Snap is exactly the right terminology for this handy little popper that just keeps on popping. Learn how to easily insert them into your clutches, nappy covers and clothing with this step by step KAM Snaps tutorial.
KAM Snaps are a really great invention and they come with all the interesting little goodies that make them easy to use and literally a ‘snip, a push and a snap’ then…away you go. The method used to insert these snap fasteners and the tools themselves are really simple to handle.
The tools needed come in a kit with the snaps or separately. You need the KAM Snap pliers, an awl to push holes in the fabric and the plastic snaps. Kits are generally available on Amazon and Ebay and are surprisingly cheap. There is a huge variety of plastic snap sizes and colors so you can match your fabric color and thickness.
Longer prong lengths help with thicker fabric so look out for the right size and check it will work with your chosen fabric. The KAM Snap company themselves does not give specific recommendations for different fabric types and thicknesses as it is often hard to predict how multiple layers of a particular fabric will behave.
TIP: If you are not sure which size you need then consider a sampler pack with different sizes and lengths of snaps.
Size 20 is the most common size used, particularly since it is available in 3 prong lengths. This is the size I most commonly use on my bib sewing patterns and dresses. I mainly use the standard prong length but some bibs with thicker toweling on the back were better with the long prong length.
KAM SNAPS TUTORIAL – HOW TO USE KAM SNAPS
Open your snap packet and choose 4 pieces as shown below. You should have 2 caps which are identical, a stud and a socket. One cap will attach to the stud and the other cap will attach to the socket. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well, it is!
STEP 1
Snip – You cut out your cute little article and sew it up to the point where a snap is needed
STEP 2
Push – Get hold of the awl and push it through the fabric at just the right spot. The measuring up for the holes needs to be accurate so the snaps match. Take a bit of time on that process marking the snap points carefully. On my downloadable sewing patterns, I usually give you a mark where to insert the awl.
Push the prong of one of the caps through the hole. It will depend on your pattern, but generally, the flat cap will be on the outside of the garment or clutch.
STEP 3
Snap – Use the KAM Snap pliers to secure the snaps in place.
Start by putting the cap with the prong facing up in the bottom of the pliers. You will notice your pliers have a black disk on the bottom. The cap should sit nicely in the middle of the cap.
Place the stud over the prong, facing up. Then squeeze the handle of the pliers tightly until the prong is squashed down.
Repeat the process to attach the socket to the other cap.
Practice always makes perfect so try your new snaps out on some scrap before you go to the finished article. It really is very easy and soon you will be hooked on the process and become …
A happy snapper!
Use this KAM Snaps tutorial to save time on these amazing and simple Premium Patterns:
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- Scanlan Top
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- Jasmine Dress
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- Anke Dress and Top
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- Bib Pattern
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- Handy Clutch
Read more about Fasteners
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