Maya Ellison
KAM snaps, also known as plastic fasteners, are a great alternative to buttons. They are bright, colourful, fun, quick and easy to install. They require no sewing and can be installed in less than a minute. They can be used in a variety of projects, from baby bibs to purses, bags, pillow covers and more. In this tutorial, we will learn how to install plastic snaps to bows.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation technique | Mark the placement of the snap on the fabric with a removable fabric marker. Use an awl to pierce a hole through the fabric. Place the cap and push the prong through the hole. Place the stud over the post of the cap on the other side of the fabric. Use snap pliers to press the two pieces together. |
| Advantages | Quick and easy to install. No sewing required. Bright, colourful, and fun. Sturdy closure. Inexpensive. |
| Common mistakes | Pressing the snap too slowly or too fast, causing the plastic to spread and the snap to come apart. Using snaps on fabric that is too thin or too thick. |
| Tools required | Snap pliers, awl, fray check/fray stop. |
| Types of snaps | KAM snaps, Babyville snaps. |
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What You'll Learn
Mark snap placement with a fabric marker
Marking the placement of the snaps is a crucial step in the installation process. It ensures that the snaps are positioned accurately and securely. Here is a detailed guide on how to mark snap placement with a fabric marker:
First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and components. Gather your fabric, a fabric marker, an awl, and your plastic snap set, which typically includes two caps, a socket, and a stud piece. It is recommended to practice on a scrap piece of fabric before working on your final project.
Once you have all the required materials, use your fabric marker to indicate the exact locations where you will insert the snaps. Mark the spots where the cap prongs will penetrate the fabric. These marks serve as a guide for creating holes and positioning the snaps accurately.
When marking the snap placement, consider the overall design and functionality of your project. Determine whether the caps will be placed on the outer fabric layer or if there are specific requirements for the snap arrangement. For example, in a pouch with a flap, you might push the awl through the layers on the flap only.
It is important to note that different snap types and sizes may require specific placements. For instance, KAM snaps come in various sizes, such as T3, T5, and T8, and shapes like hearts and stars. Ensure you refer to the instructions or a tutorial specific to the type of snaps you are using.
By following these steps and marking the snap placement with a fabric marker, you can ensure precision and accuracy in your project. Remember to take your time and double-check your markings before proceeding to the next steps of installing plastic snaps.
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Use an awl to pierce a hole through the fabric
Using an awl to pierce a hole in the fabric is a crucial step when installing plastic snaps. It is important to first mark the placement of the snaps with a removable fabric marker. This will ensure that the hole is pierced in the correct position. The awl, included in the Babyville Snap Pliers kit, is then used to push through the fabric layers at the marked point. This creates a small opening for the cap prong to be pushed through. The awl helps to create a precise hole without causing any unnecessary damage to the fabric.
It is important to note that the awl should only be pushed through the fabric layers where the snap will be inserted. For example, if installing a snap on a pouch flap, the awl should be pushed through the layers on the flap only. This ensures that the snap is securely attached to the desired area without affecting the surrounding fabric.
When using an awl, it is recommended to practice on a scrap piece of fabric first. This allows for a better understanding of the process and helps to avoid any mistakes on the final project. By marking the snap placement and using the awl to create a small hole, the installation process becomes more accurate and efficient.
Additionally, the awl can be used to apply Fray Check or Fray Stop to the hole before installing the snap. This helps to reinforce the hole and prevent the fabric from fraying, especially when working with delicate fabrics. Overall, using an awl to pierce a hole in the fabric is a precise and controlled step that ensures the successful installation of plastic snaps.
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Push the cap prong through the hole
When installing plastic snaps, it's important to take your time and follow the correct steps to ensure a secure and neat finish. One of the critical stages is pushing the cap prong through the hole, and here's how to do it:
Firstly, mark the position of the snap on your fabric with a removable fabric marker. This ensures that you create the hole in the correct place. Then, take your awl and push it through the fabric layers, creating a hole where your mark is. This step may vary slightly depending on the type of fabric you're working with. For very delicate fabrics, it is recommended to use size 16 snaps, which require less pressure to open and will cause less wear on the fabric. You can also apply FRAY CHECK/FRAY STOP to the hole before installing the snap for added reinforcement.
