How to use KAM snaps

Sewing Bee Fabrics Tutorial

How to Use KAM snaps

Not everyone knows what KAM snaps are, and some people order them then have no idea what to do with them, so here's our quick guide!
KAM snaps are basically very quick and easy to apply poppers. They are made of a strong and durable type of plastic (polyacetal resin).
To make up 1 popper, you need 4 components - 2 backs, and 2 opposing fronts.

As you can see, the backs appear like drawing pins. You use the pointed end to push through the fabric, or you could use an awl (posh name for a pointy stick tool!).

One of the fronts are placed the other side of the fabric so the point sits centrally.

With the KAM snap pliers, you just position the cap of the back in the black part of the pliers, and the front part facing the white part.

Simply squeeze and the pointed part gets crushed down to fix the snap in place then repeat with the opposite front popper end to make your pair.

Finished, your pair should look like this:

The only draw back with this is that is you are using very thick fabric, then the pointed part can be too short to form an effective hold when crushed. I find that about 3 layers of cotton is do-able but the seal begins to faulter after this thickness. Similarly, if very thin fabric is being used, you may find that you need to crush the pointed end more enthusiastically or it can sit in the way to getting a full click closed. This is where a smaller size works better.
If you do put one in and wish you hadn't, then to remove it, turn the pliers side on to the popper and squeeze to break the seal between the 2 components. Don't forget that the fabric will likely be marked by the hole you poked to fix it in.

We stock size 20 snaps and pliers (round and shaped snaps) HERE. This is the size recommended by the manufacturer as suitable for most projects, and so the pliers are set up ready for use for this size. Alternate ends are included should you wish to swap them out for other sized snaps. For example smaller sizes may be used for directly attaching through ribbon and larger sizes for canvas


The dimentions of size 20 snaps are:
Cap diameter: 12.4mm
Prong length: 5.6mm


What are the benefits of using plastic snaps instead of standard metal ones?
- They are lightweight
- They wont need removing for xrays or airport checks
- They cool quicker once out of a tumble drier
- Hypoallergenic
- Lots of colours and shapes are available
- You can even microwave them!!! The manufacturer says only under extreme heat will they expand slightly which may affect closure, so you may want to do a trial check for purpose first.


We hope you have just as much fun adding them to everything as we do!

For more blogs and ideas visit www.sewingbeefabrics.co.uk