Advice please - Snaps and snap tools
 

I have made bike handlebar bags, both quilted and non. I'd like to make more and also to tweak the bags so they can be used as walker/wheelchair bags too.

I've used velcro as the top closure and also to attach the straps to the bike handlebar. I dislike sewing velcro so much that I'd like to try snaps instead but I have almost no experience with them.

I've done some internet searching but I'd like advice from those of you who have done this before. I'm thinking of getting a set of the special plier like tools to attach the snaps. What do you think? Any recommendations? Also what size snap would you recommend? I typically make my handles with double fold fabric, so 4 layers of cotton or maybe a tad heavier fabric.

Thanks so much!!

I have used the snap tools that I bought at Joanns to make kerchiefs out of the material they use on the outside of babies diapers and two layers of cotton. The waterproof material is fairly thick and after some practice the kerchiefs hold up very well with constant washing. I used these kerchiefs for my special needs student constantly for 5 years and they still snap well.

Would those be the Dritz brand? Did you use the blue plastic tool or the one that looks more like pliers? Thanks!!

I would buy the heavier duty.

Can you recommend a specific brand of tool and/or specific size of snap? Thank you.

I've also read that often the brand of snap has to match the brand of tool used. Have you found that to be the case?

Have you considered that those using these devices have hand issues too? Velcro is easier when strength and grasp are a factor for this population. Good luck with your endeavor whatever you decide.

I tend to use the snaps that you have a small metal tool that comes with them and you hit them with a hammer ...I pick them up at the local tractor supply place ..have seen them in other stores as well ..might even look to a automotive shop the ones the put on tonto covers

I never could get the pliers to work right. I used the tool and hammer.

Thank you for raising that issue. I did consider this. I'm planning to donate them to a local nursing home. The population there is quite impaired. The staff tells me the residents don't need to store anything of value in the bags, maybe tissues and a chap stick. They rarely leave so they would not be carrying a wallet or phone. For some residents, the bags would be more decorative than anything else.

I figured the staff can put the bags on the walkers and they probably won't be removed. So the snaps are ok there. I was wondering if I should simply sew the bag up the middle (top to bottom) which would divide it into 2 smaller pockets. That would keep it sort of closed and then perhaps no closure would be needed at all.

IDK, I'm still thinking. I'd appreciate suggestions. Nothing is written in stone yet and whatever I decide, I'll make one and take it over for testing before I make more.

Oh, I should add that I'm not planning anything complicated. For one reason because I want to make as many as I can and don't want to take a terribly long time on each one. And also because I'm still sewing at a basic sort of level. I can make a nice basic bag and do a good job. But nothing too fancy yet.

I'm thinking now that it would be nice to be able to put a snap at the top of a tote bag too. Not for seniors, just for anyone.

I have made feminine hygiene kits using the specifications found on daysforgirls.com. These are washable menstrual pads, and the shield snaps under the crotch of panties. The national organization has been doing these kits for years and has modified their specifications based on feedback over time. They are convinced these snaps are the best thing for this purpose. The shields that have the snaps are expected to last for 3 years, and have been found to do just that.

The snap system that they recommend is called Kamsnaps.com. Snaps are plastic and come in more than one size. The kit that I bought had lots of snaps in multiple colors plus the pliers type tool.

I am not sure that this would work for your purpose, but since my work on that project, I have used the leftover snaps on other things. It is possible that plastic snaps would eventually warp or crack, but if, as you say, the bag would not be taken on and off very often, I think they might be fine. One advantage to the box of multiple snaps is that they come in a variety of colors.

I purchased mine from the website, but I have seen them on Ebay also.

Best wishes with your project. Those bags are not only useful, but they make the recipient feel special and often become the starting point for conversation.

You could also skip the whole tool/pliers scene and just buy snap tape.

I use these: http://www.kamsnaps.com/. I use them for stuff I make for GKs etc.
The only ones I have had trouble with was due to my own error in not having the right size die on the pliers.

KenmoreGal,

I highly recommend KAMSNAPS.com

Their tool is easy to use, the quality of snaps is fantastic, the customer service is excellent. It is a family run business.

