The Better-Than-Basic Bag pattern assumes knowledge of how to install a pronged magnetic snap. If you have never installed a snap before, don’t let that deter you! They are quick and easy, and today I will show you how! Even if you have installed one, read through and see how I make my snaps extra sturdy. There is very little more annoying then accidentally ripping a snap out of a freshly sewn bag.
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Installing the snap is done before sewing the lining to the bag. To install the snap you will need:
- one set of pronged magnetic snaps *– a “male” side , a “female” side and their two backs
These magnetic snaps come in various sizes and the larger the snap the stronger the magnetic hold. - four small (about 2 inch square) scraps of lightweight interfacing
(Shape-Flex 101 *is my fav.) - two small (1.5 inch square) scrap of ultra-firm sew-in stabilizer
(I like PelTex-70* and always have scraps lying around from my bag projects.) - a fabric marking pen
- scissors
Mark you lining pieces where the two halves of magnetic snap will be installed. (Note: we will be ironing this area, sodon’t use a heat-removable marking pen like in these pictures. I had to go back and remark after ironing. ooopsie.)
One the right side of the bag lining, lay a snap back over the placement mark, and use the slits in the snap back to mark the size and placement of the prong slits.
Place two layers of fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the bag lining over the snap placement mark is. Press well to adhere the interfacing to the bag lining.
Then, carefully cut the bag lining at the slit markings.
Push the prongs of one half of the magnetic snap through the slits from the right side.
For extra durability, I cut slits into a scrap of the ultra-firm stabilizer and slide those on to the prongs next.
Finally, place one of the snap back pieces on the prongs…
.. and bend the prongs open to hold all the layers in place.
That’s it for one half of the snap!
Repeat the process to install the second half of the magnetic prong set to the other side of the bag lining.
See? That really isn’t bad at all is it? And I find with the extra layer of fusible interfacing and that heavyweight interlining scrap, even with daily rough use, my prongs never rip out. .
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