Why Won’t My Sewing Machine Sew Velcro?

The generic name of Velcro is hook and eye tape. You can use a Velcro that is made of hard material or you can use it as a fastener for your kid’s dress. It depends on you what kind of Velcro you are going to use, it is recommended that you should use higher-quality soft Velcro. Sewing a Velcro can be cumbersome if you do not follow through right guides.

So why won’t my sewing machine sew Velcro? There are various reasons that your sewing machine does not sew Velcro. In this article, we have addressed these problems and we have tried to resolve them by step by step guides. As you go through this article, you will also learn about sewing Velcro by both hand and machine and the ways to use Velcro without sewing.

Key Takeaways

  • Different methods of sewing Velcro both by hand and sewing machine.
  • Sewing methods of stick back Velcro both by hand and by machine.
  • Few tips and tricks of sewing Velcro.

4 Reasons Why Your Sewing Machine Does Not Sew Velcro

Velcro is a tough material that is notoriously hard to sew. There might be many reasons, but there are 4 main reasons why your sewing machine is unable to sew Velcro properly. So let’s take a look at them in detail.

Weak needle

Velcro are inherently tough material to sew. That is why you need needles that are in optimal condition to be able to sew it properly! A weak needle will not be able to go all the way through and cause your sewing machine to not stitch it at all. That is why you need strong needles which are the size of 14 to 16 to be able to properly sew Velcro.

Long stitches

If you have too long stitches, it can cause stitches to skip over the Velcro. This means that the Velcro is not secured on to the fabric and it will come off easily. The machine will skip over because of the sticky side of the Velcro causing issues with placement of the stitches.

Machine is not strong enough

If the motors of your machine are not strong enough, it will not be able to penetrate the tough Velcro material. This is especially the case for older models and machines where the motors are not equipped with the power needed to stitch the Velcro onto another fabric.

Thick velcro and quality

There are a few types of Velcro and thicker Velcro will be even more of a challenge for your sewing machine to sew. If you combine the other few ones and try to sew a thick Velcro piece, you will ultimately hurt your sewing machine more! So remember to pick out the right Velcro and pick quality Velcro material since they will be easier to sew.

Step-By-Step Guide to Sewing Velcro By Machine

Step-by-step guide to sewing velcro by machine 
Step-by-step guide to sewing velcro by machine 

If you have the right supplies and you follow a step-by-step process, you can sew Velcro without a problem. You can also do a test run on a scrap of fabric.

1. Collecting the supplies

You need a soft Velcro and a durable thread, choose polyester for its strength. The thread will show against the Velcro and on the outside of the fabric, so you have to choose the thread color accordingly. You need a universal needle of size 14 or 16. If you have broken needles or uneven stitches – a denim needle will help for extra density.

You can use chalk or fabric pen to mark your Velcro. You can use pins and if they are difficult to work with, you can use double-sided tape to keep it in place.

2. Cutting the velcro

Cutting Velcro to the appropriate size that is needed. Then take the Velcro to cut the corners, you should cut each corner at a 20-degree angle to reduce the sharpness of the corners and it will also help to reduce the fabric to snag.

3. Positioning the velcro

Make up your mind where you want your Velcro on your fabric. You should place the hook piece by facing out which is away from the skin, if you feel discomfort because the Velcro touches the surface of the skin. The soft side of the Velcro should be placed facing inward. If you have chalk, mark your Velcro where in the fabric you want it to lie. Work on both sides, make sure that two pieces align and they are pressed closed. Pinning the Velcro is another option to keep it in place which is difficult with small, thick pieces of Velcro or you can use a double-sided tape.

4. Setting up the machine

When you are sewing Velcro, you should use straight stitches. Set your machine to 1.5 – 2.0. So, your stitches should be small and Velcro should be attached in a secure way which will help the edges of the Velcro flat. If you are having uneven stitches, you can use a zigzag stitch, but to do so, there should have an around the perimeter near the Velcro. A zigzag stitch will make the Velcro more flexible. If you want to work with thick backing to decrease bunching, a zipper foot should work. When you are working with a zipper foot, you can do straight stitches, which is opposed to zigzag.

