Help Needed......Snappy Bags
 

I have seen several tut's.........some say the pregnant side of the measuring tape goes to the outside of the bag, and others say its the opposite.

I made a bag in class with the 'pg' side to the outside and it doesn't seem to be strong enough. It doesn't make the snapping sound . . .not that I care about that, I just want the closure to be completely and tightly closed so I don't loose the contents. My bag is 14" long and about 8" deep. I have read in some blogs that they double up the metal ruler in side to make it stronger.

If you have made them please let me know which side you put to the pretty outside of the bag!
:thumbup:
Thanks,
Jennifer

Tartan is right, the more expensiver rulers work best. The dollar store ones are too flimsy.

I always double up the rulers and remember that the numbers face the lining. If it makes a clicking sound it is in backwards

I got the free big tape measures from Harbor Freight. I use duct tape at the cut rounded ends.

Actually, either way you put in the tape measure parts works well. Just that the one way actually 'snaps.'

Thank you for your input ladies!

I actually did a "test".........to get the most 'snap & tightest closure' the rulers should look like ")(" in the finished project.=more tension, ........and to get 'no snap and a looser closure' the rulers should look like "()"=less tension, easier to open.

Some times I have a "duhhhhhhhh" moment. :thumbdown:

I use a Stanley steel tape that lost it's zip to go back into the holder. DH was going to toss it. It's 50' long and 3/4" wide. It's perfect. I wrap white duct tape around the whole length that goes into the bag as the bright yellow of the tape sometimes shows through and the edges can cut the fabric after repeated 'snaps'.

I am lucky. My DH brings home broken industrial types of tape measures for me from work. They are very strong. I have to wrap the ends really well or they burst through the fabric. I really like making these bags.

Now that we have the orientation of the ruler cleared up, can I piggyback with another question, please? I made one with the rulers like ")(," and I absolutely loved it. However, the ends, though covered with tape, wore through the fabric fairly soon. I'm thinking maybe I cut the rulers too long. How much space do you leave in the casing at the ends of the ruler?

Needlefruit, not sure if you are doing this, but I saw a video that suggested trimming the corners at an angle before you put tape on the end to further decrease the chance of poking through the fabric.

Speed bump here. What is a snappy bag?

I have made MANY of these "Click-It" bags and have had no problems with them rubbing through the fabric. Perhaps that's due to the fact that I have enlisted DH to help. He cuts the ruler to my specified length, then rounds the edges with his wire clippers (I think) and files them for me. This makes him very proud to be a part of the process and be involved with the gifting of these to our friends. I use the () method of inserting them in the bags, and while they do not make a loud clicking sound, I have found that they do stay tightly closed after many openings. I have been making and using them for several years.

These can be made in varying sizes for many uses, i.e., cosmetic bag, crayon/pencil bag, loose change/band aid/sterile hand wipe bags. They make great gifts and are quick to make.

This is a great tip! Thanks for sharing!

Round the corners of the tape before you put the duct tape on the ends. The ends of the tape will be sharp unless you get it covered adquately with the duct tape. froggyintexas

Needlefruit, I think a minimum would be 1/4 inch to 1/2 on each end.....plus curving and putting duck tape. I thought just painters tape, but the duck tape is much stronger plus a couple of layers wouldn't hurt.

I've just started making these and am working out the kinks so to speak to fit the gifts I'm giving away for Christmas.
DH has graciously given me 2 of the 'free' tapes from Harbor Freight [25 or 50 ft each], now I just need to snag a pair of his metal cutting pliers as I think mine are not strong enough. Hmmm or maybe give him a project he can do in his 'man cave'.

A friend of mine makes these and she uses the slats out of blinds.

I just had an idea. Give this project, cutting and taping the edge, to hubby to do. He needs to be kept busy and he can do this at the Habitat warehouse so he is out of the house. Double benefit.

It feels like I've made a zillion of these. I placed them in a local art shop and they sold well. I use a heavy weight ruler with the curved side to the inside. I clip the corners of the ruler and cover with duct tape. I call them "Snap Happy" purses. I have also folded an inch strip of corresponding fabric into fourths and top stitched it. Then I cut it about 7", looped it and sewed it up near the top when sewing the side seam. When turned right side out you have a handle and makes it wrist purse.

Wow some more neet ideas........didn't think of using blinds and the handle would be very helpful. DH was talking about items he would use outside while hunting so if I make any for him I will have to make the curve go turning out to be in "stealth mode" for less noise!this past weekend he had girls riding atv's...squeeling and chasing off anything that moved. Don't know if they knew that they were in a hunting area.

I do as the others and trim the edges, and wrap. But I put them like this (( - they nest together that way, I put the bulge to the outside.
Also depending on the pattern I let the straps overlap where the ends of the tape measure(s) are to reinforce the fabric a little.

I'm lost, too, mengler!

I always cut the corners off the tape measure before putting the masking tape on them, plus if I'm using a flimsy tape measure I just use two on each side and tape them together.

do a search in the search bar, type in snappy bags