How to Install Heavy Duty Snaps

Learn how to install heavy duty snaps that are perfect for heavyweight fabric like denim, canvas, leather, wool, and corduroy. I installed my snaps in the Anna Button-Up Skirt sewing pattern by DIBY Club.

I love the Anna Button-Up Skirt sewing pattern by DIBY Club, but I did not want to sew so many buttons and buttonholes. Instead I switched all the buttons to Dritz heavy duty snaps for a different look. I loved how easy this skirt was to make, and how easy the snaps were to install!

I was paid to review this sewing pattern. All opinions are my own.

I did a size two in the hips and graded out to an eight in the waist because that’s where my measurements put me. I added one and a half inches to the length. Once I sewed all the side seams together the waist was too large for me so I took in just from the hips to the waist on the side seams and back pricess seams.

I probably took in a total of two to three inches across the back waist to make it fit. I probably could have done a size two everywhere except the front princess seams. The instructions for fitting, pattern alterations, measuring, and finishing were very thorough. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pattern with such thorough instructions.

I found this amazing almost olive green corduroy at the thrift store about when I got the pattern. I was going to do a different fabric, but the green corduroy was calling me especially since the 90’s are back and trending. There was a yard and a half and it was the perfect amount.

I was really careful to cut it so the nap was going the correct way on all the pattern pieces. This fabric was so thick that I decided to use some kitty quilting cotton scraps I had (leftover from a dress I made my daughter) for the waistband facing. I also changed the way the waistband was constructed because I just started sewing how I usually do waistbands and then had to continue that way.

I decided to do the midi length of the Anna button up skirt because it’s my favorite length for skirts. It’s an easy and carefree length. I love that this skirt is a pencil skirt shape, but it’s not so constricting as a true pencil skirt. I usually wear it with the bottom snap unsnapped.

I’m really thinking about using these heavy duty snaps on a jean waistband because they are so easy to install and they look so professional! Sometimes I don’t feel like fiddling with buttons and buttonholes.

The great thing about the Anna Button Up Skirt is that it comes in a wide rang of sizes (sizes 00-36) and three views. There’s a mini skirt length, midi skirt lenght, and a maxi skirt length. It also comes with optional pockets and belt loops. Looke through the Anna Button Up Skirt Gallery to see all the options of the skirt on all shapes, sizes, and ages!

The princess seams make fitting really easy and the lines are very flattering. The skirt is great for summer in lighter colored fabrics, and perfect for winter in wool and corduroy. I can’t wait to make a wool version!

How to Install Heavy Duty Snaps

supplies

• Skirt, jacket, jeans, leather, canvas, etc
• Dritz Heavy Duty Snaps*
• Dritz Heavy Duty Snap Pliers* – these make installing the snaps so easy!
• Fabric marking tool (I like Tailor’s Chalk)

Mark all the places where the snaps will be installed on both sides.

Separate all the snap parts: front caps, studs, sockets, and post.

Separate all your plier tools: metal round die base and metal cone punch, metal splitting punch and black cap holder, and metal splitting punch and purple post holder. The metal splitting punch is used for both front and back snap installation.

Insert the metal round die base and the metal cone punch into the pliers. Place the cone point over the mark and squeeze the pliers until you hear a loud pop. This is when the fabric is cut and “popped” out. Do this to all the marks.

Remove the tools from the pliers using the gray tool remover.

Insert the metal splitting punch and the black cap holder into the pliers.

Place a front cap on the black cap holder. Insert the post of the front cap through the hole in the fabric from the right side of the fabric.

Place the socket bowl side up on the front cap post.

Squeeze the pliers firmly. The metal splitting punch will split and punch the post into six even sections.

Remove the tools from the pliers using the gray tool remover.

Insert the metal splitting punch and the purple post holder into the pliers.

Place the post in the purple post holder.

Slid the post into the fabric hole from the inside of the item. Place the stud flat side down over the post.

Squeeze the pliers firmly. The metal splitting punch will split and punch the post into six even sections.

Check to see if your snaps work! I like to do all the front parts of the snaps and then use them to mark where in back parts of the snaps should go.

Don’t miss out on the lovely Anna Button-Up Skirt sewing pattern by DIBY Club! It’s a great pattern with lots of style!

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!