Attaching snap fasteners: This guide makes it easy!

Snap fasteners are quick and practical! In this tutorial, I'll show you how to attach snap fasteners simply and stress-free.

Finally, I'm giving it a go: Attaching snap fasteners is actually quite easy!

For a long time, I didn't dare to use snap fasteners for my sewing projects because I didn't know how to attach them. That's over now. In this tutorial, I'll show you how you can easily attach snap fasteners.

• You should also take a look at how to attach LOXX fasteners (and what they are)!

Snap fasteners are incredibly versatile: They look equally good on jackets, scarves (like our cute reversible scarf for children), bags, and pouches. And it is totally easy to attach them.

Attaching snap fasteners – which tool?

The snap fasteners available in stores usually come with a tool included. However, there are also refill packs that are cheaper and do not contain tools.

If you are buying a certain type of snap fastener for the first time, you should choose the pack with the tool. Only with the truly appropriate tool can the snap fasteners be attached with precision.

This is what a pack with a tool^* looks like. In the middle, you can clearly see the light blue tool, and in the lower corner, the two white plastic parts into which the snap fastener is inserted for attachment.

I really like the Prym "Love" snaps because they hold well, are easy to insert, and can be color-coordinated with my sewing projects.

And this is what a refill pack^* of regular silver-colored snap fasteners for jersey looks like:

You can hammer the snap fasteners into the fabric. Personally, I find the method with the Prym pliers much more precise and also easier. That is how I attach almost all my snap fasteners.

By the way, you can also use them very well to punch holes for eyelets, attach eyelets and KAM snaps, and set jeans buttons. So it's a good investment (and you won't have to secretly raid your husband's toolbox...). :)

Attaching snap fasteners – suitable for which fabric?

There are different types of snap fasteners for different types of fabric. Depending on your sewing project, it is worth following the manufacturer's recommendations here.

However, I really like using jersey snap fasteners – they also work well in my sewing projects made from cotton woven fabric.

What you need to attach snap fasteners with pliers

• Sewing project/fabric
• Snap fastener
• Prym pliers

Illustrated tutorial: Attaching a snap fastener with Prym pliers

For each fastener, you need the snap fastener parts shown in the photo: two pronged rings and one part with a hole and one with a ball head each.

A pronged ring and a silver snap fastener part always go together.

In this picture, you can see the smooth edge of the snap fastener part clearly. The smooth edge faces upwards in the tool.

Here you can see the curved edge of the same part. This side of the snap fastener will be visible after attachment.

Attach the two plastic tools to the Prym pliers.

Place the parts into the tool.

It is important that the two silver parts face each other after attachment.

The two pronged rings are on the top and bottom sides.

Clip both parts firmly into the plastic recesses of the tool.
This keeps them nice and stable, and you can attach them exactly where you want them.

Tip: If the snap fastener parts do not snap into place properly, a little fabric glue^* helps to keep them in place.

The silver snap fastener part with the hole in the middle is attached to the side that should lie on top when closed.
The smooth edge of the silver part lies in the tool opposite the prongs. It will not be visible later.

Place the fabric between the two jaws of the pliers.

Position the pronged ring exactly on the mark on the top side and press the pliers firmly together.

To punch the snap fasteners in, I usually lay the Prym pliers on the edge of the table and apply pressure from above.

This is what the first part of the snap fastener looks like from the top now...

...and this from the bottom.

Now for the second side.

Load the plastic recesses with the other two parts.

Again, make sure that the snap fastener parts have really clicked into the tool.

The silver snap fastener part with the ball head clicks into the recess of the tool.

This time, the pronged ring lies on the bottom side, and the silver snap fastener part with the small ball head lies on the top side.

Let both parts click into the plastic tool, place the fabric between them, and press the pliers firmly together.

This is what it looks like from the top now...

...and this from the bottom.

Did my tutorial "Attaching snap fasteners with Prym pliers" help you?

If so, feel free to leave me a comment :)

Happy simple sewing,

yours, Sabine