What to do with snap holes.

[bmwrider]

(Added)These snaps are proving to be very hard to remove, I tried to use leatherman pliers to just crush them with no luck, the snaps are all the female side, any suggestions?

I am trying to remove the snaps from a military sleeping bag, I can get the snaps off but I am looking for advice to seal up the little holes that are left behind, the bag shell is a thick synthetic, perhaps nylon, not sure, I just want to prevent the holes from turning into tears and the synthetic insulation from coming out.
There are 12 snaps on the bag, I think a hand stitch could do the trick but I have never done this before so I figure I should ask you folks first.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Bubba]

Depending on how small the holes are how about a dab of McNett's seam grip.

[bmwrider]

I have not figured out how to remove the snaps without tearing the bag yet, the seam seal may work but do you think it would peal off?

[Hammonkey]

how close to the edge are the snaps and how thick is the material? Possible to roll them into a hem and sew?

[Pipsissewa]

Just get you some of this nylon repair tape CLICK HERE, or something similar, cut you some patches, adhere and be on your way! Good luck!

[Bubba]

I have not figured out how to remove the snaps without tearing the bag yet, the seam seal may work but do you think it would peal off?

If applied properly the seam grip should stay on for a long time. I have tents that I sealed years ago and the seam grip has not peeled any. Do you have a sewing machine or access to one?

[va3rbz]

I know from out tent trailer you can take a small patch of material that folds over the hem to cover both sides of the hole, and then stitch the patch on. Works for heavy canvas, so might be an idea with lighter materials.

[bmwrider]

how close to the edge are the snaps and how thick is the material? Possible to roll them into a hem and sew?

I can only sew by hand, and poor hand stitches at that.
But I am not going for a perfect finished product

[The Old Boot]

If you're doing it by hand and aren't concerned about a totally professional looking finish - just want to close the holes up so they won't shred or rip then you can just use doubled thread and sew up the holes by hand.

I'd suggest working in a star pattern ie going from one side of the hole to the opposite side. Make sure you start far enough back from the raw edge of the fabric that it won't tear through. Won't be pretty but if you use a matching color of thread, it shouldn't be too noticeable.

If the hole that's left by removing the snap is bigger than say 3/16" of an inch you're better off taking some fabric that matches and sewing it on over each hole. Just make sure that you cut the patches big enough that you can turn the raw edge in. A blanket stitch works well for this type of job rather than a running stitch. Google blanket stitch for a tutorial that is better than me trying to describe it...

[bmwrider]

If you're doing it by hand and aren't concerned about a totally professional looking finish - just want to close the holes up so they won't shred or rip then you can just use doubled thread and sew up the holes by hand.

I'd suggest working in a star pattern ie going from one side of the hole to the opposite side. Make sure you start far enough back from the raw edge of the fabric that it won't tear through. Won't be pretty but if you use a matching color of thread, it shouldn't be too noticeable.

If the hole that's left by removing the snap is bigger than say 3/16" of an inch you're better off taking some fabric that matches and sewing it on over each hole. Just make sure that you cut the patches big enough that you can turn the raw edge in. A blanket stitch works well for this type of job rather than a running stitch. Google blanket stitch for a tutorial that is better than me trying to describe it...

This seems like the best option, I just gotta learn how now.