Sewing snaps onto pants is a straightforward way to add a secure closure or decorative detail. It involves attaching two corresponding parts of the snap, one on each side of the fabric opening or placement area.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to sew on sew-on snaps:
Materials You'll Need
- Sew-on snaps (check for the correct size)
- Matching thread (preferably heavy-duty or button thread)
- Sewing needle
- Fabric marking tool (chalk, pen)
- Small scissors
- Optional: Thimble
Attaching the Socket (Female) Half First
Typically, you'll attach one half of the snap (often the socket, or female part) to the underside of an overlap or flap, and the other half (the stud, or male part) to the layer underneath or where it will meet.
Step 1: Mark the Placement
Determine exactly where you want the snap to go. Use a fabric marking tool to mark the center point for the snap on one side of the fabric (e.g., the waistband overlap or a flap).
Step 2: Position the Snap
Place the socket half of the snap onto your marked spot, ensuring it sits flat against the fabric. The holes on the snap should be visible.
Step 3: Thread Your Needle
Thread your needle with a single or double strand of thread. Knot the end securely. To hide the knot, you can insert the needle from between the layers of fabric if possible, bringing it up through the fabric at one of the snap's sewing holes. If sewing onto a single layer, simply start from the underside, leaving the knot there.
Step 4: Begin Sewing Through a Hole
Bring your needle and thread up through the fabric and through one of the sewing holes on the snap.
Step 5: Secure the Thread Around the Snap's Edge
As shown in sewing guides for snaps: Go in and out of the fabric. Several times to wrap the thread around that side of the Snap. This technique involves looping the thread around the small bar or edge connecting the sewing hole to the main part of the snap several times (3-5 times is usually sufficient) after bringing the thread up through the hole. This reinforces the attachment point, making the snap more durable. Then, take the needle back down through the fabric right next to the hole.
Step 6: Move to the Next Hole
Bring the needle up through the fabric and the next sewing hole on the snap. Repeat Step 5, wrapping the thread around the edge next to this hole several times before going back down through the fabric.
Step 7: Repeat for All Holes
Continue this process for all the remaining sewing holes on the snap, reinforcing each one by wrapping the thread around the edge as described. Pull the thread snug, but not so tight that it puckers the fabric.
Step 8: Secure the Thread
Once you've sewn through all holes and reinforced them, take your needle to the underside of the fabric. Make a small stitch, loop the thread through the stitch, and pull tight to create a knot. Repeat the knot one or two more times for extra security. Trim the excess thread.
Attaching the Stud (Male) Half
Now you need to position and sew the second half of the snap (the stud) so that it aligns perfectly with the first half.
Step 1: Mark the Position
Snap the two halves of the snap together. Gently close the garment or flap where the snap will be located, ensuring the fabric lies flat and naturally. Lightly press down on the stud half of the snap. This should leave a small imprint or mark on the fabric underneath, showing you where the stud needs to be attached. Alternatively, you can use a fabric marker to mark the center through the stud's center hole or by carefully positioning the stud part and marking its sewing holes.
Step 2: Position the Stud
Place the stud half of the snap onto the marked spot on the underlying fabric layer. Ensure it is correctly oriented to snap into the socket.
Step 3: Sew the Stud
Thread your needle again and knot the end. Sew the stud onto the fabric following the same method you used for the socket (Steps 4-8 above). Remember to bring the thread up through each hole, wrap the thread around the snap's edge next to the hole several times for reinforcement, and then go back down through the fabric.
Step 4: Secure and Finish
Knot the thread securely on the underside once all holes are sewn, and trim the excess.
Your snap is now securely attached! Test it to ensure it fastens correctly.
