Bags are a popular project among those new to sewing, and with our sewing accessories even beginners can make a new bag themselves in no time at all and with minimal fuss. In addition to
bag handles, we also have a variety of
bag closures in our product range. But how are these supposed to be attached to a bag? This is what we are going to explain in this feature today.
The type of closure determines the sequence in which you need to sew the bag and attach the fasteners. Attaching a bag fastener is not nearly as complicated as it initially appears to be.
Magnetic clasp
The magnetic clasp consists of four parts, which can be attached to the bag by hand.
The male part of the fastener is always attached to the flap, and the female part to the bag’s pouch. To get an idea of this mechanism, you can take a look at standard bags that come with magnetic clasps.
You can usually attach both parts of a magnetic clasp in a single step.
You need to mark the position of the male part of the fastener on the flap. When folding the bag over, you will then see where the female part of the fastener needs to be attached to the clutch.
The best way to do this is by inserting two pins through the fabric and thus “tracing” the marking. Once you have done this, attach both parts of a single fastener unit (magnet and shim).
A tip from us: When working with lightweight fabrics, strengthen the reverse of the fastener surface on the flap further with a remnant of Vlieseline.
To do this, use scissors or a seam separator to make little incisions where the fastener clips are to be inserted. Insert the clasp, position the shim underneath from the reverse and fold the clips down inwards.
Slide key clasp:
You can only attach a slide key lock to bags that have a straight edge.
First of all, you need to attach the base section of the slide key clasp, as this must later be invisibly secured. The centre of the cut piece is marked in the dressmaking pattern, and you can use this as a guide. To check and determine the position, fold the bag and position the slide key clasp upon it.
If you are satisfied with the positioning, cut two holes/notches into the clutch and insert the clasp through them.
Then position the shim from the reverse and fold down the two clips inwards.
Attach the slide key section in a similar manner. To do this, simply cut two little slits again, insert the clips and fold down. Make sure that the clips face inwards.
A tip from us: Mark the length of the incision with two pins, inserted crosswise; this will help you control the incisions so that they are not too wide.
The slide key clasp can now be easily opened and closed.
Turn clasp:
The turn clasp can be attached to virtually all types of bags. It is a particularly attractive variant and looks complicated, but isn’t at all difficult to attach.
First, you need to mark the position of the clasp on the bag.
Then, you need to attach the base section of the slide key clasp, as this must later be invisibly secured.
Mark the position of the turn clasp, cut little slits at the insertion site, insert the turn clasp, position the disc and fold down the clips.
The rotatable part of the bag fastener looks like this on the outside.
You can define where you would like to position the second section of the turn clasp by closing the bag, now nearly complete, and, using the upper section of the clasp, marking the site where the turn clasp domes up.
Now cut an appropriately sized hole into the flap. Embroidery scissors are a better option for this than the large fabric shears we have used.
Insert both clasp elements and then clip them down securely. The clips are to be visible on the reverse.
The two sides of the clasp then look like this.
"This is what our finished clutch looks like!"
These bag closures embellish backpack, elegant and sporty bags or small bags for children. You are free to choose which of your new bags you’d like to close with a practical bag fastener. At
myfabrics.co.uk, these fasteners are available in
various sizes and colours. Each bag fastener variant has its own charm!
In this feature, we have used the following fasteners:
