttons or pins make a shawl or scarf so much more wearable. I never thought of using a pedestal button before but it would add a lot to the flexibility for suiting a garment to the weather or outfit.
I’m glad I read this! I would prefer the pedestal buttons. I’ve seen them before but assumed they were feet for a purse. Oops! I like the way they are shown to cinch cowls.
Love both of them, but what a neat concept with the pedestal buttons!
Oh my, this is really an “impossible” choice!!! I love both the shawl pins and the very useful buttons….. But okay, okay, if I really have to make a choice then I think I’ll go for the shawl pin, oh no the button, oh no the shawl pin….. Okay, final choice: the shawl pin….
I’m totally addicted to knitting Lace shawls and never had the opportunity to buy such a beautiful addition to my shawls.
Keeping my fingers crossed :-))