Small buttons...what were they used for?

[NHDirtShark]

This year I have found several small buttons some as small as a pea. Very old for sure. I was wondering, what were tiny buttons used for?
Finding two of these in an old farm field today I can't help but wonder what practical purpose they served.

 

[Chilli]

This year I have found several small buttons some as small as a pea. Very old for sure. I was wondering, what were tiny buttons used for?
Finding two of these in an old farm field today I can't help but wonder what practical purpose they served.

Hi. Perhaps from old button up boots!? They were pretty small.
We find lots of small buttons here from long johns and things like that but typically they are sow on with eyes not like those there.

 

[ncsuwolf]

Hi. Perhaps from old button up boots!? They were pretty small.
We find lots of small buttons here from long johns and things like that but typically they are sow on with eyes not like those there.

Don’t know abut the boots part, but a lot of the smaller buttons here are sew on’s as well….and assumed underwear. I’d guess smaller flat buttons are cuffs or ladies buttons, but I’m sure there are others in here than can provide better insight

 

[The Rebel]

The small buttons are probably cuff buttons or perhaps off a childs clothing.

Another possibility is that they were decorative.

 

[Blackfoot58]

I agree with The Rebel. Many buttons were sewn on as decorations, often in patterns. Some could even be from higher end children’s clothes or doll clothes. These would be from wealthy families.

 

[pepperj]

Compare the small buttons with a regular shirt buttons of today.
Usually when I dig small ones I just think cuff button.
Real small then children, or something off woman's wear.

 

[ButtonButton]

Glove buttons are very small. Most older underwear buttons were made of bone.