How to install Prym anorak snaps

If you want to try something else than plastic snaps on your projects, here is a short tutorial on how to install metal snaps.

Pattern for this pouch here.

These are Prym Anorak snaps and are easy to install with just a few tools.

The tools come in the package with the snaps (you need a hammer also) but if you are serious about snaps (if you make lots of pouches, bags, garments), a Prym Vario pliers is worth the investment (if you don’t already have it; I have it from a Vario Plus kit that comes with different types of snaps).

The snaps come in different sizes. For my pouch I used a 15 mm (diameter) snap, because this size is in the kit; I think 12 mm diameter is better for a pouch.

Below there are some 8 mm snaps. Each package comes with the corresponding hand tools needed for installing. The best part is that these tools (for most sizes I suppose) fit the Vario pliers so you don’t have to use the hammer!

Each snap button has four parts; the button cap with socket (the upper snap), and the stud with corresponding post (lower snap).

See below the two parts of the upper snap: a cap and a socket and the corresponding tool to each part of the snap.

Make a small hole in the fabric using punch pliers or an awl. Push the cap pin from the right side of your piece to the wrong side through the hole.

Then place the socket on the cap post from the back side of your piece.

Hold the pliers so the the cap sits in the white bowl shaped attachment and the socket is on the top.
Make sure all parts are lined up; gently close the pliers until you feel the pieces lightly click together. Then squeeze the pliers really hard, holding the bottom of the handles with both hands. This will lock the snap parts together securely.

Repeat the process with the two parts of the lower snap (see below); insert the corresponding tools into the pliers.

The post is inserted from the wrong side of your piece.

Place the stud on the post, on the right side of your work.

Hold the pliers so the tools are positioned as in the picture below; place the snap into the pliers and squeeze firmly the pliers.

Here is the result:

I hope these instructions help; once you understand the installing process, the printed black-and-white instructions on the back of your snap package will make sense; use them as a reminder  – they show which piece goes with which and what tools are needed for each set.

Happy sewing!

More pouch patterns here.