Sewing Guide: VELCRO® Brand Hook & Loop (Sew-On)

To sew VELCRO® Brand sew-on fasteners, box-stitch around all edges using a size 14/90–16/100 needle and polyester thread, 8–10 stitches per inch. Add anti-peel tabs or a center stitch for high-stress areas. Do not sew adhesive-backed tape.

Shop VELCRO® Brand Sew-On Fasteners →

What You’ll Need

Tools & Materials

Before you start sewing, gather these essentials:

VELCRO® Brand sew-on hook & loop tape (available in ¾", 1", and 2" widths)
Fabric – cotton, canvas, nylon, polyester, or fleece
Sewing machine – capable of straight and zigzag stitches
Needle: Universal or Denim, size 14/90–16/100
Thread: Polyester (stronger and weather-resistant)
Scissors or rotary cutter
Washable fabric marker or chalk for marking placement
Ruler or measuring tape for alignment
Clips or basting tape to hold the fastener (avoid pins that can leave holes)

Pro Tip: Always test your stitch settings on a scrap of the same fabric before sewing the final piece.

Don’t Use

Avoid these common mistakes to protect your machine and get clean, long-lasting results:

Adhesive-backed tapes because it gum up your needle and feed dogs
Too-fine needles because it bend or skip stitches
Cotton thread because it weakens in moisture and sunlight
High ironing heat (above 250°F) because it can melt hooks or loops

Important: Only sew VELCRO® Brand Sew-On fasteners. Adhesive-backed types are for stick-on use only.

Step-by-Step: How to Sew VELCRO® Brand Hook & Loop

Sewing VELCRO® Brand fasteners is simple once you know the right steps.
Follow this easy guide for a clean, strong, and professional finish.

1) Plan Placement & Orientation

Place the hook side (the rough side) so it faces away from skin.
The loop side (the soft side) should face toward the body or soft fabrics.
Mark where each strip will go using a washable fabric marker or chalk.
Make sure both strips line up perfectly when closed.
Leave a small border (about 1/16 inch) from the fabric’s edge for strength.

Pro Tip: Always check placement before sewing, once stitched, it’s hard to adjust.

2) Cut & Prep

Cut your tape across the width, not lengthwise.
Avoid slicing the tape down the middle, it can cause fraying.
If you must shorten it, seal the cut edge with a lighter touch of heat (for nylon) or fabric glue.
Use clips or a bit of basting tape to hold it in place on the fabric.

Pro Tip: Do not use pins. They can leave holes or damage the hook surface.

3) Stitch Settings

Before sewing, set your machine correctly:

Setting	Recommendation
Needle	Size 14/90 or 16/100
Thread	Polyester
Stitch Length	8–10 stitches per inch
Tension	Neutral
Speed	Medium – control over speed helps accuracy

Test your stitch on a scrap piece of fabric and tape first. Make sure the stitches lie flat and the machine feeds smoothly.

4) Standard Attachment (Box Stitch)

This is the most common and strongest way to attach VELCRO® Brand fasteners.

Start at one corner of the tape.
Sew a straight line down one side.
When you reach the end, pivot the fabric, and sew across the width.
Continue around all four sides, creating a box shape.
Add a short back-tack at each corner to lock stitches.

This “box stitch” keeps the fastener flat and stops it from peeling off the fabric.

Pro Tip: For wider strips, add one straight seam through the center for extra hold.

5) High-Stress Upgrades

Use these extra sewing methods for heavy use like straps, bags, or outdoor gear.

Upgrade	How It Helps	Use For
Triple Stitch (Center Seam)	Adds strength through the middle	Straps, belts
Anti-Peel Tab	Curved or folded ends stop corners from lifting	Jackets, bags
Anti-Peel Edge	Reinforces edges under strain	Closures pulled often
Double Anti-Peel	Uses two tabs for high movement	Gear in wind or tension

Pro Tip: Always stitch in the same direction as the “peel” force, this reduces lifting over time.

6) Tabs, Rounds & Long Closures

For long strips, add mid-point tabs or extra stitches every few inches.
On round or curved areas, stitch slowly and pivot often.
For tab extensions, sew a Box-X pattern (a box with an X inside).
Keep the stitch smooth and even to prevent bunching.

Pro Tip: Tabs are great for gloves, straps, or sleeves where corners peel first.

