Wondering how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing? Velcro is a method for quickly, securely fastening items together and enables you to easily attach and pull apart fabric or other materials. Although people do use it along with sewing in crafting projects, it can be used without sewing as well.
Also called hook and loop fasteners, Velcro fasteners are made up of tiny hooks on one side and smaller, fuzzy loops on the other. Once these two parts come together, they bind temporarily as the hooks catch and stick to the loops.
You can easily separate these two sides by gently pulling them apart. Most Velcro fasteners work for to 8,000 times before the sticking strength begins to fade.
Velcro can be glued to many types of fabric and comes in varying widths. Hook and loop fasteners typically come in black or white to match easily with whatever fabric you’re using them with.
When you’re using Velcro, it’s important to remember the intended application of it when combining it with a bonding agent or fabric glue. You might use a different type of adhesive, for example, with securing a hook and loop fastener to a purse than you would with shoes.
George De Mestral first discovered Velcro in 1948 when he went on a walk and noticed cockleburs stuck to his coat. He was fascinated by this and looked at the burs under a microscope. After viewing them up close, he spent the next eight years developing this accidental discovery.
First, he made the design out of cotton, but discovered it wore out too fast. Next, he tried nylon and discovered that it worked much better. Mestral’s discovery completely transformed the world of fastening.
Once manufacturers began replacing traditional fasteners with Velcro, people noticed value and cost benefits. Switching to this type of fastener reduced production costs, resulting in more affordable products for customers.
Since crafting is good for your brain, and useful in many ways, it’s worth getting better acquainted with this fastening method. But before you learn how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing, consider how people are using Velcro today.
The word “Velcro” is used today to describe all hook and loop fasteners, although Velcro is technically one brand’s version of this style of fastener. Hook and loop fasteners today are still usually made with nylon, although there are also polyester versions available.
Polyester is more waterproof and also provides better resistance to UV rays. Even when manufacturers make hook and loop fasteners from polyester, the hooks are always nylon.
Velcro fasteners are common in clothing and shoes and can replace snaps, zippers, laces, and buttons. it can work to secure medical bandages, hanging items on the wall, and more. It works on difficult surfaces, too, such as wood, tile, metal, fiberglass, and ceramic.
This useful material is used on automobiles, aircraft, and even on spacecraft. Velcro is simple and lightweight, making it ideal for attaching external elements and holding down movable parts.
Before moving onto to question of how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing, you should have a full picture of what to expect from this fastening method. As with anything else, Velcro comes with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at these below:
There are many different options out there for fastening one item to another. What are some of the advantages of choosing Velcro over other fasteners?
Velcro works well for a versatile set of needs. From holding objects on spaceships in place, to fastening shoes, to holding a seat cushion to a chair, Velcro works. Unlike buttons, which can easily fall off due to weakening thread, Velcro is super strong and durable. The nylon or polyester materials used with hook and loop fasteners ensure that it remains intact, even after repeated uses.
Additionally, it is pretty much the simplest fastener out there. This simplicity is one of the reasons it’s so popular with children’s shoes. Velcro shoes are easier for children to secure in place than shoelaces. Velcro doesn’t require very much maintenance. Once it’s in place, it’s ready to go. The only maintenance it may need is replacing the Velcro after you have used it for a long time and has worn out.
Velcro makes a loud noise when it’s pulled apart. This sound can make the material helpful for alerting you to pickpockets. If you’re wearing a bag that fastens with Velcro, you’ll hear it if someone tries to sneakily open your purse and reach into it.
Anything that comes with benefits must also have some drawbacks. What are some of the potential downsides of using Velcro in place of other types of fasteners?
Since the hook side of Velcro is fairly sticky, you may notice that it begins to collect dirt and lint over time. The random debris that gets caught in the hooks can cause the Velcro to function worse than it did at first. The hooks can also become broken or elongated after you’ve been using them for a few months.
If you’ve used Velcro before, you’re probably aware that it can attach itself to other materials. The hooks can become entwined with your sweater or other loosely woven fabrics and cause damage. The noise Velcro makes can be annoying to some people. This sound shouldn’t be too much of an issue though unless you’re using it in a situation that calls for silence or secrecy.
