is there a "trick" to using magnetic purse closures?

[ms.shell]

I always used velcro in my bags, but noticed a lot of patterns calling for magnetic snap closures.  So I bought some and made several purses with these types of closures.  I followed the directions and used interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric, but still the fabric is ripping from behind the closures.  I just made these bags a couple months ago and they aren't used everyday, so this seems really unreasonable to me.

Is there a trick to making these work better and not rip the fabric?  Or are some magnetic closures better than others?  Maybe I got an inferior kind?  If you have a tip or a trick for working with these, please share, as I would like to sell my bags but don't want them to tear!  TIA

[ms.shell]

bumping this thread; i hope no one minds!

nobody knows how to keep magnetic purse closures from tearing away in their handbags?

[lilacvioletiris]

I am curious about this too.  I have seen the cool bags with the magnetic closures but I haven't tried putting them on a bag yet.

[ms.shell]

I figured this out.  Magnetic purse closures come in lots of different thicknesses and weights!  I ordered mine "recycled" from etsy, and the ones I received are pretty heavy.  They would work better on sturdier, heavier (like leather) bags.  I didn't realize there were different sizes available, and there are lots.  For small, lightweight fabric handbags, of course you would use smaller and lighter closures; my bags ripped because the closures I used were much too thick and heavy.

[ms.shell]

I figured out another trick to using these; thought I should post it here in case anyone is interested.  You will of course interface the wrong side of your fabric.  After you have marked and slit open the holes for the closure's prongs, but before you fold them down through there, you can dab seam sealant on the opening.  I just made a bag with some home dec weight chenille and I could really see this coming unraveled....this occurred to me as just the trick to be CERTAIN that closure is not going to rip away.  The bag is brand new, but I am pretty sure this will work really well and enable this bag to last many many seasons..

[iowaorganic]

My favorite way is to make a separate little square for the magnet.  I cut a little squareof template plastic (maybe 1") and 2 squares of fabric that are a little larger- 1.5".  I put the wrong sides together and sew 3 sides, turn, insert the template plastic, and then I cut the slits and attach the magnet.  I fold in the remaing raw edge an topstitch this little square onto my bag.    This keeps it very secure and much more sturdy than interfacing.

[ms.shell]

Great idea; thanks for that- I will definitely try it this way next.  I think that may also help me with precision in alignment..