How To Sew On Snaps (Press Studs) For Beginners - Treasurie Blog

Learn how to sew on snaps with this easy tutorial for beginners. ‘SNAP’. There is such a lovely resonance to this word and so many happy memories of childhood games, matching things up, and feeling good because you fit in and can say SNAP. The same feel-good connections come with learning sewing snaps, as they are a simple way to finish a garment and avoid stressful buttonhole issues.

How to Sew on Snaps in 3 Steps

Sewing snaps is easy! Here are the basic steps. Keep reading for the more detailed instructions with photos.

1. Separate the 2 parts of the snap and mark the position on the fabric.
2. Place the first snap on one side and sew through the holes.
3. Place the second snap on the opposite side and sew through the holes.

Types of Sew on Snaps

Sew on snaps are ideal for closing a blouse or an opening that is narrow or just needs some extra closure. A blouse that gapes a bit is a very good option for a simple snap.

Sew on snaps (sometimes called press studs or sew on snap buttons) come in different sizes and colors and also metallic, plastic, and clear varieties. The bigger snaps are used for heavier materials, and the smaller snaps look more discrete on lightweight fabrics such as silk.

Parts of a Snap

All sew-on snaps come with two parts that ‘snap’ together. One side of the snap is called the ball and has a little-rounded knob sticking up. The other side is the socket, and the ball fits into the socket. Snap! When they fit together, they connect and join up to fasten your garment.

The ball side of the snap button is sewn on the overlap side (inside of the top flap) of the fabric and then matched up with the socket on the underside of the garment.

How to Sew on Snaps – The Video

Please enjoy this video showing you how to sew on snaps. I release weekly sewing and craft videos on my YouTube channel so make sure you subscribe.

Sew on Snaps, Step by Step Instructions

Here is the step by step instructions for how to attach snaps to fabric.

Step 1 – Separate and Mark

Separate the halves of the snap and grab the ball side first. Mark the position of your ball snap on the underside of the top flap.

Start your stitching with a knot or double backstitch that will lie under the snap. If you have a double layer of fabric, then just go through the top layer for an invisible finish.

Step 2 – Sew Through Holes

Thread your needle through one of the holes at the edge of the snap. Then work through each hole with 2-3 stitches to secure it. Once again, make sure you do not have stitches showing on the right side of the garment. You can stitch with a normal overstitch, or you can be fancy and use a buttonhole stitch.

Step 3 – Next Holes

When you have done your first few stitches, move to the next hole by pushing the needle across through the top layer of fabric. In general, there are four holes around the edge of the snap. Some brands may have more or fewer holes. Knot off with a stitch concealed under the snap.

Step 4 – Repeat

Now repeat for the socket side of the sew-on button snap. The socket side will be sewn on the top of the underside of the flap. See below for tips to perfectly align the other side of the snap.

How to Line Up A Snap

You can mark and measure the position of the second side with a pin, but a sure way of getting the ball of the snap to connect with the socket is to sew the ball side in place first, then rub tailor chalk on the tip of the ball and press it over to the place where it will meet the socket.

The chalk that rubs off will mark the exact spot for the sewing of the other half. Then, you will have a perfect match for your sew-on snap fasteners.

Easy Alternative to Sew On Snaps

You can also consider snap tape if you want to line up several snaps in a row. Snap tape has the ball snaps on one side of the tape, and the socket snaps in a row on the other. The tape can be sewn in with all the snaps ready to connect. Just sew along the edges of the tape with a zipper foot.

Now sit back and review your workmanship without any snips or snags – just perfect snaps!

More Articles on Fasteners

1. 4 Alternatives to Buttonholes
2. Kam Snaps Tutorial
3. How to Sew Velcro
4. How to Sew a Zipper
5. Types of Zippers
6. How to Sew a Button
7. How to Insert Magnetic Snaps
8. Clothing Fastenings

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Author - Luisa Clare

Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie and a sewing educator with over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education. She creates clear, beginner-friendly tutorials and printable patterns that home sewists and crocheters worldwide use to build skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.