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From: twerkema
Date: 03-27-2006, 01:33 PM (1 of 20)
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I am working on a cover for my parlor grand piano. I have created the entire thing as sections which are closed using velcro. The velcro closure allow me to insert or remove foam padding so that I'm only using it when I have to. I also have velcro strips in several other key locations so that I can still use the piano without taking the cover off. I started sewing the velcro on yesterday and was having a very difficult time with the hook side. The loop side (the softer side) sewed on with no problem. The hook side kept catching my needle and/or snapping the thread. I tried sewing on the edge versus sewing in the middle and it didn't seem to make any difference. The strips are at least 20" long and I am able to sew a few inches before something bad happens. Any suggestions or help would be highly appreciated!!! |
User: twerkema
Member since: 03-27-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: stephi
Date: 03-27-2006, 02:37 PM (2 of 20)
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Put a piece of paper over the hook side...OR believe it or not Target has an iron on velco that is incredibly strong you wouldnt have to sew it at all. I used it on a tablecloth for our barn and it still holding strong to this day dirt, dust and even a few washes!! JAS Stephi When in doubt rip it out. 
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361 
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From: swartzrn
Date: 03-27-2006, 02:48 PM (3 of 20)
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My SIL made a duvet cover with button/buttonhole closures. Upon looking into doing this myself, I looked into velcro as well and have heard alot of good things about the iron on velcro. I had the same thing happen while trying to sew on velcro on a bag as a closure! Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
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From: pucktricks
Date: 03-27-2006, 04:40 PM (4 of 20)
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I've also had success with putting the velcro side down so it's facing the bobbin. It actually works rather well with my machine. Maybe try that. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 03-27-2006, 08:16 PM (5 of 20)
| What size needle are you using? A 16 or Jeans needle work best. Use a zig-zag stitch and medium weight thread, looser tension in both needle and bobbin. Mediun pressure on your foot. Make sure that you hold the Velcro and fabric taught when sewing it so it will not bunch up. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: twerkema
Date: 03-27-2006, 08:41 PM (6 of 20)
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I'll let you all know my progress when I work on it again this weekend. Thanks for the tips. My needle is a size 14. For some reason, I couldn't get tension right on a 16, but I was also using a different heavier thread. Maybe I'll try with the cc polyester that I'm using. And I'll try medium tension. I was a little to the tight side. Thank you all so much. I was afraid that I would have to give up. I don't want to buy iron on if I have to since I already bought the sew on, and I bought whole spools of it. I now have hope : ) |
User: twerkema
Member since: 03-27-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: Sancin
Date: 03-28-2006, 05:21 AM (7 of 20)
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Hey guys - great ideas. I never attempt to sew on velcro for just the same reason twerkema found. I look forward to hearing how the project turns out! And I may try velcro again. I have, on occasion, sewn it by hand but find the same thing happens to the thread and the needle gets gummy. I personally have not found the iron on I have found works and neither does the stick on. My laundry hamper basket liner now has the velcro glued onto the basket with gorilla glue! I have found an amazing velcro product - velcro strip that loops back and sticks to itself. I bought a package of short coloured strips several years ago to try and do something with all the wires at the back of my computer and sound system. I then found it by the roll in a hardware store. It is great for wrapping things that you continually have to rewrap. When I worked I wrapped a long strip of velcro 'stick to itself' around the binder I transported notes in to keep pages and transparencies from falling out. I used it to wrap a sleeping bag and it is fantastic when sewing something with fleece as fleece can be so bulky to handle. There is a plastic tape, called Hugo's Magic Tape I believe, that I purchased in a quilt shop which works in a similar way but the velcro seems sturdier. It seems that one just thinks of something these days and someone else has made it! *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 03-28-2006, 07:16 AM (8 of 20)
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I have, on occasion, sewn it by hand but find the same thing happens to the thread and the needle gets gummy. Have you been using the velcro that has glue on the back. I never use the sticky kind when sewing. And after seeing all these posts I have to admit that I have sewn velcro even just this past weekend...and lots of times before....without any problems. I was sewing it on in small pieces, e.g. 2" lengths for closures on a diaper bag and to attach my thread catchers to pin cushions. I was sewing it on cotton, using cotton thread and an 80/12 needle. I would sew along the edges right around the hook and loop pieces using a straight stitch. Never had a problem...not once. 
