setting snaps without a snap setter
i love snaps.
Let me say that again for emphasis: I love snaps. they allow you to make patterns that would otherwise have a button even if you are not comfortable with making a button hole, which lets face it not many people are.
however I hate snap setters. It felt like no matter how much time i spent lining the snap up when I clamped it down something went wrong and the whole thing was off. So I would get out my pliers and remove the mangled snap from my now damaged garment and try again.
then one day I just tried to use pliers to attach the snaps and it was amazing. having that extra control and the ability to clamp bit by bit (versus all at once) made every snap come out perfectly. so i ditched my snap setter and now the pliers live in my sewing box and are a favorite tool.
materials
pliers
snaps
fabric pen
Instructions
1. decide on the placement of your snap and mark with a fabric pen.
2. Push the 'outside' snap through the fabric and line it up the female piece.
3. using the pliers slowly clamp the female piece into the outside of the snap. A few small clamps is better than one big one.
4. snap the male piece in and and mark the center of where it hits on the other fabric.
5. Push the other spike piece through, encircling the mark so it is as centered as much as possible.
6. Line up the male piece with the spike piece.
7. using the pliers clamp in place in several places. remember slowly and gently first, working your way around the snap. once it’s in finish it off with a few hard clamps.
8. Admire your work and repeat as necessary.
See wasn't that easy?
