Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Sew-on snap fasteners for children's clothing should be light, nickel-free, easy to fasten and sewn on so firmly that they cannot be torn off. Plastic (nylon) snaps in small to medium sizes are the most common choice, and for metal models a nickel-free finish. As small parts are a choking hazard, good stitching, reinforcement of the fabric and inspection of every piece are decisive.
Why safety comes first
Children's clothes are pulled, chewed, crumpled and washed far more often than adult clothing. A small snap that comes off can end up in a child's mouth. That is why with childrenswear sew-on snap fasteners are judged not only on looks and convenience but also on how securely they are attached. Retail chains often require pull tests for trims and documented results.
Sew-on snap fasteners for children's clothing: plastic or metal
Plastic
Plastic sew-on snaps are the most common choice for baby and children's clothes. They are light, do not rust, contain no nickel and do not heat up or cool down like metal. They come in clear, white and black, and some models in pastel colours.
Metal
Metal models are stronger and thinner and are used on children's coats and jackets. If they are in contact with the skin, choose a nickel-free finish. In the EU, nickel release from articles in prolonged contact with the skin is restricted by the REACH regulation, and with children sensitivity is especially important.
| Criterion | Plastic | Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel | Contain none | Choose a nickel-free finish |
| Weight | Light | Heavier |
| Holding force | Medium | Stronger |
| Washing | Do not rust | Brass does not rust, steel – a risk |
| Suitable for | Baby clothes, blouses, dresses, pyjamas | Children's coats, jackets, heavy garments |
Sew-on snap fasteners for baby clothes
On baby clothes sew-on snaps are used mainly for necklines, the shoulders of tops and small head openings. For the crotch of bodysuits and sleepsuits, where fastening is very frequent and under load, press-on snap buttons are usually preferred – they are quicker for parents and attached through the fabric. Sew-on snaps are suitable where the load is low and the closure has to be really soft.
It is important that the snap does not press on the skin. Place it so that on the inside there is a layer of fabric between the snap and the body, or choose a very flat model.
What size for children's clothing
- Baby clothes – small snaps that do not press or weigh down, but not so tiny that they are difficult for parents.
- Children's blouses and dresses – small to medium snaps, about 7–10 mm.
- Children's jackets and coats – medium to large metal snaps, easy for the child to undo.
With older children, think about independence – the snap must be fastenable with small fingers. A snap that is too strong makes it difficult for the child.
Secure sewing: the rules
- Use a strong polyester thread, not a thin cotton one.
- Stitch each hole with more stitches than usual – at least four to six.
- Reinforce the spot on the wrong side with interfacing or a fabric backing.
- Secure the end of the thread with several knots and hide the end between the layers.
- Do not sew the snap to a single layer of thin jersey – use a hem or facing.
A blanket stitch around each hole gives extra strength and prevents the thread from chafing on the edge of the hole.
Inspection in production
In the series production of childrenswear, trims are checked systematically:
- Pull test. A special device checks how much force the snap withstands before it comes off. The requirements are set by the client or the retail chain.
- Test after washing. The pull test is repeated after several wash cycles, because the stitching and fabric weaken.
- Visual inspection. Cracks, sharp edges and unfinished stitching are looked for.
- Documentation. The results are recorded for each batch.
Good practice is to use snaps from a supplier who provides information on the material and finish, and to keep samples from each batch.
Colour and design
In childrenswear the snaps are rarely decorative, but their colour matters. Clear models are universal for colourful children's fabrics, while white and pastel ones blend with baby jersey. If the snap shows when the garment is open, coordinate it with the other trims – the snap buttons, the zip and the thread. Avoid brightly contrasting snaps in places where the child would be tempted to pull them.
Label and instructions
The care instructions for a child's garment must also take the trims into account. If the snaps cannot take high temperatures or tumble drying, this is reflected in the symbols on the label. Suitable labels for childrenswear should be soft and not irritate the skin.
Where sew-on snaps are used in childrenswear
- necklines and shoulders of baby tops;
- concealed plackets on children's dresses;
- pocket flaps on jackets;
- detachable collars, hoods and linings;
- pyjamas and nightdresses, where visible buttons dig in.
Common mistakes
- Sewing with few stitches and thin thread – the snap comes off.
- A metal snap containing nickel directly on the skin.
- A snap that is too strong for the child to undo.
- No test after washing.
- A snap sewn to a single layer of thin jersey only.
Sew-on snap fasteners for childrenswear from Polkom
Polkom is a manufacturer and wholesaler of garment accessories with over 30 years of experience. In the sew-on snap fasteners category you will find plastic and metal models suitable for children's clothes. Send an inquiry with the type of garment, the size and the quantity via our contact page – we will offer you samples for testing.
