There are so many types of bag closures. In this post, you'll learn everything you need to know about finding the right bag closure. We'll also give you tips on what's best suited for what, and how it works.
Finding the right bag closure - easier said than done, right?
Anyone who enjoys sewing bags often faces the question: Which closure is the right one?
Important considerations can include:
- Should the bag be weatherproof?
- How much stress will the closure be under?
- Do the closure and bag design match?
- Should the bag be washable?
- Is it important that the closure is as theft-proof as possible?
- Can the closure be recycled if I no longer like the bag?
In addition to these questions, price is sure to play a role: Some closures are very affordable and still functional. For other variants, you'll have to dig a little deeper into the (to-be-sewn) bag.
In our article, you'll learn which bag closure is best suited for what.
Snap Clips/Kiss Closure*
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How does it work?
There are snap fasteners to sew on. These have small holes so that the bag can be sewn on by hand.
However, you will mostly find the glue-on version. For this, you need fabric glue*. The required fabric piece is first sewn completely with lining and, if necessary, interfacing (depending on the size of the bag) and turned inside out. Then the turning opening is closed, which should ideally be located in the area that will later be attached to the snap fastener. Next, you put fabric glue into the inner curve of the snap fastener. Be careful when applying the glue: If you take too much, it will bulge out later when you push the bag fabric into it. For this, you can use a pointed object, e.g., a nail file or an awl.
For which sewing project are snap fasteners* suitable?
For wallets, in the larger version also great for clutches and handbags. Shoulder bags also work great with bag snaps. However, you should make sure that you reinforce the upper edge of the bag fabric before gluing, e.g. with a cord: Later, the entire weight of the bag will rest on the connection between the snap fastener and the fabric bag.
Turn lock*
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How does it work?
The turn lock consists of two small metal frames (these will later form the opening for the latch), a turn latch and a thin metal plate, which is attached to the left fabric side as the counterpart of the latch and gives the closure hold.
If you use cotton fabric, you should reinforce it with an iron-on interfacing (a sturdy canvas lining*) before attaching the closure. This prevents the closure from tearing out later.
First, the opening for the latch is attached in the middle of the bag flap. Draw the opening of the metal plate provided with snap fasteners at the intended location. Now you cut out an opening for the closure with a sharp pair of scissors. Now you can place the metal plate with snap fasteners on the opening from the right fabric side. From the left side of the bag flap, the sibling plate without snap fasteners is now placed against it. Now you can bend the snap fasteners. This is best done with a pair of scissors or small pliers. The snap fasteners fit exactly into the recesses of the metal plate. This way they do not stick out afterwards.
Now comes the turn lock* part: Close the bag now and push the turn lock through the prepared opening. Press the snap fasteners of the turn lock a little into the fabric. In this way you mark the places where the snap fasteners should go through the fabric. Now carefully open the marked places with a seam ripper or embroidery scissors. Push the snap fasteners through the opening. Now you can put the thin metal plate on the snap fasteners from the inside of the bag and bend them.
For which sewing project is a turn lock suitable?
Turn locks are suitable for all bags with a closure flap, so for example handbags, shoulder bags, messenger bags, wallets, elegant wrist bags and clutches. Turn locks are simple and effective. They close tightly and are easy to handle. Due to the many versions on offer, the closure can be well matched to the style of the bag.
Snap fastener*
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How does it work?
Snap fasteners* are simply sewn onto the finished bag with a needle and thread.
For which sewing project is a snap fastener suitable?
Snap fasteners come in many different colors, sizes and designs. For bags, large snap fasteners that are easy to close are particularly suitable. Because they work well and are durable, I really like using the Avenir snap fasteners* from Prym. For example for my cute sewing sets.
Snap closure/Spring closure*
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How does it work?
Snap closures are sometimes also called spring closures. It means the same thing. Two spring bands are fixed on the sides by metal clips. Depending on the product, one side is already connected with a metal pin, the other side is closed after processing.
Usually, the snap fastener is inserted into a casing open at both ends and closed. By pressing the ends of the fastener, the springs snap open, and you can reach into the bag.
For which sewing project is a snap fastener* suitable?
Snap fasteners are ideal for wallets and smaller bag projects. But they also look great on clutches.
Belt buckle*
How does it work?
Fold one end of the belt over by a few centimeters so that the left sides touch. The buckle's bridge is then placed in the loop and secured with a pen or rivet. A few holes are punched in the center of the other end of the belt using a hole punch.
For which sewing project is a belt buckle* suitable?