Velcro is often present in clothing that sits close to the skin. The material may end up absorbing perspiration and other moisture over time and eventually smell. Thankfully, most Velcro is safe for the washing machine. Make sure you follow instructions closely on how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing. And always check the care instructions on both the fabric and Velcro you use before you assume.
You already know that Velcro can be useful in crafting situations, but did you know that it has many practical uses, too? Before getting into how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing, we should understand how people use this product.
Due to how easy it is to use, hook and loop fastening is very popular and common. You can find it in children’s clothing and shoes as it’s easier to use than zippers or buttons. Velcro is also popular in adaptive clothing for those with disabilities.
Since it can be hard to dress yourself with mobility issues or old age, Velcro is a suitable replacement for zippers or buttons.
Hook and loop fasteners held a human heart together during the very first artificial heart surgery. It’s also used to hold flashlights to walls in army tanks and in nuclear power plants. Velcro can work to hold speaker covers and floor mats in place in cars and in the home to attach upholstery.
You’ll find it in disposable diapers, pockets, notebooks, briefcases, and backpacks. You’ll also find it in orthopedic braces and sports like flag football and rugby.
Velcro is a popular fastener when it comes to crafting. You can use it to fasten clothing like skirts or dresses. You can also make homemade messenger bags and use a hook and loop fastener as the closing component. As you can see, the only limit with hook and loop fasteners is your imagination!
Wondering how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing? You can sew Velcro onto fabrics, welded to fabric, or glued. What will work best for your needs depends on your own preference. The type of project you’re using it for will also play a role in the best adhesive method to use.
There are many Velcro types and adhesives available out there. Usually, a heavy-duty or multipurpose glue is best for this use. But it’s always best to use an adhesive specifically designed to function well with Velcro.
The Velcro application process typically isn’t very difficult. However, pay attention to label warnings on the fabric and products you use.
Certain adhesives will have different reactions to temperature, washing, sunlight, and other factors. If you don’t follow the proper guidelines for application and use, the Velcro may start to curl at the edges. Let’s take a look at adhesive options for hook and loop fasteners like Velcro.
Fabric-based tape is one option for how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing. If you’re using hook and loop fasteners for a DIY costume or clothing, consider using fabric tape.
The fabric tape method is an easy peel and stick process that permanently bonds to fabric without ironing, gluing, or sewing.
You can also safely wash it in the washing machine. The fabric tape method is especially useful for personalizing fabrics and attaching patches. You can also use it for sleeves, collars, hems, and more.
One of the best parts of this method is that you don’t need any crafting experience to use it.
To do this, wash and dry the fabric you want to use first. Then, cut the tape to the size you need. The more Velcro you use, the stronger it will fasten.
Next, you just need to peel the liner off and stick it to the fabric. Fabric-based tape can take up to 24 hours to fully set. Wait at least a full day before you wear or wash the fabric.
Gluing is another option for how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing. As soon as you select the fabric and the glue you want to use, find a flat surface area to use.
When you’re using hot glue or liquid, leave some space on either side of the Velcro. Turn over the Velcro piece and apply the glue, starting from the middle. Keep in mind that liquid glue will spread once you stick the Velcro to the fabric.
By not applying to glue all the way out to the edges of the Velcro, you’ll prevent it from seeping beyond where you want it to be. Look at the instructions on the glue and allow the fabric to sit as long as needed to dry fully.
It’s always possible to add stitches later if it needs reinforcement.
When you’re using a hot glue gun to apply Velcro, make sure your fabric is ready before you start. As soon as the glue is hot, apply it as soon as possible.
When you’re using a glue gun, make rows of glue and add as many as you need. Apply the strip of Velcro using light pressure. Now that you know how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing, you'll be unstoppable.
You can find hook and loop fasteners (usually called Velcro) everywhere for creative and practical uses. Now that you understand the history of Velcro, its many uses, and other information, you’re ready to craft. You can use this type of fastener for clothes, backpacks, and more.
Learning how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing can transform your creativity. Sewing can be quite a hassle, so having a variety of options is a good way to get better at your craft.
Always remember to read care instructions before you use Velcro strips. Some adhesives release their bonding agent once you wash them and can cause staining.