Magnetic Snap Tutorial

Ever wonder how to put in your own magnetic snap?  It's really so simple and quick.  Here's my method!

*the method I use is for putting snaps in a bag, you may have to follow other placement instructions for different projects.

Supplies:

Magnetic Snap

Pencil

Utility Knife

Wood block (I use a rubbers stamp)

Fusible Interfacing (4 squares, approximately 2"x2")

Find the centre of your fabric.  I just fold my fabric in half and press.

Apply your interfacing approximately one inch below the top of your fabric and right on that centre line you just made. I like to use 2 pieces of heavy weight interfacing per side of the snap.  If you don't know how to apply fusible interfacing there's a quick tutorial here or just follow the instructions on the package.

There are 4 parts to one magnetic snap.  Two backing pieces (like above), one magnetic side (the thicker one with an indent in it) and the metal side.

Using one of your backing pieces, centre it on your square of fusible interfacing (and centred still down that crease you made).  Using your pencil draw a line in each of the two strips on the backing.  Lay your second piece of fabric directly on top, lining up all the seams perfectly.  Feel for the small piece of backing on the first fabric piece and place your second one directly on top.  Trace your lines again.  This ensures that both sides of your magnetic snap line up perfectly.

Move your backing pieces aside and lightly cut 2 small slits on those lines you just drew.  Take care not to make them too big.  Repeat for each fabric piece.

Take one side of your snap and push those prongs through the holes you just cut.  You want the prongs sticking out the side with the interfacing on it.

Get one of your backing pieces and place it over the prongs.

Using your wooden block or rubber stamp push the prongs in on the backing.  (and yes I took that picture AFTER I had already pushed mine in and didn't notice until later that I have the block the wrong way, that rubber isn't going to be very helpful at pushing prongs in :P)

Some directions I've read for putting in magnetic snaps say to bend the prongs out but I've had bad luck with that.  Even with double heavy weight interfacing I find the prongs tear through the fabric really quick.

finished snap

Repeat for the other side of your snap and there you go!