Sew-on snaps consist of two parts - a ball-half and a socket-half. They are not visible from the right side of the garment and are suitable for areas where there is little strain. Snaps are usually used where one garment edge laps over another, such as at the back bodice of a dress.  However, they can be sewn on as extended snaps and used where two edges meet, such as at the neckline above a centered zipper application.  Sew-on snaps are available in sizes 4/0 (000) to 4.  The size selected depends on the location of the snap and the weight of the fabric.

Step 1 - Determine the placement of your snap closure.

Step 2 - Thread a sewing needle and knot the thread end.

Step 3 - Apply the ball portion of the snap to the inside hemmed edge of the fabric layer that will overlap the other.

Step 4 - Hold the ball portion of the snap in place, and bring the threaded needle down through one of the holes along the outer edge of the snap.

Step 5 - Keep the needle in between the outer layer of fabric and the layer of fabric the snap is being applied to. This will keep your stitching invisible from the right side of the garment.

Step 6 - Bring your needle up again along the outer edge of the snap next to the same hole you took your first stitch through, and bring the needle down again through that same hole.

Step 7 - Take five or six like stitches through the same hole.

Step 8 - Repeat steps 4 to 7 for each hole that borders the snap.

Step 9 -  Move from one hole to the next by slipping your needle through the two fabric layers.

Step 10 - Secure your stitching by making a tiny knot close to the lst series of stitches.

Step 11 - Rub tailor's chalk along the ball of the snap, and overlap the edges of the garment as they will be when the garment is completed.

Step 12 - Press down on the ball firmly so that a chalk mark is transferred to the underlying layer of fabric. This marks the placement of the socket portion of the snap.

Step 13 - Center the socket portion of the snap over the chalk mark and hold it in place. Repeat steps 5 to 10 for sewing on this portion of the snap.

An extended snap is not applied in the same way as  a regular sew-on snap; however, the same procedure can be used to mark its placement.

Step 1 - First, attach the ball-half of the snap to the wrong side of one section.

Step 2 - Position the two edges so they meet and are even at the top.

Step 3 - Mark the position of the socket-half on the wrong side of the other section using the same technique as above.

Sew-on snaps can be attached using the button hole stitch or the whipstitch.  The buttonhole stitch takes longer but is more secure.  It is recommended for snaps that are used often and receive more strain. The whipstitch is quicker and easier, but it is also weaker.

When stitching a snap to the overlap, stitch only through the facing and interfacing; do not stitch through to the right side of the garment. When sttiching a snap to the underlap, stitch through all layers.

When attaching an extended snap, stitch through only one hole of the ball-half of the snap. Stitch through all the holes of the socket-half.