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Member since 11/27/05
Posts: 4
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Posted on: 8/16/06 11:48 PM ET
Anyone have any tips about sewing with Velcro. I make pouches for my son's insulin pump and I sew a belt onto the pouch. The belt is made of elastic with fabric around it and then I sew velcro on for an adjustable closure. I have been using the walking foot to get through all the layers and that seemed to work great for a while now the bottom thread occasionally loops up underneath. Any other suggestions??
  
Member since 11/6/04
Posts: 234
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Posted on: 8/17/06 2:51 AM ET
In a situation like this, a new needle of the right type is a big help.

Bargain-brand needles or a dull needle will cause the problem you describe.

I would recommend a Schmetz Size 14 Stretch needle for this application.

cheers
jean
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 13492
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Posted on: 8/17/06 3:21 AM ET
In reply to CHugos
To make things a little easier, I glue-stick the velcro in place before stitching. Myself, I don't use a walking foot, but if I get the looping problem when edge-stitching thicker velcro, I find it often helps to give the foot a more even surface to rest on. If this is your situation, you can fold up some scrap cloth into a longish little rectangle about the same thickness as the velcro. When you're ready to start stitching on the velcro, slip the fabric shim under the part of the foot that isn't resting completely on the Velcro--but not under the needle (you don't want to actually stitch through this piece of fabric). I do find that if the foot is evenly supported this way, as I go around the piece of velcro I'm working on, I get less looping.


-- Edited on 8/17/06 3:23 AM --
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Elona
  
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Member since 7/30/02
Posts: 8991
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Posted on: 8/17/06 8:31 AM ET
When I sew velcro, I usually use a leather needle and sew slowly. And I agree with the other tips given: you might need a fresh needle, and even out the surface.

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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
  
Member since 11/27/05
Posts: 4
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Posted on: 8/17/06 12:48 PM ET
Thanks to all for your suggestions! I went and bought the Schmetz leather needles. Plus I decided to try the glue stick trick. Both of them have worked really well together! I'm using the regular foot also. That has really saved time of not having to switch to the walking foot! So far so good! I couldn't be happier!
  
Member since 1/21/06
Posts: 1864
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Posted on: 8/17/06 6:57 PM ET
Also,

Velcro Fabric Fusion

has been helpful for me.

HTH.

Carla

  
Member since 5/23/04
Posts: 525
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Posted on: 8/17/06 8:24 PM ET
I like sewing velcro on with a ditch quilting foot (otherwise known as an edge joining foot - just has a little blade up the middle - most wonderful foot I own) and only sewing around the edges with a zigzag stitch. I really don't even pin it and don't use glue, though a little hit with a glue stick does not sound like a bad idea.
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Becky
  
Member since 11/10/04
Posts: 56
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Posted on: 8/17/06 8:30 PM ET
I always sew with the velcro facing up. Are you doing that? Also I always use the sew only velcro the other is a mess!
  
Member since 11/27/05
Posts: 4
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Posted on: 8/19/06 8:26 AM ET
Yes it is the sew on velcro and yes I am sewing it facing up. I am using C & C thread because I have lots of it. However after reading lots of information on PR I will be buying the Gutterman's thread as I need to replace the C & C ones. I will also see if that makes a difference. Thanks for all the tips! I knew I was coming to the right place for help!
  
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