Metal belt buckles are ideal for practical messenger bags or backpacks, for example. They are also useful for closing separately attached pockets and pouches. Combined with leather belts, they create a rustic look. But they also look great with polka dots and floral patterns on cotton fabric.
KamSnaps/plastic snap fasteners*
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How does it work?
The principle is simple: Each fastener consists of a plus and a minus part, which are secured by a counterpart on the other side of the fabric. Both are pressed together with pliers and connected this way.
For which sewing project are KamSnaps* suitable?
Another way to close bags and especially small bags is with plastic snap fasteners, usually called KamSnaps. These are offered by different manufacturers, who offer the colorful snaps in various colors, combination options, and shapes. KamSnaps are usually used for sewing projects such as diaper bags, wallets, phone cases, tablet bags, kindergarten bags, or children's clothing.
Advantage: KamSnaps look nice, are washable (but not ironable!) and quick to attach.
Disadvantage: It happens again and again that the fasteners do not withstand stress and break. Or, even worse, that the fabric tears.
Velcro fastener*
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How does it work?
Velcro fasteners are sewn onto the right fabric side before sewing the bag together. The rough part of the Velcro should be attached to the bag itself, while the soft part is attached to the flap.
For which sewing project is a Velcro fastener* suitable?
Until recently, Velcro strips were mainly available in gray, black, and white, but now you can find them in every color of the rainbow. Ideal for matching the fabric color of your bag. Or for creating a nice contrast. Phone cases, diaper bags, messenger bags, hobo bags, backpacks, but also wristlets and tablet bags can be closed perfectly with Velcro.
The advantage of Velcro is obvious: quick, easy, affordable, and flexible. Depending on how full the bag is, the fastener can be adjusted accordingly.
Disadvantage: Funnily enough, we find the noise when opening it annoying. Depending on the environment (conference, meeting, lecture hall), it is unpleasant to disturb with a loud Velcro sound.
Another disadvantage is the tendency of Velcro to become dirty with lint. The Velcro then no longer closes securely. Our tip: You can easily remove the lint with tweezers. Then the Velcro closes again! ;)
And last but not least: Velcro makes it very easy for bag thieves to access the contents of the bag
By the way: Our freebook for a shoulder bag with Velcro fastener.
We also closed our mesh bags with Velcro.
Button*
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How does it work?
Buttons can be closed classically with a buttonhole, but elastic bands or leather bands looped around the button also look good and are functional. To sew a buttonhole, you must follow the instructions of your sewing machine - every machine is different.
Tip: It is important to make sure that before opening the buttonhole, you secure one end with a horizontal sewing pin using the seam ripper. This way you prevent the buttonhole stitching from being damaged.
For which sewing project is a button suitable as a fastener?
Needless to say, there are endless variations in color, size, and material. For bags, larger buttons are certainly best. It is great when buttons are used in different sizes but with the same motif. Buttons are ideal for playful handbags or for small extra pockets that you do not want to open twenty times a day.
Leather cords/leather bands*
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How does it work?
You can tuck one end of the leather strap into the seam of the flap, for example, and wrap the strap around the bag a few times to close it. Alternatively, you can thread the strap through a hole in the flap.
What sewing project is suitable for a closure made from leather strips*?
As mentioned above, leather strips and cords can also be used very effectively as a bag closure. The strips are particularly suitable for roll-up cases or rustic leather pencil cases, for example. Leather strips are also a distinctive solution for wash bags.
Magnetic closure for sewing on*
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How does it work?
You don't have to think about where and how the closure will be installed during the construction of the bag; you can simply sew it on at the end and you're done. And if you no longer like the bag, you can remove the magnetic button and use it for your next sewing project.
What sewing project is suitable for a magnetic closure* to sew on?
You have probably seen these little beauties on our site before (e.g. in the instructions for the phone bag): The practical magnetic buttons to sew on. We love them because they close securely and firmly and are really easy to use. They are wonderful for large and small cases, shoulder bags, Kindle covers, wallets, and messenger bags. But backpacks can also be closed perfectly with them.
Disadvantage: Depending on the strength of the magnet and the sensitivity of the smartphone, they should not be used for phone bags. The magnet can interfere with the phone's sensitive controls.
For our smartphone cover, we dared to do it anyway - the phone is still doing great! ;)
I also used a magnetic closure to sew on for the spacious SewSimple Bag.
Magnetic closure to install*
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How does it work?
The magnetic closure with stud works in principle in a similar way to a snap closure and turn-lock closure. Difference: This version is pierced through the fabric at the designated place on the right fabric side BEFORE assembling the bag and secured with a metal plate.
