Maya Ellison
Plastic snaps are a great alternative to buttons or velcro, offering a lightweight feel and are easy to use, making them perfect for children's clothes, lightweight blouses, or small bags. They are also dryer-resistant and can be used in the microwave. To sew on plastic snaps, you need to separate the two pieces and mark the placement for each piece on the fabric. You can use a sharp sewing pin to poke a hole in the fabric, and then position the snap piece with the ball side facing down and sew through each hole to secure it. Finally, sew on the matching socket piece.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Items required | Plastic snaps, fabric, sewing pin, fabric pen/pencil, pliers, awl, screwdriver |
| Snap pieces | Ball-sided piece, socket piece, caps (front and back), stud |
| Snap placement | Mark the placement for each snap piece by folding or positioning fabric layers |
| Sewing technique | Sew through each hole 5 times to secure the ball-sided piece, then sew on the socket piece |
| Pliers | Madam Sew's Snap Button Pliers with divots and rods to attach snaps |
| Plastic snap properties | Lightweight, easy to open and close, strong hold, dryer-resistant, affordable in large amounts |
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What You'll Learn
Marking the fabric
Firstly, separate the two snap pieces and identify the ball-sided piece. This is the piece that will be attached to the bottom of your project. Position the fabric layers as you want them to be when the project is complete. For example, if you are sewing a pouch, fold over the fabric to create the desired opening. If you are working with a shirt, overlap the front edge with the opposite side to create enough space for the snap.
Next, use a sharp sewing pin to mark the placement of the snap. Insert the pin through the top layer of fabric, ensuring it touches the bottom layer. This will help you position both sides of the snap accurately. If your fabric won't stay in place, consider ironing it to prevent it from unfolding or shifting.
Once the pin is in place, use a fabric pen or pencil to mark the fabric. Make a small dot where the pin touches the bottom layer of fabric. Then, lift the top layer of fabric and mark where the pin is sticking out. These marks will guide the placement of the snap pieces.
If you are using plastic snap buttons, you may need to poke a hole in the fabric for the prong of the cap to go through. This can be done with the plastic pin or an awl. Place the prong through the hole from the top side of the fabric, then attach the socket from the other side.
For nylon sew-on snaps, you can use an iron to attach them to the fabric before sewing. Nylon snaps are lightweight and ideal for lighter fabrics such as children's clothes, blouses, or small bags. However, be cautious not to touch plastic snaps directly with an iron, as they may melt.
By following these steps, you will accurately mark the fabric for sewing on plastic snaps. Remember to consider the specific project and adjust the fabric layers and snap placement accordingly.
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Separating snap pieces
To separate the snap pieces, start by marking where the first side of your snap will be placed. Mark that spot with a small dot. Next, pierce through all layers of fabric and interfacing with an awl. It can be helpful to wiggle the awl a little bit once it is all the way through to mark the hole well. Then, push the post of one flat back piece through the hole.
The snap caps come in many varieties, different metal finishes, painted, and shell or plastic inlay. Though most snaps are round, some novelty snaps can be found in a range of shapes. The stud, sometimes referred to as the ball, is the male component of the snap. The socket and the stud interlock together to form a strong yet easy-to-use closure. The stud is attached to the fabric using the open prong. The open prong is used to attach the socket part of the snap. The pronged ring is the innermost part of the snap and has a smooth surface.
To assemble 1 snap, you need 4 pieces: 2 identical caps (front and back), a stud, and a socket. You will need special pliers with a divot and a rod with a soft plastic cover. Place the pliers on the side of the snap and squeeze to break the seal between the 2 components. Don't forget that the fabric will likely be marked by the hole you poked to attach the snap, and you will not be able to use the snap again.
To remove snaps, a flat-head screwdriver can be used to carefully lift the socket and stud away from the prongs fastening them to the fabric. Gently work your way around the perimeter of the snap, gradually lifting it away from the fabric. If the snap is proving to be very stubborn, try flipping the project over and lifting the pronged side with the flat-head screwdriver.