7) Final Check

Trim any loose threads.
Close (mate) the hook and loop together and test by gently pulling apart.
Check that the stitches lie flat and no corners lift.
If you plan to wash or iron the fabric, keep the pieces mated to protect them.

Need wider widths or molded hooks? Shop Sew-On & Specialty Fasteners →

Settings by Fabric

Use this table to choose the right needle, thread, and stitch for your fabric. If you’re not sure what fabric you have, test a small scrap first.

Fabric Type	Needle	Thread	Stitch Length (SPI)	Best Stitch Style	Easy Tips
Cotton (shirts, light pants)	14/90	Polyester	10	Box + back-tack	Wash fabric before sewing so it doesn’t shrink later.
Canvas or Denim	16/100 (heavy)	Heavy polyester	8–9	Box + center seam	Sew slowly; thick layers may need a longer stitch.
Nylon Ripstop (jackets, gear)	14/90 Microtex	Polyester	9–10	Box + anti-peel tabs	Use clips, not pins — pins can leave holes.
Polyester Packcloth or Outdoor Fabric	16/100	Polyester	8–9	Box-X + center seam	Lower iron heat — this fabric can melt easily.
Fleece or Stretch Knits	14/90 Ballpoint	Polyester	10–11	Zigzag edges + box	Add a thin backing fabric to keep stitches from sinking in.

Pro Tip:

If the stitches look tight or the fabric puckers, loosen the tension a little.
If the thread loops on the bottom, tighten the top tension slightly.

Stitch Types & When to Use Them

Different fabrics and projects need different stitches. Here are the three most common stitch types for sewing VELCRO® Brand hook and loop.

Single-Needle Lockstitch (301)

What it is:
The standard straight stitch on most sewing machines.

When to use:
For clothing, pouches, and almost any general sewing project.

Why it works:
It makes a clean, strong line that holds well when you sew a box stitch around the tape.

Tip: Use this stitch for neat edges and a tidy look on both sides of the fabric.

Zig-Zag Stitch (300 Series)

What it is:
A back-and-forth stitch that looks like a “Z” pattern.

When to use:
On stretchy fabrics like fleece, knits, or curved edges.

Why it works:
It lets the fabric stretch without breaking the thread and helps seal the tape edges to stop peeling.

Tip:
Use a medium width zig-zag (not too wide) to keep the stitches close to the tape edge.

400-Series Chain Stitch

What it is:
A fast, looping stitch used on many commercial or heavy-duty machines.

When to use:
For gear, straps, or industrial sewing.

Why it works:
It’s strong and flexible, good for items that move or bend often.
But check both ends if one thread breaks, the chain can unravel.

Tip:
Lock both ends with a few back-stitches so the seam won’t open later.

Pro Tip:
If you’re sewing wide tape (1 inch or more), add a center seam for extra hold.
Use anti-peel tabs anywhere the corners start to lift, it makes a big difference over time.

Performance, Care & Safety

VELCRO® Brand sew-on fasteners are made to last, even after washing, drying, or years of daily use. Follow these easy tips to keep your closures strong and clean.

Washing & Drying

Machine washable and dry-cleanable.
Keep the hook and loop fastened before washing to stop lint from collecting.
For best results, wash in cold or warm water and use mild detergent.
Air dry or tumble dry low, high heat can wear down the hooks faster.

Ironing

You can iron VELCRO® closures, but keep the hook and loop mated (closed) to protect them.
Use a low to medium heat setting up to 250°F (120°C).
Never iron directly on the hook side. It can melt or flatten the hooks.

Heat & Cold

Works well in most conditions.
Cold temperatures make the closure stronger but may shorten its life a little.
Extreme heat (above 400°F) can melt the nylon and ruin the tape.

Storage & Maintenance

Keep unused tape in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Avoid dust and fabric lint, they reduce grip.
If hooks get clogged, use a fine comb or piece of loop tape to clean them

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced sewists make these mistakes sometimes. Here’s how to avoid them and keep your project looking neat and lasting longer.

Sewing Adhesive-Backed Tape

Never try to sew stick-on (adhesive-backed) VELCRO® tape. The glue will gum up your needle and can damage your machine. Only use VELCRO® Brand Sew-On Fasteners for stitching.

Using Cotton Thread Outdoors

Cotton thread weakens when it gets wet or stays in sunlight. Always choose polyester thread, it’s stronger, water-resistant, and perfect for outdoor gear.

