Maya Ellison
Plastic snaps are a great alternative to buttons or velcro, and they can be used on a variety of sewing projects. They are easy to open and close and have a strong hold. They are especially useful for baby items like bibs, reusable diapers, and clothing. To attach plastic snaps, you will need snap button pliers, which come with different divots and rods to accommodate different sizes of snaps. The process involves marking where you want the snap, poking a hole, and then using the pliers to attach the socket and cap. It is recommended to test on several layers of fabric first to get the hang of it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pliers | K1 pliers, Snap Button Pliers |
| Cost | $13 |
| Where to buy | ilikebigbuttons.com, Amazon |
| Other tools | Awl, screwdriver, hammer, die, wood dowel, bench vise |
| Snap parts | 2 identical caps (front & back), a stud, and a socket |
| Snap placement | Mark where you want the snap |
| Fabric | If fabric is too thin, add a stabilizer or small piece of fabric |
| Hole-making | Poke a hole where you will position the snap |
| Attaching the socket | Put the prong of the cap through the hole from the top side of the fabric, then attach the socket onto the prong from the other side of the fabric |
| Attaching the cap | Put the flat piece of the cap inside the black tray (the divot) of the pliers |
| Securing the snap | Press down and squeeze with both hands |
| Stud placement | Make a hole, poke the prong through, place the stud part with the flat side facing down onto the fabric, place the cap in the divot, and squeeze |
| Snap confirmation | There should be a clicking sound when you open and close them |
| Reinforcement | Reinforce fabric with interfacing before placing the snap |
| Snap removal | Use a flathead screwdriver and sharp scissors between the backing circle/star piece and the snap piece |
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What You'll Learn
Mark where you want the snap
Marking where you want the snap is a crucial step in the process of applying plastic snaps with pliers. Here is a detailed guide to help you with this step:
First, decide on the placement of your snap. Consider the functionality and aesthetics of your project. You may want to mark the exact spot where you want the snap to be placed. This can be done with a fabric marker or tailor's chalk. Make sure the mark is clear and easy to see.
Next, determine the size of the snap you will be using. This is important because the placement of the mark should allow for adequate space to attach the snap securely. If the snap is too close to an edge or another element of the fabric, it may affect the overall look of your project.
Now, consider the thickness and type of fabric you are working with. If your fabric is thin or delicate, you may need to add a stabilizer or an extra layer of fabric behind the marked area to ensure the snap has a sturdy base to attach to. This will help prevent the fabric from tearing or the snap from pulling off easily.
Additionally, if you are working with a stretchy fabric, such as a knit, it is essential to test the snap placement on a similar scrap fabric before marking your actual project. This will help you ensure that the snap will function properly and not hinder the stretch or natural movement of the fabric.
Finally, if you are attaching multiple snaps, such as for a baby bib or a series of fasteners, ensure that your marks are evenly spaced and aligned. This will create a neat appearance and ensure the snaps function as intended. Remember that you can always test your snap placement on a scrap fabric first to visualize the final result.
By following these steps, you will be able to confidently mark the desired location for your plastic snaps, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing outcome for your project.
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Poke a hole where you will position the snap
To begin the process of applying plastic snaps with pliers, you must first poke a hole where you want to position the snap. This is done using an awl, which is a tool used for making holes in fabric or leather. The awl should be pushed through the fabric at the desired location for the snap, creating a hole for the snap to go through. This is an important step as it ensures the snap will be securely attached to the fabric.
When creating the hole with the awl, be sure to apply gentle but firm pressure to the fabric. You want to create a hole that is large enough for the snap to fit through, but not so large that it weakens the fabric or causes it to tear. Take your time with this step and be careful not to apply too much force, as it can be difficult to repair a tear in the fabric once it has occurred.
Once the hole has been created, you will be able to see the poky backing piece with a prong, which may be shaped like a white circle or yellow star. This is the piece that will be attached to the fabric to hold the snap in place. The prong should be pushed through the hole you have made, with the poky side facing up.
At this point, you should also consider the direction you want the snap to face. The snap can be attached in different ways, depending on the desired function. For example, you might choose to attach it with the lapped wrong side over the right side or with wrong sides together. Consider how you want the snap to function before proceeding to the next step.
Now that the hole is created and you have decided on the orientation of the snap, it's time to move on to the next step of attaching the snap with the pliers. Remember to take your time and be careful during this process to ensure that the snap is attached securely and in the correct position.