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Poke a hole
To sew on plastic snaps, you must first poke a hole in the fabric where you want the snap to be positioned. You can do this by piercing the fabric with the plastic pin, or prong, of the cap. However, you may need to use an awl, which is a tool that can be purchased alongside snap button pliers.
If you are working with fabric that is prone to shifting, consider ironing it first so that it stays in place while you work. You can then stick a sharp sewing pin through the fabric where you want to place the snap. Push the pin through the top layer of fabric so that it comes out through the bottom layer. This will help you to position both sides of the snap.
For example, if you are adding a snap to the top of a pouch, fold the pouch over as if you are snapping it shut, and then stick the pin through the top layer of fabric. You can then mark the fabric with a fabric pen or pencil. While the sewing pin is inserted, make a small dot where the pin touches the bottom layer of fabric. Remove the top layer of fabric and make another mark where the pin is sticking out.
Once you have marked the position of the snap, you can poke a hole through the fabric. If the plastic pin is long enough, you can use this to create the hole. Otherwise, use the awl to pierce the fabric.
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Positioning the snap
Firstly, separate the two pieces of the snap. Plastic snap fasteners typically consist of two identical caps (the front and back) and a stud and socket mechanism that fit together. Separate these pieces and set them aside for the next steps.
Now, you must determine the placement of the snap on your fabric. This will depend on the type of project you are working on. For example, if you are adding a snap to a pouch, fold the fabric as if you are snapping it shut, and then decide where you want the snap to be placed. If you are working on a shirt, lay the front edge over the opposite side so they overlap enough for the snap to be added.
Once you have decided on the placement, use a sharp sewing pin to mark the position. Insert the pin through the top layer of fabric so that it touches the bottom layer. This will help you position both sides of the snap accurately. You can also use a fabric pen or pencil to mark both layers of fabric where the pin pierces them.
If your fabric won't stay in place, consider ironing it to prevent it from unfolding or shifting while you work. Additionally, if you are adding a lining to your project, it is recommended to attach the snaps before sewing in the lining, as it will hide the stitches on the back of the snaps.
Finally, before attaching the snap, you will need to create a hole for the prong of the cap to go through. Sometimes, you can pierce the fabric with the plastic pin (prong) of the cap, but often you will need to use a tool like an awl to poke a hole. Make sure to poke the hole where you marked the fabric with the sewing pin.
Now you are ready to attach the snap! Position the flat back piece on the exterior of your project and slide the snap end onto the post from the back side. Follow the specific instructions for your type of plastic snap fastener to secure the snap in place.
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Securing the snap
To secure the snap, you will need to use a setting tool or pliers. If you are using pliers, you will need a special pair with a divot and a rod with a soft plastic cover.
First, you will need to poke a hole where you want to position the snap. You can do this with the plastic pin (prong) of the cap, 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, 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 must fit inside the divot. Then, match the socket with the other end of the pliers, ensuring that the indentation is away from the prong. Check that no part of the button sits outside of the divot. Now, press down and squeeze the pliers with both hands. You will feel the pliers flattening the prong, which will secure the snap.
If you are using a setting tool, first, line up the flat end of the snap with the cupped side of the tool. The flat end should be centred in the cup. Next, hold the snap inside the setting tool and gently squeeze the tool to hold the snap in place straight. Finally, give the setting tool a firm squeeze to flatten the post inside the snap end.
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Frequently asked questions
First, separate the two snap pieces and mark the placement for each piece on the item.
You can use a sharp sewing pin to insert through the top layer of fabric so it comes out and touches the bottom layer of fabric. Then, mark the fabric with a fabric pen or pencil where the pin touches the bottom layer.
Poke a hole where you marked the fabric. You can use the plastic pin (prong) of the cap to pierce the fabric or use an awl.
Put the prong of the cap through the hole from the top side of the fabric and attach the socket onto the prong from the other side of the fabric. Use snap button pliers to attach the socket and the cap.
