Sew-in magnets are one of the quietest ways to add a hidden fastener to a fabric project. They disappear into bags, garment plackets, curtain hems, and soft toys, holding everything shut with no visible snap or button. The waterproof version keeps its PVC seal intact, so it survives the kind of handling and washing a fridge toy gets from sticky hands. In this project we sew one into a soft fabric letter that sticks to the refrigerator.
What You'll Need
- 1 sew-in waterproof magnet, Small (12 x 3mm) size
- Sewing machine
- Letter tracing template
- Wash-away fabric pen or chalk marker
- Pinking shears
- Pins or clips
- 2 fabric squares, 5 x 5 inches (front and back)
- 1 piece of cotton batting, 5 x 5 inches (for the inside)
- Coordinating thread
10pcs Waterproof Sew-In Magnets - N52 Neodymium Magnetic Snaps for Sewing
Small (12x3mm)
Regular price
Price
$6.99
Time: about 30 minutes per letter, including cutting and sewing. Difficulty: beginner.
Before You Start: Check Magnet Polarity
If you are making several letters that should stick to each other or to a matching magnet, test which faces attract before you sew. Mark the "up" face so every magnet ends up oriented the same way. Skip this and some finished pieces will repel each other instead of attract.
Making the Fabric Letter
- Cut the front fabric, back fabric, and cotton batting into 5 x 5 inch squares.
- Stack the two fabric squares with wrong sides together and slip the batting between them. Pin or clip the layers so nothing shifts.
- Trace your letter onto the top fabric with a wash-away pen or chalk marker.
- Trim the plastic skirt around the edge of the magnet so it sits inside the outline of your letter. Do not cut the seal right up against the magnet, or you lose the waterproof property.
- Position the magnet inside the letter. Pin it, or hold it in place with a second magnet on the outside of the fabric. On the letter A we placed it near the top; adjust for whichever letter you are making.
- Sew along your traced lines to close the layers and trap the magnet in place.
- Once you have sewn all the way around, check that the magnet is held snug and does not slide around.
- Trim around the letter with pinking shears, staying outside your seams.
- Wash or brush away the marker.
- Test it on the fridge.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- On thin fabric, fuse a small square of interfacing behind the magnet for extra reinforcement.
- Hold the magnet still with a second magnet on the underside while you sew so it cannot wander under the needle.
- Check polarity before sewing so a multi-letter set attracts rather than repels.
- Sew slowly around the magnet and keep it flat to avoid catching it under the presser foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you machine wash projects with sew-in waterproof magnets?
Yes. As long as the PVC seal stays intact, these magnets are built to handle washing. Use a gentle cycle and skip the high spin where you can, which takes some strain off the stitches.
How strong is a 12mm sew-in magnet?
A 12 x 3mm N52 neodymium magnet gives a firm hold for lightweight fabric projects like fridge letters, bag closures, and small toys. For thicker material such as denim or leather, step up to the Medium (20 x 3mm) or Large (25 x 3mm) size.
Can you sew the magnets in by hand?
You can, though the PVC casing is tough to pierce close to the disc. A sewing machine with a zipper or edge foot makes it much easier to stitch a neat line around the magnet.
Wrapping Up
That is the whole project: a washable, magnetic fabric letter that keeps its grip through sticky fingers and the occasional trip through the wash. Once you have one letter down, you can spell out a name, a word, or the full alphabet for a soft, tactile learning toy. Mix fabrics, colors, and letter shapes so each one has its own character. Happy sewing.