Omar Khalid
Plastic snap sets are a great alternative to buttons, Velcro, or metal snaps. They are bright, colourful, and fun, and can be used on a variety of sewing projects, from baby items like bibs and reusable diapers to clothing, camera straps, and pouches. They are easy to install, requiring no sewing or complicated buttonholes, and can be installed in less than a minute. To install plastic snap sets, you will need special pliers with a divot and a rod with a soft plastic cover, such as Madam Sew's Snap Button Pliers or KAM snap pliers. The process involves marking the snap placement, poking a hole, inserting the prong of the cap through the hole, attaching the socket, and then using the pliers to secure the snap in place. With practice and the right tools, you can easily master the technique of installing plastic snap sets and explore their endless possibilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Installation | KAM snaps or plastic fasteners are quick and easy to install once you have the technique down pat. They require no sewing, no complicated buttonholes, and can be installed in less than 1 minute. |
| Use | Plastic snap sets are a great alternative to buttons or velcro. They are easy to open and close, even for kids, and have a good strong hold. |
| Tools | Madam Sew's Snap Button Pliers come with everything you need: 3 different divots (1,2,3), 2 rods (A,B), an awl to make holes, and a screwdriver to change the parts. |
| Fabric | If your fabric is too thin, use nail clippers to snip the top of the post (the pointy part of the cap) so the middle can smush down closer to your fabric. If your fabric is too thick, you may need LONG PRONG snaps. |
| Removal | Use a flathead screwdriver and sharp scissors between the backing circle/star piece and the snap piece to remove, but bear in mind it is difficult to remove with no damage to the fabric or to yourself. Use caution and consider wearing goggles. |
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What You'll Learn
Marking the snap placement
First, prepare your fabric by ensuring it is clean and wrinkle-free. This will make it easier to work with and facilitate a smoother installation process. Use a ruler to help you determine the precise locations for each snap. Mark the exact placement for each snap on the fabric, including the front and back of each piece. Use a water-soluble marking tool to avoid leaving permanent marks on your project.
The centre position of the snap is the most crucial point to mark. You can mark this with an "X," with each segment of the "X" being the diameter of the snap being used. This method allows for greater accuracy by providing two forms of registering to place the snap.
If you are using a pattern, the snap positioning may be specified, so refer to the instructions for guidance. You can also use the socket as a guide for the placement of the stud. Press the socket into the opposite fabric until it creates an impression, then place a mark at that point before the impression disappears.
Once you have marked the snap placements, you can proceed to install the snaps by inserting the snap parts into the pliers' setting tool and positioning the fabric between the snap components. Remember to squeeze the pliers firmly but carefully, applying even pressure to ensure a secure fastening.
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Poking a hole for the snap
Choosing the Right Tools
Before you begin, it is important to select the appropriate tools for the job. An awl, a sharp tool used for making holes, is commonly used for poking holes in fabric or other materials. Some snap sets, such as the Babyville Snap Sets, come with an awl included. Alternatively, you can use a sharp object like a screwdriver or scissors to create the hole.
Marking the Spot
The next step is to determine the exact location where you want to place the snap. Mark this spot with a pen or a pencil, ensuring it is centred and aligned correctly. This marking will guide you in poking the hole and ensure the snap is placed accurately.
Poking the Hole
Now, using the awl or your chosen tool, carefully poke a hole through the fabric at the marked spot. Make sure the hole is not too big, as you want it to be a snug fit for the snap prong. The hole should be just large enough for the prong to fit through comfortably. If you are working with delicate fabric, consider using a smaller awl or tool to create a smaller hole, preventing any unnecessary strain on the fabric.
Preparing the Snap
With the hole ready, it's time to prepare the snap for attachment. Select the snap piece with the prong (the male snap piece). Push the prong gently through the hole you created, ensuring it goes all the way through. The prong should now be protruding from the other side of the fabric.
Securing the Snap
Place the corresponding snap piece (the female snap piece) onto the protruding prong. Ensure it is facing the correct direction, following your desired functionality. This step creates a "sandwich" effect, with the fabric in the middle and the snap pieces on either side. Now, use your snap-setting tool or pliers to securely attach the snap. Place the snap into the setting tool, ensuring the prong is still visible, and apply pressure to mash the prong down, securing the snap in place.
Remember, poking a hole for the snap is just one part of the process of installing a plastic snap set. Following the manufacturer's instructions and taking your time will ensure a successful snap installation.
