What You Need Before You Start
Sewing a snap button takes about five minutes once you have the right materials. You will need the snap button itself (the two-piece metal fastener), a needle, thread that matches your fabric or is neutral in color, scissors, and the garment you are repairing. A thimble is optional but protects your finger when pushing the needle through thick fabric.
Check that both pieces of your snap button are present—the ball side (the raised dome) and the socket side (the recessed cup). If either piece is missing or bent, the snap will not close properly. Most snap buttons come with small holes already punched in the metal, which is where your thread passes through.
Key Takeaways
- Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end, then push the needle up through the fabric from the underside so the knot stays hidden inside.
- The ball side of the snap goes on top of the fabric (the outside of the garment), and the socket side goes underneath, aligned directly below it.
- Sew through each of the four small holes in the snap piece at least twice, using small stitches that stay within the metal rim.
- Finish by knotting the thread on the underside of the fabric and trimming the excess so no thread shows on the outside.
Positioning the Snap Button on Your Garment
Decide where the snap needs to go. On a shirt or jacket, this is usually where the two sides of fabric overlap when the garment is buttoned or closed. Mark the spot lightly with a pencil or a pin if it helps you stay centered.
The ball side (the raised, dome-shaped piece) always goes on the top layer of fabric—the side you see when wearing the garment. The socket side (the cup-shaped piece) goes on the underside, directly underneath the ball. When you close the garment, these two pieces will press together and lock. If you reverse them, the snap will not hold.
Threading Your Needle and Starting Your Stitch
Cut about 18 inches of thread and pull it through the eye of your needle. Tie a knot at one end by wrapping the thread around your finger twice, rolling it off, and pulling tight. This knot will catch on the fabric and keep your thread from pulling through.
Push your needle up through the fabric from the underside, coming out right where you want the snap to sit. Pull the thread until the knot catches underneath—it will stay hidden inside the garment. Now your needle is ready to attach the snap.
Sewing Through the Snap Holes
Place the ball side of the snap on top of the fabric where your thread came up. Push your needle down through one of the four small holes in the snap, then back up through the same hole. This creates one stitch. Move to the next hole and repeat—down and up through the same hole. Continue until you have gone through all four holes at least twice.
Keep your stitches small and tight, staying within the metal rim of the snap. Do not pull so hard that you bend the metal or pucker the fabric. Your thread should be snug but not straining. After the second pass through all four holes, your snap will be find enough to hold.
Attaching the Socket Side Underneath
Once the ball side is sewn down, you need to attach the socket side to the underside of the fabric. Push your needle through the fabric to the wrong side (the inside of the garment), positioning it directly below where the ball side is sewn.
Place the socket side on the underside of the fabric, aligned so it sits directly under the ball. Sew through each of its four holes at least twice, using the same small, tight stitches. The socket will now be locked in place, and when you close the garment, the ball and socket will press together and snap shut.
Finishing and Testing Your Snap
After sewing through all the holes in both pieces, push your needle to the underside of the fabric one final time. Tie a knot by wrapping your thread around the needle twice, pushing the needle through the loop, and pulling tight. This knot will anchor your thread so it cannot unravel.
Trim the excess thread with scissors, leaving about a quarter-inch of thread above the knot. Test the snap by pressing the two sides together—they should click or snap shut with a firm, satisfying click. If the snap feels loose or does not hold, go back and sew through the holes one more time on either the ball or socket side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error is reversing the ball and socket—remember that the raised dome always goes on top. Another mistake is sewing too loosely; if your stitches are slack, the snap will wiggle and eventually tear free. Pull your thread snug (but not so tight that you pucker the fabric) with each stitch.
Do not sew outside the metal rim of the snap. If your thread goes into the fabric beyond the snap's edge, it will not hold the snap securely and may show on the outside of the garment. Keep all stitches within the small holes provided. If you accidentally sew through the wrong hole or miss one, straightforward go back and fill it in—extra stitches only make the snap stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a snap button on stretchy fabric like knit or jersey?
Yes, but reinforce the area first by sewing a small square of interfacing or woven fabric to the underside where the snap will go. This prevents the snap from tearing through the stretchy material. Sew the interfacing down with a few stitches, then attach the snap as normal.
What if one of the snap pieces keeps spinning or won't stay put while I sew?
Hold it steady with your other hand or use a small piece of tape to temporarily hold it in place while you sew the first hole. Once you have one hole sewn, the snap will stay put while you finish the rest.
How do I know if my snap is sewn on tight enough?
Pull gently on the snap with your fingers—it should not move or wiggle at all. Press the ball and socket together; they should snap shut with an audible click and stay locked until you pull them apart deliberately. If either piece shifts when you tug it, sew through the holes one more time.
Can I reuse a snap button if I remove it?
Yes, as long as the metal is not bent or damaged. Carefully cut the thread holding the old snap and remove it. The holes in the snap are still usable, so you can sew it back on in the same spot or a new location.
What thread color should I use?
Match the thread to your fabric color if possible, or use a neutral color like black, white, or gray that blends in. Since the snap sits on top of the fabric, visible thread will show, so choose carefully. If you cannot find an exact match, go one shade darker rather than lighter.