Fabric Snap Tick

Fabric Snap Tick – A Non-Damaging Fabric Marker

Problem

Have you ever needed to mark a specific spot on delicate/technical fabric without damaging it? Was it bendable and thin?

My backstory

I faced this issue when sending my triple layer membrane coat for mending. There were multiple places with the taped seam peeled. All the different places of coat, weak inner side. Describing them in words wasn’t enough. But marking them directly?

1. Stitching? Damages the membrane.
2. Glue? Risky and permanent.
3. Drawing? Permanent marker is... permanent. Temporary ink fades too quickly.

So I designed the Fabric Snap Tick — a non-invasive, reusable, and gentle fabric clip.

• Scenario 1: Attach the marker to fabric
  • default tolerance ~0.5 mm (further influenced by your individual printer tolerances)
  • approximate fabric thicknes = 0.5 mm / 2 = 0.25 mm. Thicker fabric will increase snap tension.
     
• Scenario 2: Attach two layers of fabric together
  • Increase initial Snap to Tick tolerance by either
    • Snap upscaling - provides additonal clearance and possibly increases Snap grip
    • Tick downscaling - give just the clearance

Mount instructions

1. Identify the more vulnerable side of your fabric — this is where the Tick body goes.
2. Grip the Tick by its base with two fingers.
3. Optional: Decide on the arrow orientation for marking.
4. Place your hand beneath the fabric and hold the Tick gently from the sides.
5. Form a fabric pocket by pinching the Snap side behind it.
6. Mount the Snap to the Tick. Two alternative options to consider:
   1. Snap it on - snap adhesion occurs
   2. Slide it on - grip based adhession occurs

Observation

• Fabric tension can pop the snap off.
  • That’s a safety feature to avoid damage.
  • Firm grip Snap requires at least 3 perimeters = upscaling of Snap & Tick

Caution

This is fabric-friendly tool, but still a physical snap. Use carefully with ultra-delicate textiles.

Print hits

• 2 perimeters (=stiff Tick; minimum for Snap)
• PETG for snap can give you sufficient flexibility without being brittle
• Small print bases need extra attention:
  • Print slow if needed.
  • Clean your plate properly.
  • Any additional increase of friction helps (textured plate, glue, increased plate temp - possibly within enclosure).

Post-print hints

• It is wise idea to use a file to make sure there is no sharp edge or print artefact.
  • Snap - round for inside and plain for edges
  • Tick - plain  for sides
• Use permanent marker to highlight arrow on Tick body for clarity.