Tip for inserting snaps

Have you seen my latest pouch patterns? Many of them require two snaps for closure…

I used to hate this step of installing two snaps. Measure once, measure twice and still many times I end up with snaps inserted in the wrong place. Even if it is only an 1/8” error, you bet it is visible and ruins your work…

There is an easy way to prevent this and to transform this step in the finishing of a pouch into a quick and easy step and an enjoyable experience.
Here is how to do it:

Decide the position of the first snap; pierce a hole in the flap with an awl.

Fold the flap in half as shown below. Through the hole in the top layer (see the green mark)…

…
pierce a hole in the bottom layer of the flap.

Here are the two holes, evenly aligned in relation to the edges of the flap.

Fill the pouch with a few items so you have an idea about the volume of the pouch. Decide the size of the flap – how tight you want it wrapped around the body of the pouch.
Keep the flap in place with clips.

Through the holes pierced in the flap, mark with the awl the first layer underneath. Pierce that layer with the awl too. Now you have the places marked for inserting the snaps.

What if you have to insert only one snap?
Fold the flap as shown below and finger press the fold well; the crease will indicate the center of the flap.

Pierce a hole in the flap in the desired place. Mark with the awl the layer underneath then pierce that layer too.

Isn’t this a quick and easy way to place the snaps in the correct place?  Lately I sew so many pouches and these steps save me a lot of time.
I hope this helps!

New patterns for inspiration!

Happy sewing!