How Do I Use PVC Sewing Magnets?
Sew each magnet in with its marked side (+ or −) facing out, away from the magnet it closes against, and stitch only through the flat plastic margin, never through the sealed pocket that holds the magnet. Our sewing magnets are sold in pairs, one marked + and one marked −, and the unmarked faces of a + and a − snap together. On steel, either magnet works. Wash as usual and tumble dry on low heat to protect the PVC.
A PVC sewing magnet is a neodymium disc magnet set in a small steel cup and sealed in a pocket of waterproof PVC plastic. The flat plastic around the pocket is a margin you stitch through, so the magnet can hide inside a hem, a flap or a lining. Sewing magnets make closures for purses, bags, wallets and clothing, and they hold curtains, costumes and covers in place, even on things that get washed.
What Do the + and − Marks Mean?
Our sewing magnets are always sold in pairs, and each pair has one magnet marked + and one marked −. The mark is on the outside of the steel cup, so you can tell the two apart even though they look the same from the front. Every pack holds equal numbers of each: a 24 pack is 12 pairs.
- A + and a − attract when their unmarked faces meet. That’s your closure.
- Two + magnets (or two − magnets) push apart. If a closure won’t close, check that it has one of each.
- Test each pair before you sew. Hold the unmarked faces together: they should snap together firmly.
Which Side of a Sewing Magnet Faces Out?
The marked side always faces out, away from the other magnet. The mark is on the back of the steel cup, and that’s the weaker side. The cup wraps the back and sides of the magnet and carries its field around to the open face, so the pull comes out of the unmarked face (why a steel cup makes a magnet stronger). Face the unmarked sides toward each other and the pair closes firmly. Turn one magnet around and its steel cup sits between them: the pair still clings, but it holds noticeably less.
Can I Use One Sewing Magnet on Steel?
Yes. Polarity doesn’t matter on steel, so a + magnet and a − magnet hold equally well. Sew a single magnet in with its marked side out, so its unmarked face points toward the steel. That’s how sewing magnets hold window shades to a van’s steel frame, covers to steel doors and tool rolls to a steel cabinet. The surface has to be magnetic steel: aluminum and many stainless steels won’t hold a magnet (what magnets stick to).
How Do I Attach Sewing Magnets to Fabric?
- Choose the spots. Mark where the closure meets on both pieces. The two magnets need to line up face to face when the item is closed.
- Pick a size for your fabric. Every layer between the magnets adds a gap, so thick fabric, interfacing or several layers call for a larger magnet. See the size chart below and how gaps reduce pull.
- Sew in the first magnet, marked side out. Place it on the inside of the fabric, or between the lining and the outer fabric, with the + or − facing away from where the other magnet will close. Stitch through the plastic margin on all four sides, outside the sealed pocket.
- Let the second magnet find its spot. Close the item, hold the second magnet of the pair behind the other piece with its unmarked face toward the first magnet, and let it pull into line. Trace around it with chalk or a fabric marker.
- Sew in the second magnet, marked side out. Stitch through its margin the same way.
- Test the closure before you close up the lining or finish the seams.
Never Stitch Through the Sealed Pocket
The magnet sits in a sealed pocket in the middle of the PVC. A needle through the pocket breaks the seal, and water can then reach the magnet when the item is washed or gets wet, so it can rust. Keep every stitch in the flat margin outside the seal.
Sewing Machine Tips
- Keep spare magnets off the machine. They jump to its steel parts.
- Use clips instead of pins near the magnets. A magnet pulls pins out of place.
- Use a zipper foot so the needle can run close to the pocket without the foot riding up onto it.
- Slow down beside the pocket and turn the handwheel by hand for the last few stitches. A needle that strikes the magnet or its steel cup breaks.
- Hand sewing works too. Use a backstitch through the margin on every side.
How Do I Wash and Dry Items with Sewing Magnets?
The PVC keeps water away from the magnet, so items with sewing magnets can be machine washed.
- Close the closures before washing so the magnets hold each other instead of grabbing the drum or other things in the load. A mesh laundry bag helps with small items.
- Tumble dry on low heat. Low heat protects the PVC and gives the magnets a long life. Our sewing magnets have a maximum operating temperature of 176 °F (80 °C).
- Don’t iron over the magnets. An iron runs far hotter than 176 °F and can soften the PVC. Press the fabric around them instead.
Which Size Sewing Magnet Should I Use?
| Sewing magnet | PVC square | Listed pull | Pack | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.5 mm Sewing Magnets | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 2.7 lb | 36 (18 pairs) | T-shirts, cotton, denim |
| 1/2 Inch Sewing Magnets | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 5.2 lb | 24 (12 pairs) | Cotton, denim, canvas |
| 3/4 Inch Sewing Magnets | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 6.7 lb | 16 (8 pairs) | Cotton, denim, canvas |
| 1 Inch Sewing Magnets | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10.3 lb | 8 (4 pairs) | Denim, canvas, leather |
| 1.25 Inch Sewing Magnets | 57 mm (2.25 in) | 21 lb | 4 (2 pairs) | Canvas, leather, heavy fabric |
Listed pull force is the force to pull one magnet straight off a steel surface. Fabric between the magnets adds a gap, so a finished closure holds less than the listed number. For thick canvas, leather or several layers, move up a size. Make sure the PVC square fits your hem, flap or binding with room to stitch around it.
Safety
Keep Sewing Magnets Away from Young Children and Pets
Two or more swallowed magnets can attract each other through the intestines and cause life-threatening injuries. Don’t use sewing magnets in toys or in items young children could chew or tear open, and keep loose magnets out of reach. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission advises getting medical care right away if you think a child has swallowed a magnet.
- Pacemakers and other implants: keep magnets at least 6 inches (15 cm) from a pacemaker or other implanted device, and 12 inches (30 cm) for magnets 1 Inch and larger. That matters most for closures on jackets and shirts worn near the chest. Always follow your doctor’s guidance. See magnets and medical implants.
- Cards in wallets and purses: strong magnets can erase the magnetic stripe on hotel key cards and some credit cards. Keep card slots away from the closure. Chip cards aren’t affected. See magnets, phones and credit cards.
Common Questions
What do the + and − marks on sewing magnets mean?
Each pair has one magnet marked + and one marked −. A + and a − attract when their unmarked faces meet, and two magnets with the same mark push apart. The mark is on the back of the steel cup, which is the side that faces out.
Which side of a sewing magnet should face out?
The marked side. It’s the back of the steel cup and the weaker side. The unmarked face is the strong one, so the unmarked faces of a pair should face each other.
Can I sew through the plastic on a sewing magnet?
Yes, through the flat margin around the magnet. Never stitch through the sealed pocket that holds the magnet, or water can get in and the magnet can rust.
Can sewing magnets go in the washer and dryer?
Yes. They’re sealed in waterproof PVC. Close the closures before washing, and tumble dry on low heat to protect the PVC.
Does polarity matter when a sewing magnet holds to steel?
No. A + or a − magnet holds to steel equally well. Keep the marked side facing away from the steel.
Do sewing magnets work through fabric?
Yes. Each layer of fabric adds a small gap and lowers the hold, so choose a larger size for thick fabric or several layers.
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