Omar Khalid
Plastic snaps are a great alternative to buttons or velcro, and can be used on a variety of sewing projects. They are easy to open and close, even for children, and have a strong hold. They can be used on baby items, clothing, duvet covers, and pouches, among other things. To install plastic snaps, you will need special pliers with a divot and a rod with a soft plastic cover. You will also need to reinforce your fabric with interfacing before placing the snap. The process of installing a plastic snap involves marking where you want the snap, poking a hole, and then putting the prong of the cap through the hole. The stud and socket are then attached, and the snap is secured using the pliers.
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What You'll Learn
Using KAM snap pliers
KAM snap pliers are a great invention that can be used as an alternative to buttons. They are bright, colourful, fun, quick, and easy to install. Before you start, it is recommended to practise on a scrap of fabric first to get a feel for the process and how the pliers work.
To begin, take your KAM pliers and position them with the bottom part resting on a table. The cap of the snap should be placed into the black die tray, with the stud placed under the white rubber head. Slip the snap pieces into the pliers, ensuring that the cap is centred on the die tray, with no part of the cap outside of the tray. Firmly press the top handle to flatten the prong and secure the stud in place. Remove the fabric from between the pliers and repeat the process to attach the socket part of the snap pair to the other cap.
If you are using a K1 or K2 KAM basic snap hand plier, squeaking may occur when lubrication has dried. This can be addressed by spraying WD40 or another lubricant on the metal screws, metal hinge, springs, and metal shank. Over time, plier parts will need to be replaced as they wear out.
Basic KAM snap pliers are designed for plastic snaps only and cannot be expanded for other uses. They are a great value option for occasional personal use but may not provide uniform and professional-looking results.
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Attaching the socket
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 use nail clippers to snip the top of the post (the pointy part of the cap) so that the middle can be pushed down closer to the fabric. If your fabric is too thick, you may need a longer prong.
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Reinforcing fabric with interfacing
When working with thin or stretchy fabrics, it is important to reinforce the fabric with interfacing before placing the snap. This will prevent the fabric from tearing and improve the overall quality of your work.
Firstly, mark where you want your snap to be placed. Then, poke a hole where the snap will be positioned. You can use the plastic pin (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, then attach the socket onto the prong from the other side of the fabric.
Now, reinforce the fabric with interfacing. Sew-in or fusible interfacing can be used. Using woven interfacing will improve the strength of your work, as non-woven interfacing can tear easily and lose integrity after washing. Place a medium/heavy woven (not stretchy) interfacing behind your snap, on the wrong side of the fabric.
Once the interfacing is in place, you can continue with 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, making sure it fits inside the divot. Then, match the socket with the other end of the pliers, ensuring the indentation is away from the prong. Check that no part of the button sits outside of the divot. Now, press down and squeeze with both hands. You will feel the prong flatten.
For the stud part, make another hole and poke the prong through. Place the stud part with the flat side facing down onto the fabric, then place the cap in the divot. Squeeze!
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Using nail clippers
If your fabric is too thin, you can use nail clippers to cut the top of the post (the pointy part of the cap) so that the middle can be pushed down closer to your fabric. This will help the snap to grip the fabric better and stay in place.
To start, place the snap cap right-side down on a plastic platform with the metal prongs facing up. Then, place the socket into the opposing plastic ring, ensuring that the raised side of the socket is facing the snap cap. Firmly press on the socket to secure it in place using pliers.
Next, use nail clippers to snip away the bits on the stud/socket side until only the prong is left. You can then easily pull out the cap side. Alternatively, you can use the nail clippers to squeeze the snap sideways and break it down.
Finally, place your fabric into the jaws of the pliers with the right side of the project facing the snap cap, aligning the snap with the markings on the project. Squeeze the pliers slowly and firmly.
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Squeezing the snap sideways
When it comes to setting a plastic snap, one common method involves squeezing the snap sideways. This technique is particularly useful when you want to ensure a strong and secure fastening. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to master this method:
Start by placing the snap in a sturdy snap plier or a similar tool designed for setting snaps. Make sure the pliers are positioned so that the snap is held securely, with the socket (the female part of the snap) sitting in the plier's jaw. You want to grip the snap firmly, but not so tightly that you distort its shape. With your other hand, hold the fabric or material onto which you are attaching the snap. Ensure that it remains flat and taut, providing a stable base for attaching the snap.
Now, it's time to apply pressure. Squeeze the handles of the pliers firmly and slowly bring them together. You should feel resistance as the snap starts to close. Maintain steady pressure and continue squeezing. You will feel a distinct "pop" or "snap" sensation when the snap locks into place. This indicates that the prong on the back of the snap has been successfully bent and that the snap is now securely closed.
The key to mastering this technique is finding the right amount of pressure and maintaining control throughout the process. Too much force can result in broken snaps or uneven settings, while too little pressure may result in a loose snap that can come undone easily. With practice, you'll develop a feel for the appropriate pressure required.
It's important to note that the specific details may vary slightly depending on the type of snap and setting tool you are using, so always refer to the manufacturer's instructions as well. With this sideways-squeezing method, you'll be able to set plastic snaps securely and efficiently, ensuring that your projects, whether they be clothing, crafts, or accessories, have durable and reliable fasteners.
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