Find them on FB as they have incredible deals and sales.

Kirsten

Wow, 3 recommendations for Kamsnaps plus a 4th from an email buddy. I must look into them. Thank you!!

I had never heard of that but googled it. It's very interesting. I'll look into it too. Thanks.

I absolutely agree with Sheltie's Mama that a sizeable percentage of the population that uses wheelchairs would be better served by Velcro if this is something that is designed to come off from time to time.

As for the snaps, I'm not sure you'll get through 4 layers with the pliers. I tried them on 3 layers of a crepe fabric & had to do a lot of "helping" with other tools to get them to work. The press dye would better serve you with thicker fabrics or multiple layers. I'm not sure how much you'll prefer that over sewing. It is a bit time consuming & you need a wood block to put under the fabric if using a hammer. I got so frustrated that I swore the next time I'm saving up to purchase a table press ... which might be something you consider if you plan to do a lot of these.
Here's more info on all this from KamSnaps: http://www.kamsnaps.com/Product-FAQs-13.html

Thanks Bree123. I would definitely make just one and take it to the facility for approval.

Are you saying the snaps that you had difficulty with were the kamsnaps or were they the traditional metal ones? The kamsnaps are sure looking good.

Correction to my link in the earlier post: Daysforgirls is a non-profit, and the link is daysforgirls.org -- Actually, I think either link will get you there.

Concerning Velcro -- it also has a life span. I am wearing a boot type brace for my foot stress fracture right now. The outer Velcro on the boot is tough stuff. However, the Velcro on the inner lining is more like "regular" Velcro that I use for sewing. I have been using this boot for 1 month, and the inner lining Velcro is not as effective as it was at the beginning. I think it is probably because my sock keep catching on it when taking the boot on and off. Once the hooks and loops have collected enough "fuzz", they don't grasp like they should.

Why not use a button? It would be functional and could be pretty with the right buttons. If you go with a snap, you should use the heavy duty ones because of the layers you described. But, if there are that many layers, it could fail and have the snap fall off or fabric ooze out from the fabric being so thick.

I do like buttons. I guess I leaned towards snaps because I like to make one project, finish it completely, then move on to the next one. I am using my avatar and it's a pain to hook up the buttonhole attachment. (It takes like 2 minutes really, but it seems like a pain.) If I made the bags assembly line style and did all the button holes at the same time that would work. It's just different from my normal way of working. I may do some that way.

I ordered the Kamsnaps. They will be here Monday. I'm excited to try them. Thanks for all the advice.

There are magnetic snaps that I use for tote bags. There's easy to put on and work really well.

Thanks. I'll check them out. I've seen them in store bought bags but have not looked into installing them myself.

I have the Kam Snaps bench press. I put snaps on lots of stuff. You can get KAM snaps with long prongs for thick items or several layers of fabric. I use size 20 mostly. I've used 22s on a couple projects, but probably could have just used the 20s. It does take a bit of effort to install the snaps. I have the bench press, I think I would order the base for a hand press so you can really bear down when installing

I will keep that in mind Paper Princess in case I have difficulty with the hand press.

I checked out the company web site and they even have instructions to build your own base. How nice of them.

I really like the magnetic snaps. They're easy to install and
work well. I think you can get decorative ones too.

Check out Snapsource online. They have great snaps and snap setters.

I used Velcro to attach the straps around the front bar of my Mom's "purse style" bag, then a magnetic snap for closure. Since you are making in bulk, I would go with something cheaper for a closure, or not at all if they are just used for Kleenex and chap stick. My suggestion is to make them in a variety of readily recognizable colors or patterns. If you have ever spent much time in an assisted or nursing home, and there is a gathering of people or even in the dining room, it is like a parking lot of walkers! Mom always appreciated being able to locate hers by the bag ! No advice on the snaps but just looked at Kamsnaps site and it looks amazing.

Thanks. That's a great idea and easy for me to do.