5. Testing the settings

Before you move to the final project, you can do a test when you are working with Velcro for the first time. In this way, you will know the setting is right and you have the speed for the best result.

6. Sewing the velcro

Make sure the needle is moving through the Velcro and sew near the perimeter of the Velcro. It has a small border near the Velcro hook and loop area where you should be sewing. Once you are done with sewing the perimeter, backstitch a few more times so that the Velcro stays in place. The closure needs to stand up for repeated tension from pulling- sewn diagonally through the entire piece of Velcro – creating an X.

7. Do this on the other side

Follow the steps above to sew the opposite side of the Velcro. Before you begin, double-check that you have the right placement and that they will align when they are placed together.

Sewing Velcro By Hand- 5 Easy Steps

Sewing velcro by hand- 5 easy steps
Sewing velcro by hand- 5 easy steps

If you do not have a machine and if you are working through a small piece of fabric, then sew by hand. As you are sewing with thick material, it will not be very difficult for you, although, it may take a longer time.

1. Collecting the supplies

Choose a soft Velcro that is not sticky back tape which is easier to sew than a hard piece. If you want to keep down the breakage, use a durable thread. Allow some tension if you are pulling the material layers. Polyester is one of the strongest kinds of fabric which can be found in stores and online. To sew the Velcro, choose a thread of the same color and material. Have a sharp needle handy with Velcro. You need to have something sturdy, so, they don’t bend or snap with repeated pushing or pulling through the materials.

2. Cutting and positioning the velcro

For your project, measure your Velcro and cut it to the appropriate size. To avoid snagging the Velcro, cut each corner of the precut piece at a 20-degree angle. The hook side of the Velcro should be placed at the bottom, it should face out. You should keep it away from the skin. The soft side should be on the top, facing toward the skin. Make sure your hook and loop pieces are correctly aligned, so that, they will meet precisely when they are pressed together. You can pin your Velcro pieces to keep them in place.

3. Thread and coat the needle

Take an 18” to 20” piece of thread to thread your needle and tie the knot. If your thread is too long, it will tangle more easily when it is working with sticky Velcro and it will become quicker, when it is used through the materials for a long time. On the other hand, if you take a shorter thread, we will have to change it more frequently. You can also use beeswax or needle lubricant for a smooth slide.

4. Sewing the velcro into place

When you start sewing the Velcro, start at one corner. Try small straight stitches, a backstitch works well. Sew near the border of the Velcro. Sew as close as possible. Make sure you are holding the Velcro very securely onto the fabric. once you are done with the entire perimeter of the Velcro- backstitch a couple of times which will make sure the stitches are not pulled out.

5. Finishing off the sewing

Once you are done with your sewing, secure the stitches with a knot and close the thread to move to the other side.

6. Sewing the opposite velcro

Before you start with the other piece of Velcro, make sure its position is aligned with the opposite piece. Once they are lined up, go through the processes 4 & 5 from above to complete the sewing.

The back Velcro is sticky; it is a rigid hook piece that will be sticking to a soft loop piece to make a closure. It has an adhesive that is applied to its backside. Back Velcro can be pressed into place for attaching to the fabric or other materials. If you need a quick project, back Velcro is a great option. You can also use Velcro on hard surfaces. But the adhesive is not permanent for sticky back Velcro. If you are washing it multiple times, the adhesive will lose its strength.

If you want to sew your Velcro, which is applied with adhesive, you can. If your back Velcro is coming out, you can secure it into place with a needle and a thread.

Methods to Sew Back Velcro

If you want to sew the sticky back Velcro, you have to be strategic. If you are continuously working through your needle for the sticky back Velcro, it can become difficult. You can use a needle lubricant, so that, your needle slide more easily through the sticky back Velcro. Try applying lubricant frequently while you sew. After that, clean your needle with acetone.

Sticky back Velcro curls up so easily by the edges. This can be difficult to work with. To prevent this, try to sew as close to the edges as possible. Later try to stitch diagonally across the piece of back Velcro.

