How To Attach Magnetic Snaps To a Bag

See how to add magnetic snaps to a bag. Ready to insert a magnetic snap and make your bag closure look all fancy and stylish - within minutes? See how!

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How To Add Magnetic Snaps To Purses

Are you a hobby sewist and want to give your bags and purses a professional look? Adding a magnetic snaps closure is one of the easiest ways to do just that. Here's an easy, beginner-friendly tutorial that will show you how to make a bag closure with magnetic snaps.

Though it may not look like a beginner project, it is pretty easy to install a magnetic snap to a bag. Actually, I find it even quicker to install a magnetic snap than sewing buttons. And I could go on and on about what can go {and has gone} wrong with a buttonhole (edit: until I learned how to use the buttonhole foot!), but have not yet once managed to mess up a magnetic snap. How's that? Because magnetic snaps are EASY.

What Are Magnetic Snaps or Purse Snaps?

Purse snaps are invisible closures that are mostly used on all types of bags. They are (mostly) round-shaped pieces of hardware that will stick together when brought in close vicinity (well, magnets!) and keep your bag flap or pocket closed.

For beginners to the bag-making world, magnetic snaps will quickly become their go-to bag closure method. So easy to install, and good-looking too!

The sizes differ in diameter too, I mostly use the 18mm magnetic snaps - or 15mm on small bags like this Aiden Cell Phone Purse. The measurements show the snap diameter.

What Types Of Magnetic Snaps?

Considering the type of installation, there are three types of magnetic snaps: first, the most popular (and my favs!) the prong-back magnetic snaps, and these are the ones I show in this tutorial.

Secondly, there are sew-in magnets. Those come in a transparent vinyl pocket and are sewn between the outer layers of your project. Similar to how interfacing is attached between the layers.

And last but not least, sew-on magnets. They come each with four little ears with tiny holes you literally sew through with your hand-sewing needle and thread. Not my favorite type, but they come in handy when you cannot simply pierce through the layers to stick the back prongs through.

Inserting Snap Magnets Is Easy!

You'd think the sew-ins are quick to install, but the true hero of my projects are the ones with prongs - super quick, and by far my favorites.

A beginner project, really! We'll go slowly, I've taken photos of each tiny step to make it super easy for you. Interested? Let's do it!

What is a set of magnetic snaps?

First things first: let's take a closer look at these 4 pieces. A magnetic snap closure set consists of two main parts: male (flat part with prongs and a nub in the middle), female (thicker part with prongs and a socket). Usually, they come with two flat washers.

The socket snap is usually applied to the body of the bag. The male snap is usually applied to the flap (closure tab).

Supplies for inserting magnetic snaps:

You'll Need:

• magnetic snaps set (here are several most popular ones)
• scraps of fusible interfacing /stabilizer
• seam ripper or Exacto knife
• scissors
• pliers

Tutorial: how To Add Magnetic Snaps

Before we start, one thing to consider: always make sure the snap won't make it difficult to topstitch the edge of your project. A good rule of thumb is to place them at least an inch from the edge of your closure, otherwise, it is very difficult to topstitch around them.

PART ONE: Install MaGnetic Snap on The FLAP

1) Apply interfacing to each of the flap parts to give them some weight.

2) Add one or two scrap pieces of interfacing to the area where you intend to place the snap part, to provide stability. The scraps need to be just slightly larger than the snap part. This way, the snap will last longer and feel nicer.

I've learned heavy-weight fusible felt works best on heavy fabric, and mid-weight poly is great for thinner fabric. Since my poly stabilizer is very soft, I needed to place two layers under the snap's prongs: first the stiff one and then the soft one for padding.

Snap Magnet Placement

3) Center the male snap on the closure tab at the spot you'd like your magnet.

Firmly press the snap's prongs into the fabric and mark the tiny indentations using a pencil, sharpie, or proper professional disappearing ink fabric pen.

4) Cut along your marked lines, using your seam ripper (an exacto knife works great too, or tiny scissors). Avoid cutting too far, just make tiny slits. You can enlarge them later if they turn out to be too small.

5) Insert the snap through the right side of the fabric.

6) Here, the prongs are nicely visible on the backside.

7) Slide the washer over the prongs.

8) Then open the prongs of the snap outwards. For best results, use pliers, and press them firmly against the surface.

So far, I've used various 'tools' to press those prongs against the flat surface and found out that

1. I can do damage if I use a hammer (yep), so I stay away from it. (But maybe that's just me.)
2. a few times, I simply used my thumbs to press against the prongs (but couldn't get the prongs sit totally flat, so I don't recommend it)
3. I've used the flat side of household scissors (works great!)
4. Most reliable: pliers!

9) OPTIONAL, but highly recommended: I apply an additional, thin layer of interfacing over the snap once it has been installed. If the washers have a bit sharp edges, these could in time damage the fabric. Adding a thin layer over them will prevent any such damage.

10) Now with the magnetic snap installed, place one piece of the flap fabric onto another, right sides facing.

11) Stitch them together, I usually use a ⅜ inch seam allowance with pieces like this one. Leave the 'bottom' part open, for turning.

11) If your flap has curves, trim them for a nice finish - take care not to snip into any stitches. If it has edges, trim those too.

12) Turn right side out. Topstitch around the closure tab, again leaving the bottom side open and unfinished.

Your flap may be a different form and size, but you get the picture.

PART TWO: how To Install Magnetic Snaps Into The BODY OF THE BAG

Now, we'll install the other half of the magnetic snap into the bag's body. Since you already know the procedure, this will go even faster:

Step 1- Apply Stabilizer

1) First, apply interfacing (stabilizer) to the wrong side of the bag body where the second part of the magnetic snap is to be installed. Add an additional layer of interfacing to strengthen the area. Usually, I use a larger scrap piece of interfacing, something like 5 inch x 4 inch, as shown in this photo:

Then you'll sew the body of the bag as instructed. Usually, the right time to install the snap is just before you close the turning opening on the bag body. Here, for example, I needed to install the second magnet when the bag (a clutch actually) was nearly finished, so it was pretty easy to find the 'sweet spot':

Step 2 - Mark the Spot

2) Mark the exact spot where you want the second part of the magnetic snap.

3) Reach through the unfinished opening into the body of the bag/clutch, keeping the outer and inner (lining) layers apart.

Using a seam ripper, make 2 tiny slits into the outer shell at the marked spots – BUT DON'T CUT THROUGH THE INNER LINING of the bag.

Insert the snap through the right side of the fabric.

4) Then slide the washer over the prongs, open the prongs of the snap outwards, and - optional - apply an additional layer of thin interfacing over the prongs.

Here, you've just added magnetic snaps to your bag or purse. How cool is that! And now when you how to insert magnetic snaps, chances are that you'll never want your bags closures made in a different way.

For those wondering where this tutorial came from, I made it when sewing one of my own designs, the Ultimate Diaper Clutch. I love it for its convenience and beginner-friendly sewing procedure.

Also, because I've just sewn two of them and made two moms really happy 🙂 (My No 1 present for new moms from now on!)You can get your own pattern here.

Want More Projects With Purse Magnets?

There are many easy sewing projects you can use your new snap installation skills now, take a look at these:

• Aiden Pattern HERE
• Sophia Foldover Clutch Pattern HERE
• NEA Hipbag pattern HERE
• Allina Project Bag pattern

Happy sewing! Damjana

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