I also recommend Kamsnaps, they could give you advice on what size to use.
But I have arthritis & poor hand strength, difficult for me to operate the press but my husband & granddaughter are experts about it, sometimes I also have problems opening the snap (I put in on wallets) but have learned to hold my thumb very close to the snap when opening wallet.

Here are the directions for walker bags that I made for a charity. They are easy and turn out well.
DIRECTIONS TO MAKE A WALKER BAG

Supplies: 2 pieces of fabric 14-16 inches wide by 43 inches long.
2 3-inch pieces of Velcro of both the hook side and the loop side. (The two sides are different, just be sure you have one of each kind.)
Scissors, pins and a sewing machine.


1. Cut two pieces of fabric 14-16 inches wide by 43 inches long.

2. Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together and sew all around, leaving an opening to turn the fabric right sides out.

3. Turn fabric right sides out, turning under the fabric that has been left open for turning. Press both sides of fabric. Topstich all around the rectangle, enclosing the part that had been left open for turning.

4. You are now ready to put on the Velcro: Fold the fabric rectangle in half lengthwise and mark where a center line would be. If the bag is being made of two different fabrics, decide which fabric you want the pockets to be. On the same side of fabric as you want the pockets to be is where the Velcro will be placed.

5. Measure down 5 inches from the center line and over 1 ½ inch from the edge on both sides of center. This is where you will place the Velcro, with it going down, away from the center. (I place a small dot of super glue on the back of the Velcro to hold it in place until I can stitch it down.) On one side of center you will have the hook side of the Velcro and on the other side you will have the loop side of the Velcro.) Stitch or zigzag around the Velcro, keeping it securely in place.


6. Turn rectangle over so that the side that does not have the Velcro is facing up. Fold up the bottom of the rectangle to form the pockets. Fold it up about 8 inches, or to cover where the backside of the stitching where the Velcro was sewn. Pin in place. Sew around the fabric that is folded up, forming the pocket. Mark the vertical center and sew a line there, dividing the pocket into pockets. Do this for the other end of the rectangle, thus forming a pocket at each end. When placed on the walker, there will be pockets on both the outside and inside.

One good source for the snaps is www.KamSnaps.com. They have colored snaps in various sizes and the pliers to attach them.

Thanks!! I'm a little confused about your step 6. Could you post a picture by any chance? I understood the rest.

I can see where step 6 could be confusing. If I can find a picture, I'll post it. If not, maybe if you google how to make a walker bag it might be easier to understand.

Instead of Velcro or snaps, I would use those two part clips - the ones where one part slides into the other part and snaps closed. To open it, you depress two tabs along the sides and then it slides open.

No worries JoAnn! There are tutes on the web. It's always nice to have someone who's done it personally explain it though.

this press n snap[ tool and bench mount is the best tool i have found in 40 years.
all metal no plastic to break. i have never had to cut off one snap applyed with this tool

http://www.sailrite.com/Pres-N-Snap-Fastener-Tool video
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/tech_d...DIRECTIONS.pdf
http://www.perfectfit.com/ zippers-velcro
http://www.sailrite.com/Pres-N-Snap-Fastener-Tool
http://www.wawak.com/Snap-Tool
http://www.wawak.com/Bench-Mount-for-Snap-Tool

Our group has made approx 200 walker tote bags for donations to those in need. The feedback we have gotten on our pattern has been very good. We find they like the Velcro best due to arthritic hands, disabilities, weakness, etc. (No buttons/buttonholes). We cut the velcro the width of the straps (2") We have tweaked the pattern we use a bit. We have 2 pockets on front and back vs. 3 on 1 side/2 on other side. The larger pockets are easier for them to get their hands into. The side straps secure the bag from flopping back and forth. We have sewed decorative buttons on top of straps for some to make it look like it buttons.
This is the pattern: http://www.laurassewingstudio.com/Se...alker_bag.html
These are always appreciated. We also have made a single pocket with a strap (like the walker) to hold a cell phone for some. Canvas and home deco fabric are great for this project. Good luck

Wow, what interesting things I learn on this site. Thanks to everyone for all the info and links.