Among the many types of garments and items you can create with a sewing machine, some require a certain type of fastener in order to be used properly. This can include clothing items like jackets and vests, as well as makeup bags, book bags, and purses.

There are many different types of fasteners that sewing artists can use for their pieces. Choosing the right one comes down to ease of use for the item and the sewist’s skills and materials on hand. For many clothing items and bags, hook and loop tape is an easy and effective fastener.

Hook and Loop Tape vs. Velcro

Hook and loop tape is a special type of fastener that uses two types of surfaces. These surfaces are designed to connect firmly to one another when pressed together, creating a sturdy fastening for your project. One side is made up of thousands of tiny hooks, while the other has thousands of tiny loops that catch onto the hooks when fastened.

Are Velcro and hook and loop tape the same thing? Yes! Velcro is simply a branded version of hook and loop tape — a fastener that has been around for many years and can be purchased as a generic product as well.

Tips for Sewing Hook and Loop Tape

Looking to attach hook and loop tape to your next sewing project but need help figuring out how to start? Hook and loop tape is one of the easiest fasteners to sew, making it a great option for beginner or intermediate sewing artists. And you likely won’t need any sewing machine accessories that you don’t already have.

Keep in mind that some materials you’ll need are:

• Several strips of hook and loop tape
• A sewing machine
• High-quality thread
• Durable needles

Here are a few of our top tips for sewing hook and loop tape to get you started.

Do a Test Run

Before applying hook and loop tape to your project, do a test run on some spare fabric. As you get the hang of sewing this unique material, it’s best to make mistakes on extra fabric rather than your finished product.

Make Sure Your Hook and Loop Tape Is High-Quality

Not all hook and loop tape is made with the same durability. When shopping for your hook and loop tape, avoid products that are too hard or have adhesive on the back. Both of these will be difficult to sew through and may not keep their stitches well.

Use Strong, Color-Matched Thread

Choose your thread wisely before attempting to sew hook and loop tape to your project. A strong thread made of polyester is recommended for this type of fastener. If you use thin thread, your machine is more likely to skip stitches during the sewing process, and the stitches you can make are at risk of breaking easily.

Additionally, using a thread that’s the same color as your hook and loop tape is recommended for the best aesthetic value.

Use the Right Needle

Since hook and loop tape is made of relatively thick material, using the proper needle for the job is crucial. If you try to sew hook and loop tape with a small or thin needle, it could put your needle at risk of breaking.

A universal needle in a size 14 to 16 is recommended for sewing hook and loop tape. Make sure to regularly check your needle as you’re sewing to make sure it’s not bending or breaking. If your needle is damaged, use a leather or denim needle.

Try Pins to Hold Hook and Loop Tape in Place

As you prepare to stitch your hook and loop tape to your fabric, you may find it difficult to keep the fastening in place while still operating your sewing machine correctly.

To prevent your hook and loop tape from sliding around as you’re applying the first stitches, use a couple of small pins to attach it to your fabric so that your fastener doesn’t end up crooked or improperly stitched.

Durable, Long-Lasting Hook and Loop Tape and Other Accessories at GoldStar Tool

Using a high-quality hook and loop tape is one of the first steps to applying this type of fastener to your sewing projects. Find the best hook and loop tape, as well as a variety of other sewing machine accessories, at GoldStar Tool today.