Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 1

Attaching Velcro (hook and loop fastener)
pippaR Member since 5/11/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/5/12 6:56 AM I've always had terrible problems attaching Velcro with my sewing machine. I'm talking about the soft, fuzzy side. I haven't dared attempt the hook side! My machine always skips stitches even when I sew very close to the edge. I've tried thicker needles but to no avail. In the end, I have to sew the wretched stuff on by hand which is sore on the finger. Any hints gratefully received. -- Edited on 7/5/12 6:57 AM --
Sew4Fun Advanced AUSTRALIA Member since 6/23/04 Posts: 4838	Login to reply to this post In reply to pippaR << Like this post Date: 7/5/12 7:13 AM What type of Velcro are you using? There are different types for different applications. For garment sewing use the soft type. It's much easier to sew through. The standard, rigid type and the sticky stuff are horrible to sew through. If you have either of these it's no wonder you are having issues. ------ Belinda. Melbourne, Australia http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
SunnyAlta Intermediate Member since 7/11/10 Posts: 253	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/5/12 8:21 AM A thimble is a necessity if you are sewing velcro on by hand. By machine a zig-zag stitch works fairly well along the edges.
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5422	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 7/5/12 10:06 AM I dislike this job, too. I seem to be getting better at it since I've used it a lot on making bibs - lots of bibs. Heavier needle (like a jeans needle - 16 or so), smaller zigzag (1.5 or 2-ish width and length) and staying as close to the edge as possible. In fact, "zig" on the velcro and "zag" off the velcro if you can. I also use the machine I have set up with a walking foot because it is the easiest to access. Don't know if that makes a difference or not, but always worth a try if you have one. Have yet to figure out how to make the corners look tidy and wish I was fussy enough to make the stitches come out evenly, because I stitch through all layers and the zigzag pattern on the outside is never as nice as I want it to be. I have the sense that it might involve measuring the velcro before cutting and counting the stitches needed for each side and that is just never going to happen! ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
Doris W. in TN   Intermediate TN USA Member since 2/9/04 Posts: 6748	Login to reply to this post In reply to pippaR << Like this post Date: 7/5/12 10:52 AM Which type and size needle are you using? Unless I'm working with knits, I always use a sharp type needle. Be sure the needle is not dull. That can cause skipped stitches. For Velcro, I use a polyester thread and a size 80 needle. No skipped stitches. Maybe your machine hates Velcro? ETA --- Ummmm... you're not using the type with an adhesive back, I hope. -- Edited on 7/5/12 10:53 AM --
pippaR Member since 5/11/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/5/12 12:24 PM Thank you for replying so quickly. Yes, I am using the soft Velcro and definitely not anything adhesive. I have an in-built walking foot and when I sew it by hand I use a thimble. The lady making the bibs has given me an idea. Perhaps using a tiny blanket stitch (I think it is called point de Paris) might work where the straight stitch is off the Velcro and the sideways stitch just catches it. It's used in heirloom work and appliqué and you can make really neat corners. I shall try it tonight with a sturdy jeans needle and let you know how I get on.
CSM--Carla   Intermediate FL USA Member since 1/21/06 Posts: 1058	Login to reply to this post In reply to pippaR << Like this post Date: 7/5/12 12:39 PM This, Velcro Fusion is what I always use when I want to apply velcro. I've used it with boat canvas curtains and for garment sewing very successfully. No failures yet. Good luck with this.
pippaR Member since 5/11/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/6/12 2:30 AM I tried a small blanket stitch/pin stitch with a 90 needle (100 was too large) last night. It worked really well. No more skipped stitches. The straight stitches (length 2mm) ran right beside the Velcro and the horizontal stitches (width 1.5mm) just caught the Velcro. Tourist from Canada with her bibs might like to have a go because, if you pivot 90 degrees with your needle down at the corners, this stitch makes a really neat and tidy finish. Thanks for your help everyone. Problem sorted.
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5422	Login to reply to this post In reply to pippaR << Like this post Date: 7/6/12 11:29 AM Thanks pippa - I will give that a try. I work in infant/toddler daycare, hence the bib making. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
AnneM Intermediate MA USA Member since 7/30/02 Posts: 6556	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/6/12 12:16 PM Try using leather needles to attach the velcro. Using that and sewing slowly, I have successfully sewn on velcro many times. (I use it on a rice pad that wraps around the waist; you can see my review of it if you want.) ------ With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.

Go to Page: 1 of 1

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.