Sewing snaps by machine is a quick and efficient way to attach these useful fasteners to your fabric projects. Unlike hand sewing, the machine ensures consistent stitches and durability.
To sew on snaps using a sewing machine, you typically use a zig-zag stitch and carefully adjust the stitch width to sew around the holes of the snap piece you are attaching.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
Preparing for Machine Snap Attachment
Before you begin, gather your materials:
- Fabric project
- Snap (Socket or Stud piece)
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Machine needle suitable for your fabric
- Optional: Button sewing foot or zig-zag foot
Steps to Sew Snaps by Machine
Sewing on snaps by machine involves careful positioning and stitch adjustment. The process often utilizes a zig-zag stitch that is wide enough to span the distance between the holes on the snap piece.
- Mark Placement: Determine the exact location for your snap on the fabric. Mark it clearly.
- Prepare the Machine: Set up your sewing machine. A zig-zag stitch is commonly used for this purpose. If you have a button sewing foot, it can be helpful, but a standard zig-zag foot works too.
- Position the Snap: Place the snap piece (either the socket or the stud half) onto the marked location on your fabric. Position it under the machine's presser foot.
- Adjust Stitch Width: This is a crucial step. According to the reference, you need to "figure out what the correct stitch width is once we have this now under the machine." Adjust your machine's stitch width setting so that the zig-zag stitch spans the distance between the sewing holes on the snap. The needle should swing from just outside one hole to just outside the other.
- Test Stitch: It's highly recommended to test this stitch width on a scrap piece of fabric with a spare snap before sewing on your actual project.
- Sew the First Pair of Holes: Lower the needle into the fabric just outside the first hole. Begin sewing slowly, ensuring the zig-zag stitch catches the fabric securely through both holes. You'll sew a few stitches back and forth to secure this side.
- Reposition and Sew: Carefully lift the presser foot (keeping the needle down if possible to maintain position) and rotate the fabric and snap so the next pair of holes is under the needle. Lower the foot and repeat the process, sewing a few securing stitches.
- Repeat for All Holes: Continue repositioning and sewing for all sets of holes on the snap piece.
- Finish: Once all hole pairs are sewn, lift the foot, cut your threads, and secure the stitches on the back if necessary. Repeat the entire process for the other half of the snap on the corresponding fabric location.
By carefully adjusting the stitch width and positioning the snap, you can quickly and securely attach snaps using your sewing machine, resulting in a neat and durable finish.
