Stick with It! The Sewist's Guide to Mastering Velcro (Without Any Snags)
Velcro might just be the sewist's best friend when it comes to secure, no-fuss closures on projects like bags, costumes, and kids' clothes. But sewing Velcro can sometimes feel like a sticky situation! Let’s unravel some top tips and tricks to make working with this hook-and-loop material a breeze.
Why Velcro?
Velcro is super practical for projects where you want something that’s easy to open and close but stays put when needed. Whether you’re crafting toy accessories, adding easy closures to clothing, or making detachable parts on bags, Velcro can be a great choice.
Types of Velcro and When to Use Them
Velcro comes in different varieties, each with its own best uses:
Sew-on Velcro: Ideal for fabric-based projects since it’s specifically designed to be stitched in place. You’ll find it holds up well in items that see frequent wear and tear. Shop on Amazon
Sticky-backed Velcro: Perfect for hard, non-sewable surfaces, but avoid it for sewing projects—it’ll gum up your machine! Shop on Amazon
Velcro dots: These little heroes are awesome for small closures or keeping decorative items secure. Great for kids’ costumes and lightweight attachments.
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Supplies You’ll Need 🧵
Velcro strips or dots (Make sure to get sew-on Velcro, not sticky-backed)
Sharp scissors for cutting the Velcro (sticky stuff can dull blades quickly!)
Sewing machine needles: A strong needle, like a size 90/14, is great for sewing through Velcro without snapping.
Thread: Match it to your project fabric for a clean finish.
How to Sew Velcro Like a Pro
Prep the Velcro: Trim down to size and round the edges. This prevents corners from curling up and makes for a smoother look.
Pin or Use Clips: Velcro can be thick and tricky to pin. Wonder Clips can be your best friend here, holding everything in place without poking through or shifting.
Adjust Your Machine Settings: Set your machine to a longer stitch length, around 3-3.5 mm, which will help keep the stitches from getting tangled in the Velcro loops.
Go Slow and Steady: Start with a straight stitch around the edge of the Velcro piece. If it’s a large piece, you might want to add an “X” shape in the middle for extra hold.
Backstitch for Strength: Especially at the start and end, backstitching will reinforce the stitches. Velcro closures get a lot of tugging, so a strong seam is essential!
Common Velcro Sewing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them!)
Velcro Won't Stick to Fabric: Make sure you're using sew-on Velcro, not sticky-backed. For projects with a lot of strain, try doubling up on the Velcro to spread out the stress.
Gummed-Up Needle: If your needle gets gunky from adhesive, run it through a scrap piece of fabric to clean it off, or swap it out if it’s really bad.
Uneven Stitches: If Velcro is shifting, use more Wonder Clips and take it slow. Double-check that your stitch length is set correctly.
Creative Velcro Ideas 🧩
Here’s where you can really have fun! Velcro isn’t just for closures—try these ideas:
Customizable Bag Liners: Use Velcro to attach an interchangeable liner to bags, so you can easily swap between styles or clean it without hassle.
Toy Accessories: Velcro is great for detachable doll clothes, stuffed animal accessories, and mix-and-match plushie parts.
Removable Patches: Add a little Velcro to the back of fun patches so you can easily swap out your designs or create a collection of interchangeable patchwork.
Recommended Sewing Classes for Velcro Projects
Want to see Velcro in action? Check out this class from Craftsy!
Craftsy’s DIY Cake Pin Cushion is a fun project that includes Velcro dots!
Happy stitching—don’t let Velcro give you any trouble! With these tips, you’ll be hooking and looping like a pro!