Simple Closures - Topic Overview

Hi Everyone! Are you ready for a deep dive into the topic of "simple closures"? Throughout this month long topic I'll share with you my tips and tricks for working with a variety of closures such as: hook and loop tape, buttons, buttonholes, eyelets, and more... Watch the video below for an overview of the month long topic. You can also see a bit more general info about Simple Closures in the Sewing Academy Part 3.3 Video (password for viewing site: PixieFaire). This was included in your sign up bonus!

Pattern Overview: For this topic, you can choose to sew with any pattern you already have. Below you'll find a list of the Liberty Jane patterns either shown in the videos or ones that highlight the specific types of closures mentioned.

• Liberty Jane Coronado Shirtdress (green top/white hook and loop tape on back closure)
• Liberty Jane Surfrider Sundress/Romper (Buttons over hook and loop tape closure)
• Liberty Jane High waisted Jean Shorts (black hook and loop tape on front fly)
• Liberty Jane Capri/Shorts (hook and loop tape on front fly)
• Liberty Jane Snow Club Jacket (button/loop closure shown on red jacket)
• Liberty Jane Piccadilly Sweater (button/loop closure shown on polka dot top)
• Liberty Jane Button Up Shirt (buttons over snaps)
• Liberty Jane Genoa Jumper (buttons with buttonholes)
• Liberty Jane Ginza Girl Coat (Buttons with buttonholes)
• Liberty Jane Piccadilly Peacoat (Buttons with buttonholes)
• Liberty Jane Boomerit Falls Jacket (lace up eyelet closure shown on sleeve cuffs)
• Liberty Jane Mindil Beach Dress (featuring eyelet lace up back closure)

Week One: To kick off the topic of simple closures I wanted to share with you a few tips for working with hook and loop tape. We've used a variety of types over the years and have come to love the Velcro® Brand Qwik Tie or One-Wrap Tapes. Not only are they thinner than the standard packaged velcro that you can buy locally (or at big box online stores), but they are two sided providing a built-in stabilizer for easy application!

Watch the video below:

Resources (where to buy):

• Currently, you can find a mixed color 3 yard bundles of hook and loop tape at Pixie Faire. We have the  Color Variety Bundle available. This roll can be cut in half lengthwise to create both the left and right side pieces.
• You can also find Velcro® Brand Qwik Tie Tape (the ultra thin stuff in both black and white) at Zipper That Doll (1" wide, must be cut narrower)
• Or Velcro® Brand One Wrap Reusable Cable Tie packages (multi color 8" long strips)
• You can find 1/4" Steam-A-Seam Lite or 1/4" Pellon® Lite EZ-Steam pretty much anywhere sewing supplies are sold. You can use this product on any seam that needs stabilization that doesn't need stretch. We use this in all our Janes shoe patterns too!

Resources (other tips & tricks):

• A glue stick can be used in place of double sided fusible tape. It won't gum up the needle and keeps the velcro in place while sewing. This also works great for zippers!
• Use thread that matches your velcro to keep it clean and professional looking. 
• Use specific scissors for trimming/cutting the hook and loop tape so you don't dull your fabric scissors!

 Week One task:

• Sew a garment using a hook and loop tape closure. If you haven't tried the tips mentioned in the video, give them a try and test the difference they make. If possible, test out using different types to see which type you prefer most.
• Post questions as comments under this Facebook Group Post - please preface your question by stating the closure product used, the pattern used, and step number you're on. Post finished projects as well  - we'd love to see them!

Next Tuesday  - Week 2: Buttons used with loop closure...