Now, for the crucial part: pushing the cap prong through the hole. Take one of the caps and push the prong through the hole you just made with the awl. The caps typically go on the outside of your project, but this may vary depending on the design. At this stage, you should also consider the placement of the stud and socket. The stud and socket are the parts that connect to form the closure. Generally, the caps go on the outside, while the stud and socket are on the inside of the snap pair.
Once you have the cap prong through the hole, you can move on to the next step of placing the stud over the cap's post on the other side of the fabric. It's important to ensure that the cap is secure and properly positioned before moving on. A helpful tip is to use snap pliers, which are designed to work with plastic snaps and provide easy and secure insertion without damaging the snap covers. When using pliers, slip the snap halves into the pliers, with the cover against the black die tray and the socket facing the rubber pressing head. You should hear a "click," indicating that it's properly seated. Then, simply squeeze the pliers together.
By following these steps, you can confidently push the cap prong through the hole when installing plastic snaps. Remember to take your time and ensure that each step is completed accurately before moving on to the next, as this will ensure a secure and neat finish to your project.
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Place the stud piece onto the cap prong
When installing plastic snaps to bows, you will need to purchase snap pliers first if it is your first time installing snaps. You can get these from Amazon or eBay, along with the snaps. If you are in Australia, you can get them from Ma & Me Designs. You will also need an awl for poking holes.
Now, let's get started on the installation. First, mark on your fabric where you will insert your snap with a removable fabric marker. Take your awl and push it through the fabric/fabric layers where you made your mark. Take one of the caps and push the prong through the hole you just made. The caps generally go on the outside of the project, but it depends on what you are sewing. Caps are on the outside; the stud and socket are on the inside of the snap pair. The cap goes on the outside of the flap. This is what it looks like on the inside of the flap. See that little post sticking through? Place a stud over the post of the cap on the other side of the fabric/other side of the flap.
The stud piece will be placed under the white rubber pressing head on the other side of the pliers. The cap will be placed into the black die tray. Make sure it sits there nicely. Using your KAM pliers, press the two pieces firmly together. The plastic cap pin will get flattened, holding the snap together.
If you have followed all the directions and the stud keeps coming off even though the cap prong is smashed down, try reaching out directly to Babyville/Dritz.
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Use pliers to press the two pieces together
When installing plastic snaps to bows, it is important to have the right tools. You will need to purchase KAM snap pliers, which can be found on Amazon, eBay, or in smaller fabric and patchwork shops. The pliers are designed to work with the plastic snaps to allow for easy, secure insertion without damaging the surface of the snap covers. They usually come with a shank, rubber pressing head, and die tray.
Now, onto the process of pressing the two pieces together. First, slip the snap halves into the pliers. 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.
Next, use the pliers to press the two pieces together. Squeeze the pliers together, applying just enough pressure to close the handles all the way. Remember, you are working with plastic, not metal, so you don't need to use excessive force.
After pressing, remove the fabric from between the pliers. You will notice that the prong has been squashed down, securing the socket in place. Repeat this process to place all the sockets needed for your project. The opposite half of the snap inserts using the same method.
It is important to note that marking the placement of the snaps before pressing is a crucial step. Place your completed socket half in its finished position, ensuring that it overlaps the fabric panel into which you will be inserting the studs. This will help ensure that the snaps are installed in the correct location.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need plastic snaps, fabric, snap pliers, and an awl.
First, mark where you will insert your snap with a removable fabric marker. Then, use the awl to push through the fabric where you made your mark. Next, push the prong of one of the caps through the hole you just made. Place a stud over the post of the cap on the other side of the fabric. Finally, use the snap pliers to press the two pieces firmly together.
If your fabric is too thin, use nail clippers to snip the top of the post so that the middle can be pushed down closer to your fabric. If your fabric is too thick, you may need long prong snaps.