Sewing velcro by hand

To stitch the sticky back Velcro by hand, you will need everything that you are going to use to sew sticky back Velcro by machine, you will also need needle lubricant. A sturdy needle that is sharp and a durable polyester thread. You do not have to pin it in place because of the adhesiveness of the back Velcro. The placing should be in this manner, the hook part will be placed to the bottom, facing out, while the soft loop side should be facing in.

To thread the needle, use an 18” to 20” piece of needle and tie a knot at the end. Start with one corner of the Velcro and proceed with the perimeter by sewing small stitches. a back stitch is more secure than a basic straight stitch. Once you are sewed with the entire piece of Velcro, backstitch a few additional times to securely close the thread with a knot. As the adhesive is not permanent, it can become weaker with time. To secure the Velcro in place, sew diagonally by creating an X.

Sewing velcro by machine

Sewing sticky back Velcro by machine can be done quite easily. To sew sticky back Velcro, you need needle lubricant. The needle lubricant should be reapplied every time after a few stitches are done. This will help to prevent needle breaking or getting uneven stitches.

If you are sewing sticky back Velcro, you should use a zipper foot. You can also use a standard foot instead. Use a universal needle or a denim needle with size 14 or 16. A strong polyester thread should be threaded into the machine. Pick a color that will go with the Velcro and the material. Use needle lubricant throughout your stitching.

The machine should be set for short straight stitches of 1.5 – 2.0. The smaller stitches will keep the Velcro in place more securely. You will also have even stitches. Sew as close as possible to the edge of the Velcro and do not go over the edge. After you are done with a few stitches, use some needle lubricant. Keep doing this unless you are sewed the entire perimeter of the Velcro. Backstitch before you are finishing off. Finish off by sewing an X diagonally across the surface of the Velcro. Repeat with the opposing piece of Velcro and do not forget to apply needle lubricant after every few stitches.

10 Tips on Sewing Velcro

Tips on sewing velcro
Tips on sewing velcro

If you have a project that requires sewing Velcro, you can follow these tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible.

  1. Take a Velcro that you are going to sew. Sticky back Velcro with adhesive is not designed to work with needle and thread. Sticky back Velcro is difficult to work with and it can damage a sewing machine.
  2. Don’t use hard Velcro. The soft tape will be sewn easily – by hand or by machine.
  3. Before you start sewing the Velcro into place, cut the corners of the Velcro to avoid scratchy edges.
  4. Use a universal or denim needle with size 14 or 16.
  5. If you want more smooth sewing, use a zipper foot.
  6. Use a durable polyester thread.
  7. Choose the thread according to the color of the fabric and the color of the Velcro.
  8. Sew the Velcro as close to the edge as possible.
  9. If you have to outline the placement of the Velcro on fabric, use chalk. Do not use pins, as pins will destroy the shape of the Velcro and they are difficult to work with.
  10. Sew across the Velcro diagonally making an X to keep the tape securely in place.

FAQs

Do I need a special needle to sew Velcro?

Use a universal needle size 14 or 16 or a denim needle. Use a durable polyester thread because it will not break. Adjust your thread tension. Test on a scrap piece before you start your project.

How long can Velcro last?

The hook and loop cycles can tolerate 20,000 cycles when you try to separate them. If you are exposed to ultraviolet light, it will lower the Velcro brand’s durability.

Why is Velcro so loud?

Velcro is loud because the sound is generated by the vibration of the base to which the Velcro is attached. The vibration is created by snapping the hooks and loops. The sound is radiated predominantly at the resonant frequencies of the base.

How to attach Velcro without sewing?

If you do not want to sew your Velcro, you can try adhesive back Velcro which will start peeling away from the fabric after a few uses. You can try ironing as adhesives are heat activated which is also not going to be sturdy or permanent. You can also use buttons, and zippers as alternative closures.

Final Thoughts

As we have discussed in this article, sewing a Velcro is quite challenging, for this, you have to take up a few techniques. If your Velcro is thick, it will be difficult for your needle to penetrate enough to stitch properly. The thread might be tangled or matted together which is also a hindrance. To avoid all of this obstruction, it is the best way to sew your Velcro by hand or by machine. If you are looking for a quick fix, you can also try adhesive back Velcro.

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