How to Sew Sticky Back Velcro

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Sticky back hook-and-loop fastener can be a lifesaver if you're trying to quickly finish a project, but it can pull away from fabric over time. If your hook-and-loop fastener is peeling or you just want to work with hook-and-loop fastener that doesn't require pinning, get out your needle and start sewing! Stitch the hook-and-loop fastener by hand for the easiest experience or use your machine and keep lubricant close by so you can clean the needle.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Hand-Stitching the Hook-and-Loop Fastener

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    [1] Pull off as much sticky back hook-and-loop fastener as you need and cut it to size. Then, pull apart the pieces and peel off the backing before you press a sticky side onto the fabric. Push firmly so the hook-and-loop fastener stays in place. [2]
    • You can hand-sew sticky hook-and-loop fastener on most lightweight fabrics such as cotton or polyester. Avoid using denim since it's too thick to stitch by hand.
    • If you only need to sew a little bit of sticky back hook-and-loop fastener, buy small sticky back coins or squares instead of tape.

    Tip: Trim each corner of the hook-and-loop fastener piece at a 120-degree angle if you don't want the corners to catch on fabric. Sharp edges are more likely to peel up and snag the fabric.

  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    [3] Cut off an 18 to 20 inches (460 to 510 mm) long strand of polyester thread that matches your fabric. Insert the thread through the eye of a heavy-duty sewing needle and tie a knot at the other end of the thread. [4]
    • Buy needles that say they're heavy-duty or made for denim on the package.
    • If you use a thin needle, it's more likely to break as you push it through the tough hook-and-loop fastener pieces.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    Insert the needle through 1 corner of the hook-and-loop fastener so the knot catches on the hook-and-loop fastener. [5]
    • To make the knot more secure, bring the needle back up through the hook-and-loop fastener and push it down through the same spot you just stitched into.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    Push your needle down through the hook-and-loop fastener to create a straight stitch, also called a running stitch. Then, bring it back up through the hook-and-loop fastener to make another stitch. To finish sewing, make a few backstitches and cut the thread. [6]
    • Repeat this process for the opposite piece of the hook-and-loop fastener.
    • Sew as close to the edges as you can when you're doing the straight stitch, so they don't curl up. Keep your stitches as small as possible so the hook-and-loop fastener stays firmly in place. [7]
    • If you want the hook-and-loop fastener to be extra secure, straight stitch diagonally across the piece.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    Although it's a lot easier to sew sticky back hook-and-loop fastener by hand, the needle might still become sticky from the adhesive. [8] If it does, stop sewing and wipe the needle with a cloth soaked in acetone or nail polish remover. Then, squirt a few drops of sewing machine lubricant onto another cloth and wipe it on the needle. [9]
    • You may need to repeat this every few stitches or at least for every side you sew.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Sewing Machine

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    Unroll as much of the sticky back hook-and-loop fastener as you need for your project and cut it. Then, separate the sides and peel off the backing to expose the adhesive. Position the sticky back hook-and-loop fastener on your fabric and press firmly so it sticks in place. [10]
    • Although sticky back hook-and-loop fastener also comes in small coins or squares, these are too small to sew using your machine.
    • To prevent the hook-and-loop fastener's corners from catching on fabric, trim each corner of the hook-and-loop fastener piece at a 120-degree angle.
    • Since a sewing machine can easily stitch through heavy fabrics as well as lightweight ones, you can sew sticky back hook-and-loop fastener onto most fabrics. Just ensure that you have a strong needle so it doesn't break.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    Since the sticky adhesive can gum up your sewing needle, install a new, heavy-duty needle. Then, squirt a few drops of sewing machine lubricant onto a soft cloth and wipe it on the needle. [11]
    • The package of needles should say "heavy-duty" or that they're designed for denim.
    • Set the oiled cloth aside since you'll use it when you begin sewing.

    Tip: It's important to use a heavy-duty needle since thinner needles may break as you sew. Try using a denim or leather needle if your sturdiest needle isn't working.

