A button support 53 is upwardly biased and is movable along a vertical axis between three positions. Buttons formed with at least two thread holes are orientated by rotary frictional drive means 60 and 61 through effecting relative rotation between the button support 53 and a button 101 which are located by positioning means 13 and 18 positioning a button above the button support. In the lowest position of the button support, the button support is free to rotate about the vertical axis relative to a button 101 located by the positioning means 13 and 18. In an intermediate position the button support together with the button located by the positioning means 13 and 18 are rotatable about the vertical axis. Pins 54 project upwardly from the button support 53 for insertion in the holes of the button so that the button and button support can rotate together. In an upper position, the button support is locked against further rotation so as to provide a support for buttons in the required orientation.