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Put the prong of the cap through the hole
When applying plastic snaps with pliers, the first step is to mark the fabric where you want to install the snaps. This should be done on both the right side and the wrong side of the fabric. Then, take the spikey ring and place its centre on the marked dot. Push the fabric from the other side against the spikes, using your fingers and nails, until the spikes have completely penetrated the fabric. If your fabric is stiff, you may need to make tiny snips to help the prongs penetrate the fabric.
Now, put the prong of the cap through the hole. The prong is the poky backing piece with a white circle or yellow star. You can use an awl to poke a hole through the fabric if needed. Place the purple cup (female) piece on the prong, with the purple cup facing up. The prong should be sticking up through the fabric and the purple female piece. You should now have a sandwich: backing prong (circle/star) at the bottom, fabric in the middle, and purple female snap at the top facing up.
Check that the purple piece is still on the prong and push it down. Nestle the backing circle/star into the black cup of the orange-handled snap-setting tool. The pointy prong of the backing circle/star will mash down into a blob, holding the purple female side of the snap onto the circle/star backing. You can now release the snap-setting tool.
If you are working with a tricky fabric like canvas, you can use a hole punch to make small guide holes. Then, insert the prongs of the snaps into the holes. This will help the snap pliers grip onto the fabric.
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Place the socket onto the prong from the other side of the fabric
To attach plastic snaps with pliers, you need to first poke a hole where you want to position your snap. Then, put the prong of the cap through the hole from the top side of your fabric. Next, attach the socket onto the prong from the other side of the fabric. Make sure the prong is the correct way up. The prong is the pointy part of the snap and it should be facing up.
Now, take your pliers to attach the socket and the cap. Put the flat piece of the cap inside the black tray (the divot) of the pliers. It has to fit snugly inside the divot. Match the socket with the other end of the pliers, ensuring that the indentation is away from the prong. The cover should sit against the black die tray and the socket should face the rubber pressing head. You will hear a "click" when the cover drops into the tray, indicating that it has been properly seated.
For the next step, squeeze the pliers together. You don't need to use excessive force as you are working with plastic, not metal. Just press the handles closed. You will see that the prong has been squashed down, securing the socket in place.
If your fabric is too thin, you may need to add a stabilizer or a small piece of fabric to make the snap work. You can also reinforce your fabric with interfacing before placing the snap.
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Put the flat piece of the cap inside the black tray of the pliers
When applying plastic snaps with pliers, there are several steps to follow. First, you need to mark where you want your snap to be positioned. Then, poke a hole where you will place your snap. You can use the plastic pin (the prong) of the cap to pierce the fabric, or you may need to use an awl. Next, put the prong of the cap through the hole from the top side of the fabric. Attach the socket onto the prong from the other side of the fabric. Now, take your pliers and put the flat piece of the cap inside the black tray (also known as the divot) of the pliers. It is important to ensure that the flat piece fits snugly inside the divot. The indentation should be away from the prong.
The black tray, or divot, is an essential part of the pliers that helps to secure the snap in place. It provides a stable platform for the flat piece of the cap to rest on while the snap is being attached. The divot ensures that the snap is properly aligned and positioned before it is secured in place. Without the divot, the snap may not be attached securely and could come loose over time. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the flat piece of the cap is placed correctly inside the black tray of the pliers to achieve a strong and durable snap attachment.
When placing the flat piece of the cap inside the black tray, it is important to match the socket with the other end of the pliers. This ensures that the snap is properly secured when pressure is applied. You will hear a "click" sound when the cover drops into the tray, indicating that it has been properly seated. At this point, you can squeeze the pliers together. Remember that you are working with plastic, so you don't need to apply excessive force. Just press the handles all the way closed.
After removing the fabric from between the pliers, you will notice that the prong has been flattened, securing the socket in place. Repeat the process for the stud part. Make another hole, poke the prong through, and place the stud part with the flat side facing down onto the fabric. Finally, place the cap in the divot and squeeze the pliers again. To ensure proper placement, you should hear a clicking sound when opening and closing the snap.
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Frequently asked questions
First, mark where you want your snap. Then, poke a hole where you will position it. Put the prong of the cap through the hole from the top side of your fabric, then attach the socket onto the prong from the other side of the fabric. Now, take your pliers to attach the socket and the cap: put the flat piece of the cap inside the black tray (the divot) of the pliers, then match the socket with the other end of the pliers, making sure that the indentation is away from the prong. Finally, press down and squeeze with both hands.
Pliers are a worthwhile investment, as they will save you time in removing mis-pressed snaps. They also come with several cup sizes for larger and smaller snaps.
While it is possible to apply plastic snaps without pliers, it is not recommended. The prong of each cap needs to be pressed down evenly and centred in the circle of the stud or socket, or the snap may fail prematurely.