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Attaching the snap parts
If you are using KAM snap pliers, ensure the cap at the bottom sits snugly in the black disk at the bottom of the pliers, and align the stud with the pushing disk at the top. Once you are happy with the alignment, squeeze the handles of the pliers hard until the post in the cap is squashed down. Repeat the process to attach the socket part of the snap pair to the other cap.
If you are using a single layer of fabric or a lightweight fabric, consider adding interfacing to strengthen the area and provide stability. You can also reinforce your fabric with interfacing if it is not firm enough. Additionally, if your fabric is too thin, you can use nail clippers to snip the top of the post so that the middle can be pushed down closer to the fabric. On the other hand, if your fabric is too thick, you may need long prong snaps.
To remove a snap, use caution and consider wearing goggles. Place a flathead screwdriver and sharp scissors between the backing circle/star piece and the snap piece to detach it. However, keep in mind that removing the snap may damage the fabric and the prong backing part cannot be reused.
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Using pliers to secure the snap
Preparing the Fabric
Before you begin securing the snap with pliers, it's important to prepare the fabric. Mark the desired location of the snap on the fabric. Then, use an awl or the plastic pin (prong) of the cap to poke a hole where you will position the snap. Next, insert the prong of the cap through the hole from the top side of the fabric.
Positioning the Pliers
Now, it's time to get your pliers ready. Place the flat piece of the cap inside the divot or black tray of the pliers, ensuring it fits snugly. The divot is the indented part of the pliers designed to hold the cap securely. Make sure no part of the button sits outside the divot.
Attaching the Socket
With the cap securely in place, it's time to attach the socket. Place the socket onto the prong from the other side of the fabric, ensuring the indentation is away from the prong. Match the socket with the other end of the pliers. Check that everything is aligned correctly before proceeding.
Squeezing the Pliers
Once you're satisfied with the alignment, it's time to squeeze the pliers. Use both hands to press down and squeeze firmly. You don't need to use excessive force, but make sure the handles are fully closed. Hold this position for about 10 seconds. You will feel resistance as the pliers smoosh down the plastic prong, securing the socket in place.
Securing the Stud
Repeat the process for the stud part of the snap. Make another hole, poke the prong through, and place the stud with the flat side facing down onto the fabric. Position the cap in the divot of the pliers, ensuring proper alignment. Then, squeeze the pliers firmly to secure the stud in place.
Testing the Snap
After securing both the socket and stud, it's important to test the snap function. Open and close the snap to ensure it makes a clicking sound, indicating a proper connection. If you need to remove or adjust the snap, use caution and consider wearing protective gear like goggles.
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Testing the snap function
Once you have installed the snap, it is important to test its function. Make sure the snap faces the correct direction for how you want it to work. For example, you may want the lapped wrong side over the right side or wrong sides together.
If the snap does not work, you may need to add a stabilizer or a small piece of fabric to make the snap work. This is especially important if your fabric is too thin. You can also use nail clippers to snip the top of the post (the pointy part of the cap) so the middle can be pushed down closer to your fabric. If your fabric is too thick, you may need longer prongs.
If you have made a mistake, you can use a flathead screwdriver and sharp scissors to remove the snap. However, it is difficult to remove the snap without damaging the fabric. You cannot reuse the prong backing part on a removed snap, but sometimes the male or female parts will still be usable.
It is worth noting that snap-fits can easily loosen due to plastic part deformation. They also have limited reusability, and frequent disassembly can cause deformation, reducing the snap engagement and connection effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need special pliers with a divot and a rod with a soft plastic cover. You can purchase KAM snap pliers, Madam Sew's Snap Button Pliers, or Babyville snap pliers.
First, mark where you want your snap. Second, poke a hole where you will position your snap with an awl or the plastic pin of the cap. Third, 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. Fourth, take your pliers to attach the socket and the cap. Fifth, repeat the process to attach the stud part of the snap.
If your fabric is too thin, use nail clippers to snip the top of the post so the middle can be pushed down closer to your fabric. You can also reinforce your fabric with interfacing before placing the snap.
If your fabric is too thick, you may need to use LONG PRONG snaps.
Plastic snaps are a great alternative to buttons or velcro. They are quick and easy to install, require no sewing, and can be installed in less than a minute. They are also safe and easy to open and close, even for kids.