It is recommended to reinforce the fabric with interfacing beforehand. It is also advisable to iron a piece of interfacing over the installed closure or glue some felt on with fabric glue. This prevents the finished bag from being damaged by any edges.
What sewing project is suitable for a magnetic closure* to install??
Basically, the version to install is suitable for all bags that are made with lining. But it is also suitable for open construction (e.g. for leather clutches or pencil cases), if you cover the angular metal plate with felt or iron-on interfacing.
Zipper*
*How does it work?
Zippers are usually sewn directly between the outer fabric and the lining at the very beginning. I'll show you how this works using the example of the Alsterprinzessin, a pretty cosmetic bag made of faux leather.
In addition to different materials (metal, nylon), exposed zippers are also available, which are sewn onto the top of the sewing project. You can see how this works in our pencil case tutorial :
Our Boxy Bag is also sewn this way.
Sewing it in requires a little skill at first, but with a little practice, even sewing beginners will soon get the hang of it. You can find a sewing pattern for a little bag with a zipper on our website.
Continuous zippers are really practical. They are supplied with matching zippers and can be cut exactly to the required length. Scraps of continuous zippers can be used great for mini bags, for example. It is very easy to sew in a continuous zipper. We show you how to do that here.
By the way, did you know that you can make a 2-way zipper from a standard continuous zipper?
What sewing project is suitable for a zipper?
Asked differently: What is a zipper suitable for? What is it not? As the jack of all trades among bag closures, zippers are suitable for practically every bag - whether it's a hobo bag, shoulder bag, foldover bag or handbag.
In my experience, you get the best zippers* at Etsy (I have already recommended Simone's shop here on the blog several times).
Loxx closure*
How does it work?
Super practical Loxx closures are relatively new on the DIY market. It is a screw-together metal closure that can be opened by pulling lightly and closed by pressing.
The Loxx closure is available in different metal variations*.
The installation is similar to a snap closure or backpack buckle, but the Loxx closure is screwed in.
When the bag has seen better days, the closure can be unscrewed with the included tool and reused.
What is a Loxx closure suitable for?
Loxx closures are very versatile. This is partly due to their great look (from shiny chrome to vintage), but also because they are so pleasant to use.
You can use them for hand and shoulder bags of all kinds. However, Loxx closures are only conditionally suitable for phone bags, as they protrude a little due to their construction.
You can find instructions on how to attach the Loxx closure in my blog post about it.
This is what the quick closure looks like - in black* the version from Tenax, in silver* the version from Loxx:
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*Lock closure/backpack buckle*
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How does it work?
The snap closure works on a similar principle to the turn-lock closure described above. After the bag is finished, the prongs of the closure are pushed through the fabric and bent over the metal plate.
Important here too: Fine cotton fabrics should definitely be reinforced with interfacing, otherwise they could tear. This is not necessarily necessary with sturdier materials: the snap closure can be incorporated into leather, cork, or faux leather without reinforcement.
What sewing project is a snap closure* suitable for?
Snap closures are perfect for sporty bags and backpacks. Messenger bags and other shoulder bags in urban style also get a cool look with backpack buckles.
Cord with snap closure*/drawstring
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A very simple but very decorative solution: eyelets are attached to the upper edge of the finished bag. Thread the cord through, tie the ends. Done. Looks great - and is really practical for everyday use!
Our step-by-step guide to sewing in eyelets is very helpful here.
What sewing project is a cord closure with a snap closure* suitable for?
Bucket bags, backpacks, drawstring bags, or a cute pompadour - all of these and more can be wonderfully closed with this variant. However, the size of the eyelets should fit the respective project. Important: The diameter of the cord must also be correct.
Tip: If you use a plastic cord, you should carefully singe the ends with a lighter. This way, the fibers bond and the cord does not unravel.
Do you feel like trying out the eyelet thing?
Our guide for a maritime backpack is a good option.
Drawstring
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How does it work?
To create a drawstring, a seam approx. 8 cm wide is finished on the upper edge of a fabric bag, folded inwards, and stitched from the inside with a close seam. Then the seam is opened a little with the seam ripper. Now you can thread a cord through the tunnel with the help of a safety pin or a thick darning or threading needle.
What sewing projects is a drawstring suitable for?
A drawstring is an affordable and pretty option for all types of drawstring bags. It looks really stylish when the cord ends are threaded through eyelets reinforced with SnapPap or cork.
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Happy simple sewing,
your Sabine
P.S.: A bag made of sewing leather? Read our tips and tricks on the topic!
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