Skipping Back-Tacks

Always back-stitch at the start and end of your seams. It locks your stitches in place so they won’t unravel with use or washing.

Cutting Tape Lengthwise

Cutting tape down the middle makes it fray and weaken over time. Only cut across the width to shorten it, and seal the ends if needed.

Placing Hook Toward Skin

The hook side feels rough and can irritate skin or snag fabric. Always place it so it faces away from the body or toward firm materials.

Ignoring Fabric Stretch

Stretchy fabrics (like fleece or knits) can cause stitches to pull. Use a zigzag stitch or stabilizer underneath to stop the seam from warping.

How to Choose the Right Sew-On Tape

VELCRO® Brand sew-on fasteners come in different widths, colors, and materials. Choosing the right one makes your project stronger, neater, and longer-lasting. Here’s what to know before you buy.

1) Pick the Right Width

Width	Best For	Why It Works
¾ inch (19 mm)	Light clothing, craft projects	Easy to sew and bend around corners
1 inch (25 mm)	General use, bags, pouches	Strong balance of hold and flexibility
1.5–2 inches (38–50 mm)	Heavy fabrics, outdoor gear	Stronger grip and wider sewing area

Tip: Wider tape gives a stronger hold but can feel stiff on soft fabric. If you’re sewing clothing, 1 inch is usually perfect.

2) Choose Your Color

Black and white are the most common and match most fabrics.
Some stores offer tan, navy, or grey options for outdoor gear or uniforms.
Always choose a color that blends into your fabric for a clean, professional look.

3) Match the Fabric Type

Different fabrics need different hook-and-loop materials.

Fabric	Best Type of Sew-On Tape	Why
Cotton / Canvas	Standard nylon sew-on	Strong and flexible
Nylon or Polyester Gear	Sew-on nylon tape or ULTRA-MATE® molded hook	Holds under tension and outdoor use
Fleece / Knitwear	Soft sew-on loop side	Gentle on skin and fabric
Delicate or Thin Fabrics	Narrow-width sew-on	Prevents bulk or stiffness

Pro Tip: For slippery fabrics (like nylon), use a few clips or basting tape to keep everything lined up while sewing.

4) Hook vs. Loop Orientation

This part confuses many beginners but it’s simple once you know:

Hook side = rough side → should face away from the skin.
Loop side = soft side → should face toward the body or soft fabric.
For straps or wraps: put hook inside and loop outside to stop snagging

5) For Heavy-Duty or Specialty Use

For tougher jobs or extreme conditions, consider specialty options:

Type	Use Case	Notes
ULTRA-MATE® Molded Hook	High-strength hold, rigid materials	Great for outdoor gear, seat covers, and equipment straps
VELSTRAP® Reusable Straps	Reusable wrap-around closures	Adjustable and easy to replace
Flame-Resistant (FR) Tape	Industrial or safety gear	Made from flame-rated materials

These are usually special-order items but worth it for heavy use or outdoor exposure.

6) Where to Buy

You can find genuine VELCRO® Brand sew-on fasteners at:

VELCRO® Brand official store
Home improvement and fabric retailers
Online suppliers like Amazon and Grainger

Always check that it says “VELCRO® Brand Sew-On Fasteners” not stick-on or adhesive-backed.

Shop VELCRO® Brand Sew-On Hook & Loop
Find widths from ¾" to 2", in black or white, ready for clothing, craft, and gear repairs.

FAQs

What stitch length works best for sew-on VELCRO®?
Use 8–10 stitches per inch. This length gives a smooth, strong seam without bunching the fabric. Always test on a small scrap first to make sure the stitches look even and tight.
Can I sew adhesive-backed VELCRO® tape?
No. Adhesive-backed tape will gum up your needle and damage your machine. Only sew VELCRO® Brand Sew-On Fasteners, they’re made for stitching, not sticking.
Which side goes on clothing the hook or the loop?
The hook side (rough) should face away from the skin. The loop side (soft) goes on the clothing or the side that touches the body. This keeps it comfortable and prevents snagging.
How do I stop corners from peeling?
Add anti-peel tabs, small curved stitches or folded corners at each end of the tape. You can also sew a box stitch with a center seam for extra grip in high-use spots.
Can I wash and iron garments with VELCRO® closures?
Yes. Mate (close) the hook and loop before washing or ironing.Wash in cold or warm water, dry low heat, and iron up to 250°F. Avoid direct contact between the iron and the hook side.

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