How to Install Snap Fasteners
It's not difficult to install snaps on garments. It is a good idea to learn the types of snaps and how to install each of them. Snaps make good alternatives to buttons and buttonholes and you need nothing more than a hammer and scissors to accomplish the job.
Things You'll Need
- Magnetic snaps
- Post snaps
- Prong snaps
- Practice material
- Batting
- Hammer
- Snap fastener kit (optional)
Instructions
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Learn to install magnetic snaps. They are most appropriate for purses or wallets. There are two parts to this snap, a female part and a male part. They fasten together on both the top and bottom of the snaps. Cut slits in the material to fit the width of the snap prongs. Push the prongs of either snap through the material. Cut a small circle of batting and slit it to fit the prongs. Push it up tight against the fabric. Install the washer and push the prongs to the outside to secure the snap. Repeat with the other half of the snap. These snaps hold together because they are magnetic.
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Install post snaps by making a small hole in the fabric to accommodate the posts of each snap. This style works best with heavier fabrics. The shorter post closing unit is inserted through the fabric hole and the socket goes over it. A tap of the hammer secures the post and socket tightly. The capping post with the longer prong is inserted on the other side of the fabric in the same manner.
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Insert the prong-closing style in lighter weight fabrics. The lower stud and socket are installed in the same manner as the post style. The prong-style cap will easily penetrate the fabric when it is tapped with a hammer so no additional holes are necessary with this snap.
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Buy snap installation kits available from the fabric store to make your job easier. They consist of hard plastic holders that stabilize the posts and sockets when you install the snaps. Each of the holders is marked for the socket and posts or caps and that makes them easy to use. Installation kits make the project quicker if you intend to do many sets of snaps.
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Tips & Warnings
Snaps on your child's garments make it easier for your child to dress himself. They are good alternatives to buttons and buttonholes on your garment. Heavy snaps can also be used in place of zippers on pants.
Be careful not to mix post and prong types of snaps. They may appear to hold, but will give way with much use.