  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    To make it easier for your machine to sew over the hook-and-loop fastener, snap a hook and loop footer in place. If your machine doesn't have a hook and loop presser foot, use a zipper foot so it doesn't catch on the hook-and-loop fastener. [12]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    Place the fabric under your needle so the hook-and-loop fastener faces up. Then, adjust the machine's stitch length to make straight stitches between 1.5 and 2.0 millimetres (0.059 and 0.079 in) long. If you make the stitch length longer than this, the needle may skip over the hook-and-loop fastener. [13]
    • Use polyester thread, which is stronger than cotton thread and less likely to break.
    • Don't try to do the zig zag stitch with hook-and-loop fastener since your machine may have a difficult time working back and forth.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    Sticky back hook-and-loop fastener tends to curl up around the edges, so sew straight stitches along each edge of the hook-and-loop fastener piece. Then, sew diagonally across the hook-and-loop fastener piece so it's secure in the center. [14]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    Your needle will get coated with adhesive gunk even though you lubricated it. Stop every 2 or 3 stitches and carefully wipe away the buildup using a cloth soaked in acetone or nail polish remover. Then, wipe the needle with the lubricated cloth you used earlier. To finish sewing, make a few backstitches and cut the thread. [15]
    • Keep both cloths handy since you'll need to stop every few stitches to clean and oil the needle.
    • Repeat this process for the opposite side of the hook-and-loop fastener.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Sew Sticky Back Velcro
    Your machine may struggle to stitch through the hook-and-loop fastener even with frequent lubrication. Work as slowly as possible so your needle doesn't gum up or break. [16]
    • If you're still having trouble sewing hook-and-loop fastener with the machine, consider sewing the hook-and-loop fastener by hand.
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can you sew through stick-on velcro?
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Expert Answer
    It's important to make sure you use self-fastening velcro when sewing, as velcro with adhesive can get into your needle and mess up the sewing process.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
  • Question
    What thread do I use for stick on velcro?
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Expert Answer
    Use polyester thread to sew through your velcro so it'll have a firm hold.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question
    Where do I sew velcro?
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management.
    Mia Danilowicz
    Master Tailor
    Expert Answer
    Keep your stiches close to the edge of the velcro. Otherwise, the velcro might start to curl up on the sides.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Polyester thread is stronger than cotton thread, which makes it a good choice for sewing through hook-and-loop fastener. [17]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      Hand-Stitching the Hook-and-Loop Fastener

      • Heavy-duty needle
      • Polyester thread
      • Sticky back hook-and-loop fastener
      • Fabric
      • Acetone

      Trying to Sew Hook-and-Loop Fastener with a Machine

      • Sewing machine
      • Polyester thread
      • Acetone or nail polish remover
      • Sewing machine lubricant
      • Heavy-duty needle
      • Sticky back hook-and-loop fastener
      • Fabric
      • Cloths

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Sew Patches on Jeans by Hand
      How to
      Put Eyelets in Fabric
      How to
      Sew a Glove
      How to
      Remove Needle Marks from Fabric
      How to
      Fix a Gaping Shirt
      How to
      Make a Wrap Skirt to Fit Any Size
      How to
      Sew a Lining in a Bag
      How to
      Sew Velcro by Hand
      How to
      Make a Box Styled Gimp
      How to
      Make Adjustable Straps
      How to
      Make a Hacky Sack
      How to
      Do a French Knot
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Mia Danilowicz. Master Tailor. Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/SD8aEGBJTMg?t=16
      3. ↑ Mia Danilowicz. Master Tailor. Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.
      4. ↑ https://sewingiscool.com/how-to-sew-through-sticky-velcro/
      5. ↑ https://sewingiscool.com/how-to-sew-through-sticky-velcro/
      6. ↑ https://sewguide.com/easy-hand-stitches/
      7. ↑ Mia Danilowicz. Master Tailor. Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.
      8. ↑ Mia Danilowicz. Master Tailor. Expert Interview. 8 January 2021.
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/1k5oLyuz1qM?t=126
      1. ↑ https://www.velcro.com/products/adhesive-backed/velcro-brand-sticky-back-tape/
      2. ↑ https://sewingiscool.com/how-to-sew-through-sticky-velcro/
      3. ↑ https://sewingiscool.com/how-to-sew-through-sticky-velcro/
      4. ↑ https://sewingiscool.com/how-to-sew-through-sticky-velcro/
      5. ↑ https://sewingiscool.com/how-to-sew-through-sticky-velcro/
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/1k5oLyuz1qM?t=126
      7. ↑ https://sewingiscool.com/how-to-sew-through-sticky-velcro/
      8. ↑ https://sewingiscool.com/how-to-sew-through-sticky-velcro/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,245 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Susan Shriver

        Dec 4, 2022

        "I was having so much trouble sewing sticky-back Velcro. This article taught me a couple points that I was missing."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement