Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Best method for sewing on velcro?
ahrizel Beginner PA Member since 4/22/12 Posts: 295	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 7/16/12 2:44 PM This may be an obvious one, but it's driving me nuts! I've been making bibs and using velcro for closing them. I break needles, break thread, you name it. I'm using a straight stitch with Gutterman poly thread. Every other bib I do, something goes wrong. I'm trying to do it slowly, but even then the thread breaks sometimes. And the thread is new. Is there a better method, or at least a less frustrating one? Mary
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to ahrizel << 1 member likes this. Date: 7/16/12 3:15 PM Check out this very recent discussion for different approaches. You will probably find one that works. With velcro-ish closures, I have the notion that one of the big problems is that sewing machine feet hate to be on an uneven surface. When I have absolutely needed a neatly stitched rectangular pattern to show on the outside of the fabric--as a decorative element--I have actually stuck a shim (folded scrap of cloth) underneath the lower, unsupported side of the foot. That has taken care of the problem. But when sewing most velcro type fasteners, like many others who responded, I have found that sewing very close to the edge and using some type of zigzag stitch will do the job.
CM_Sews Intermediate CA USA Member since 9/18/04 Posts: 1476	Login to reply to this post In reply to Elona << 1 member likes this. Date: 7/16/12 3:31 PM Quote: Elona But when sewing most velcro type fasteners, like many others who responded, I have found that sewing very close to the edge and using some type of zigzag stitch will do the job. Me, too. A zig-zag stitch close to the edge of the velcro, where the stitch "zigs" onto the edge of the velcro, and then "zags" onto the fabric has worked best for me. CMC
beauturbo Advanced CA USA Member since 5/2/09 Posts: 1446	Login to reply to this post In reply to ahrizel << 1 member likes this. Date: 7/16/12 5:30 PM I like a pretty wide open and not tight zig zag with only one side of it , falling on the velcro too. And the other side into the base fabric instead. Also forget about trying to sew though any stick on with sticky stuff on the back of it kind of velcro if having problems with that kind. Just try Velco with no sticky stuff on the back of it at all. The sticky stuff tends to gum up your needle, and makes sewing kind of hard to sew on velcro anyway, just even way worse to try to sew on. Also any sticky stuff on the back of it, stitcks to the thread trying to go through it, and makes it worse that way too. If your needle and thread really get trapped and en-tangled in with the fuzzy or hook side of the velcro, then also you could always lay some wash a way clear stabilizer (or even some plastic kitchen kind of glad wrap or something like that over it while stitching), and tear it off later too, to prevent that kind of thing. Things like tissue paper or glad wrap or real wash away stabilizer, might not all tear away all that cleanly with a open zig zag on them though, you might have to actually pick the last of the remnants off it off with tweezers later.
Elona   Advanced CA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7401	Login to reply to this post In reply to beauturbo << 1 member likes this. Date: 7/16/12 6:08 PM Quote: Also forget about trying to sew though any stick on with sticky stuff on the back of it kind of velcro if having problems with that kind. Definitely. To hold a velcro bit in place, I find that a dab of glue stick right in the center of the piece works very well, and it doesn't gum up your needle and thread.
ahrizel Beginner PA Member since 4/22/12 Posts: 295	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 7/16/12 6:41 PM I using plain sew on velcro, no iron on or stick on stuff. Zigzag huh? No wonder I'm having issues, I always used a straight stitch. It doesn't matter if it looks perfect on back, the closure is behind the head anyway. These are functional drool/eating bibs, not ones I'm making for sale. I want them to look nice, but no one will be looking at the stitching for the velcro so long as it stays on. Thanks for the help, how to handle velcro is probably obvious to most folks but some things are a challenge when you are learning. Mary
GrandmaNewt Intermediate NV Member since 6/5/10 Posts: 303	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 7/16/12 7:02 PM I also like to use zig zag to sew on velcro, half on the velcro and half on the fabric. To hold the velcro in place I use scotch tape.
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6998	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/16/12 8:17 PM I found using a ball point needle helps to keep the thread in the velcro when you are zzing. (don't ask me why!!) ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
Lynn WA   Intermediate WA USA Member since 3/27/09 Posts: 5	Login to reply to this post In reply to ahrizel << Like this post Date: 7/17/12 0:56 AM Another option is Iron On Velcro. It has a strong hold - you just have to make sure the Velcro is completely cooled after ironing and before hooking the two sides together.
cinca Member since 4/27/11 Posts: 301	Login to reply to this post In reply to ahrizel << Like this post Date: 7/17/12 2:17 PM Lots of good suggestions already posted. I use a topstitch needle size 14 and nylon thread (light weight) for the top thread. And make sure the pressure on the foot is firm enough to hold the layers still while the needle goes through. Yes, and sewing that stick on velcro around the edges is just impossible.

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

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.