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Frustration with snaps what are my options?
KathleenWH   Beginner OR USA Member since 3/1/09 Posts: 28	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/12/12 8:16 PM I'm sewing a zippered pouch that is supposed to have snap fasteners -- http://news.holidash.com/2011/05/24/diy-fathers-day-gift/ It needs to be sturdy and stiff, so I used 2 layers of quilting cotton, 1 layer of duck, and 1 layer of fusible fleece. My problem is that I can't get the snaps installed. I first tried using SnapSource's size 18 snaps and the purple setter gadget, but the fabric was too thick for the prongs to go through. Then I tried Dritz size 24 snaps with the Dritz heavy duty pliers. Different style of snaps but the same problem. In addition, the heavy duty snaps seemed to be so hard to open -- I wondered they might eventually tear my fabric. Should I give up on using snaps? Should I try a different style or size? Should I use some other type of fastener, like Velcro or something else? Thanks for the help!
misschris AUSTRALIA Member since 2/3/06 Posts: 1328	Login to reply to this post In reply to KathleenWH << Like this post Date: 11/12/12 9:25 PM What about magnetic catches? ------ chris Melbourne
NancyZL   Intermediate NJ USA Member since 6/18/08 Posts: 261	Login to reply to this post In reply to KathleenWH << Like this post Date: 11/12/12 10:57 PM I've had to make a small snip when inserting prongs, but also think Velcro would do fine.
tinflutterby   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/9/11 Posts: 205	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 11/13/12 2:14 AM Have you tried hammering the fabric? It might help compress the fleece. I pound all sorts of seams etc.
arianamaniacs   Advanced AUSTRIA Member since 6/11/04 Posts: 943	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 11/13/12 3:18 AM Pre-work the holes with an awl so it separates the fibers instead of cutting them. This is commonly done with corset eyelets so they can withstand the pressure from lacing without ripping the fabric.
cowgirlcreates Intermediate MB CANADA Member since 6/30/12 Posts: 16	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/13/12 2:33 PM Have you considered KAM snaps? Or similar...although I've found KAM to be the best quality I've tried so far. http://www.kamsnaps.com/Plastic-Snaps/Size-20/MATTE-Size-20-KAM-Plastic-Snaps-p207.html They're not too pricey, although you do need a set of special pliers to install them - they run about $20, but once you have snaps, you'll find a multitude of places to use them! I resisted for a long time, but my SIL bought me some pliers for my birthday and now I have 13 colors and I put snaps on lots of things You can also get long prong snaps - but I've sucessfully used these on heavy wool (felted coat weight wool yardage) with a layer of velor on top, so I don't think you would need the long prong type. My favorite use for the snaps so far besides projects is to put a set in the middle of my hand towels to snap them on the ring, then my toddler can't throw it on the floor every time she washes her hands!
KathleenWH   Beginner OR USA Member since 3/1/09 Posts: 28	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/16/12 11:40 AM Thanks for all the good ideas! I looked at the KAM Snaps website, and they have lots of extremely clear information and instructions for all of their many snaps. I'm really interested in learning how to put in a magnetic snap and will try it the next time I make this pattern (soon, since I plan to use it for Christmas presents). This time, I'm going to go with Velcro.

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