The Ultimate Guide To Coat Snap Button Sizing

There is no single standard size for coat snap buttons. Snap fasteners are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 6mm to 19mm in diameter, with 30mm fasteners also available. In the US, snap sizes are typically given in fractions of an inch or in lignes (where 40 lignes equal 1 inch). The most commonly used snap sizes are size 20 (12.4mm or 1/2 cap diameter) and size 16 (10.2mm or 0.4 cap diameter). Size 19 (12mm) and size 22 (14.1mm) snaps are often used for heavy-duty applications such as coats, tote bags, tarps, and upholstery.

Snap fasteners are sized by diameter in mm or fractions of an inch

Snap fasteners are sized according to their diameter, which is measured in mm or fractions of an inch. In most parts of the world, snap fasteners are measured in millimetres, in increments of whole millimetres. Typically, snap fasteners range from 6mm to 19mm in diameter, with 30mm fasteners also available.

In the United States, snap fasteners are measured in fractions of an inch. They can also be measured in lignes, with 40 lignes equalling 1 inch.

The size of the snap fastener you need will depend on the fabric you are using, its density and compression levels, the force with which you are able to press, and your personal preference. For instance, size 20 snap fasteners are commonly used for general applications, including baby diapers, clothing, and household projects. Size 16 snap fasteners are used for baby and toddler clothing, mama pads, and multiple layers of grosgrain ribbon. Size 14 snap fasteners have very short prongs and are used for thin materials, such as a single layer of grosgrain ribbon or doll clothing. Size 24 snap fasteners are the largest and strongest, and are used for heavy-duty applications with thicker materials such as canvas tote bags, nylon webbing, dense leather, and thick jackets.

In the US, they can also be sized using the ligne system (40 lignes = 1 inch)

In the US, snap fasteners can be sized using the ligne system, which is also used for buttons. One inch equals 40 lignes, and the ligne is expressed as "L". This system was established by German button manufacturers in the early 18th century, with "ligne" being a French word that means "line".

The ligne is used to measure the diameter of a button. While the metric system has mostly replaced this unit of measurement, it is still used to measure buttons to this day. It is also used in ribbon manufacturing and horology, where it is used to measure the size of watch movements.

As the internationally recognised standard for button measurement, the ligne is usually expressed as “L”. While a standard ruler can be used to obtain the millimetre or inch equivalent, a ligne gauge is needed for a more precise measurement.

The size of the button depends on its use. For example, buttons can range from 14L for small shirt buttons to 45L for large double-breasted overcoat buttons. The most commonly used button sizes are 16L for shirts, 24L for jacket cuffs, and 32L for the front of single-breasted jackets.

Snap fasteners are available in sizes from 6 mm to 19 mm, and 30 mm ones are also made

Snap fasteners are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 6 mm to 19 mm in diameter, with some manufacturers also producing 30 mm fasteners. These sizes refer to the diameter of the fastener in millimetres.

In the United States, snap fasteners may also be sized in different ways: as a diameter in fractions of an inch, using the ligne system (where 40 lignes equal 1 inch), or with defined size numbers. For example, a Size 20 snap has a cap diameter of 12.4 mm (or 0.5 inches) and is suitable for most general projects, including baby diapers and clothing. Size 16 snaps, with a cap diameter of 10.2 mm (or 0.4 inches), are more commonly used for baby and toddler clothing, pacifier clips, and small crafts.

Smaller snap fasteners tend to be thinner and have less holding power, so it is important to match the snap size to the weight of the fabric and the required durability of the closure. For example, a Size 24 snap, with a cap diameter of 14.8 mm, is the largest and strongest snap and should only be used for heavy-duty applications with thicker materials such as canvas tote bags, dense leather, and thick jackets.

Snap fasteners are also available in a variety of shapes, including round, square, hexagonal, and novelty shapes such as flowers and hearts. The decorative part of the snap, known as the snap cap, is usually 4-6 mm long and can be finished with metal, paint, plastic inlay, or pearl, among other options.

The most commonly used snap sizes are Size 20 and Size 16

Snap fasteners are sized in a variety of ways. In most parts of the world, they are sized by their diameter in millimetres, in increments of whole millimetres. In the United States, they are sized in three different ways: by diameter in fractions of an inch, by diameter in lignes (40 lignes = 1 inch), and by defined size numbers.

Size 16 snap fasteners have a diameter of 0.4" or 10.2mm. They are commonly used for baby and toddler clothing, pacifier clips, mama pads, and small crafts. Size 16 snap fasteners have shorter prongs than Size 20, making them more suitable for thinner materials. They have a slightly less firm grip, which makes them appropriate for delicate fabrics that are prone to tearing.

Both Size 20 and Size 16 snap fasteners are versatile and can be used for a range of projects. They are available in various colours and have strong hold capabilities. These sizes are a good starting point for beginners and can be mixed and matched to suit different needs and preferences.

Snaps are also categorised by their fractional or metric size, or a letter sizing system

Snap fasteners are available in a variety of sizes, and they can be categorised in a few different ways.

In most parts of the world, snap fasteners are sized by their diameter in millimetres, in increments of whole millimetres. Fasteners from 6mm to 19mm are standard, and 30mm fasteners are also available.

In the United States, snap fasteners are sized in three different ways. The first is simply the diameter in fractions of an inch. The second is the same system used for buttons, that is, the diameter in lignes (40 lignes = 1 inch). The third system uses defined size numbers.

In addition to these sizing methods, snaps can also be categorised by their fractional or metric size (e.g. 1/4" or 30mm), or by a letter sizing system. Some sources also refer to snap sizes as "lines".

It is important to note that snap sizes from different manufacturers are unlikely to work together, even if they are the same size. Therefore, it is crucial to refer to the specific measurements when selecting snap fasteners for a project.

When choosing the appropriate snap size for a project, it is essential to consider the weight of the fabric and the required durability of the closure. Smaller snaps are thinner and have less holding power than larger snaps. For example, size 14 snaps have very short prongs and are best suited for very thin materials, such as a single layer of grosgrain ribbon or doll clothing. On the other hand, sizes 22 and 24 are designed for heavy-duty applications requiring a firmer grip, such as coats, tote bags, tarps, and upholstery.

Frequently asked questions