How to Sew Velcro

Although sewing Velcro onto fabric is usually a small project, it can be frustrating and time-consuming. The hooks and loops and stickiness of the Velcro can interfere with your needle and presser foot. However if you properly set the machine tension, have the correctly sized needle, and use the right presser foot, sewing Velcro will be less nerve-wracking. Let your sewing machine do most of the work by using its features and some simple tricks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Velcro
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Sharp heavy-duty sewing machine needle
• Needle lubricant
• Hook and loop foot or zipper foot
• Beeswax

1. Cut a piece of Velcro to size. Avoid cutting through the hooks or loops on the Velcro.

2. Pin the hook and loop pieces onto your project, making sure they are aligned.

3. Set the tension on your sewing machine for medium or heavy-weight fabrics.

4. Use a new, sharp, heavy-duty needle. Check your sewing goods store for needle lubricants that will help glide the needle through the Velcro.

5. Use a special presser foot for hook and loop closures if one was included with your machine. Otherwise try using a zipper foot. Move the needle either left or right and carefully sew on the flat part of the Velcro where there are no hooks or loops.

Tips & Warnings

• Beeswax also works as a needle lubricant.
• Don't use Velcro with adhesive on the back. It will gum up your needle, making sewing impossible.

References

• Velcro projects

Resources

• Sewing for Dummies; Janice Saunders Maresh; 2004

[Cherst1031]

on 11/15/2009 Thanks for these helpful tips - I always have had a terrible time sewing velcro onto fabric and this will help me sew it onto some bibs.