Work Based Learning with Anam Bajwa

I was given the task to help design a charm that would attached to her snap button clothing concept. The design was a small draft sketch with measurements on. She gave me creative license to come up with the best way to create it. Firstly I tried making it with the fabric she was making her toile with, blue cotton curtain. The sizes given and the fabric used were large and unstructured for their intent, and rather floppy.

Snap-On Clothing Charms

Anam had said that the use of pleather/ faux leather fabric on her Cricut maker had failed, so I did some investigating of my own and tried them out on my own machine, and came up with these samples for her.

Snap button fastened charms have become an exciting way to experiment with detail, modularity, and personal expression in fashion. Using simple press studs or snap fasteners, these charms can be attached and removed without altering the base garment, making them ideal for pieces that are designed to evolve. I’m particularly drawn to how they allow wearers to interact with clothing rather than treating it as something fixed and finished.

What makes snap-fastened charms especially appealing is their versatility. A single jacket, bag, or corset can be reworked repeatedly by changing just one small element. This approach feels relevant in a climate where longevity and adaptability matter more than constant replacement. Charms can shift a look from playful to industrial, delicate to bold, simply through material choice and scale.

Fabric selection plays a huge role in how these charms behave. Leather and faux leather are strong options for structured shapes and engraved or heat-pressed designs, as they hold their form well under stress from repeated fastening. Denim and canvas give a more raw, functional feel and work particularly well for experimental or upcycled concepts. For softer aesthetics, fabrics like satin, velvet, organza, or silk can be padded, ruched, or layered to create contrast against heavier garments.

Beyond textiles, combining materials adds depth. Metal components such as chains or eyelets bring weight and sound, while acrylics and resins allow for colour, transparency, and graphic shapes. Beads, embroidery, and hand-finished details can turn each charm into a small, self-contained design piece.

Designing snap button charms requires thinking carefully about construction. Reinforcement, interfacing, and stress points are just as important as appearance. When resolved well, these charms become more than decoration—they become adaptable design elements that invite creativity and personalisation.