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: twerkema
Date: 03-28-2006, 09:00 AM (9 of 20)
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Hey Jude, thanks for your post. Maybe the trick is your needle size or your brand of velcro. I bought official velcro brand velcro and the hooks go all the way to the edge. In fact, when I tried to sew the edge, it was worse than sewing in the middle. Not only did my thread break, but it would get looped around on itself first. I tried going slower and even sewing by hand cranking the machine. I will experiment with the suggested needles sizes. That may have a lot to do with it. You said you use cotton thread? Right now I'm using cc polyester. Maybe cotton stretches more and is less likely to snap. So many variables!!! I also note that I am able to sew for short stretches before it snaps, usually 3 inches or so. So maybe if I were sewing short strips of velcro, I wouldn't be having these problems. Unfortunately, my velcro strips go almost the whole way around the piano. It's good to know I'm not the only one who has trouble, that's for sure! |
User: twerkema
Member since: 03-27-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: Nina Christen
Date: 03-28-2006, 03:02 PM (10 of 20)
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I have had a problem with Velcro also. Somewhere along the line I read a tip on this problem. Using a larger needle, such as needle used for leather will allow you to sew the (little beastie) Velcro without all the problems. I tried it last week and it worked!!! You might have to readjust your tension a little so practice first. I hope you get your Velcro attached without problems. 
Gmanina
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User: Nina Christen
Member since: 05-02-2003 Total posts: 36 
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From: mommgsews
Date: 03-28-2006, 03:25 PM (11 of 20)
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I have two suggestions for the velcro. 1. Skip the sewing and use an industrial strength glue like E6000 or gorrilla Glue. I'm not sure about the Gorilla Glue but the E6000 is washable. 2. Use a blind hem stitch. Sew along right next to the edge and just catch the edge of the velcro with the one stitch that swings over, (normally to catch the folded edge of a hem.) If you use a short stitch length this will usually provide enough strength. HTH AZ Barbara |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73 
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From: Sancin
Date: 03-28-2006, 04:56 PM (12 of 20)
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"Have you been using the velcro that has glue on the back. I never use the sticky kind when sewing." No - the shredded thread tends to cause it. However, it has been a long time since I have sewn with velcro, as I decided not to when I had such a miserable time. I will try again when I need to and use some of these tips. I do admit small pieces are easier to sew. I do not like to use velcro on anything that will be machine washed as it tends to get filled with little bits. Any suggestions on how to prevent this. Sticking them together doesn't seem to work in a load of laundry. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 03-28-2006, 06:00 PM (13 of 20)
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I must admit that I don't buy the "velco" brand. I usually buy the hook & loop tape but it is marked "sew-on" tape. It has an edge that you can sew along that has no hooks or loops. I usually buy mine at Fabricland or at Walmart. Fabricland sells the individual sides by the yard. I think my Walmart does the same but they also have packages made up of 1 yard of both hook and loop "sew-on" tape.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: twerkema
Date: 03-28-2006, 08:45 PM (14 of 20)
Eh. Silly me. I thought that a brand name must be better. I seem to learn that lesson over and over. I had the option of buying name brand or off brand and chose name brand. I actually bought it from a store in Jacksonville, FL because I needed so much. It would have cost a fortune to buy it locally. Next time... 
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User: twerkema
Member since: 03-27-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: Sancin
Date: 03-29-2006, 12:57 AM (15 of 20)
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In all this discussion about velcro, twerkema, I forgot to note that undertaking to cover a grand piano of any size is a brave undertaking -Lots of fabrics and shapes. Good Luck.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: mommgsews
Date: 03-29-2006, 11:51 AM (16 of 20)
I'm quite curious as to why you would cover a grand piano? Is it for decorative or storage purposes? Don't want to pry, just curious. As often as my dd plays the cover would never be on for long.  Az Barbara |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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From: twerkema
Date: 03-29-2006, 07:25 PM (17 of 20)
Sancin, thanks for noting the big undertaking. It is quite a lot. I'm working hard to get it completed in a relatively short period of time, but it's coming along nicely. I made a pattern out of taped together newspaper  I cover my piano for multiple reasons: My piano is made of mahogany, and I want to prevent the wood and finish from being affected by the sun. It keeps dust out from the soundboard and dampers, etc., which can build up and damage the inside over many years. It also protects it from moisture spills, cats, children with messy fingers, or other company that you don't want touching it. Also, if you have synthetic keys, which most pianos do, they will yellow in the sunlight, so it protects the keys from yellowing. Also, any direct or indirect sunlight can alter the temperature of the piano and that can modify the humidity level. A piano has optimal humidity levels and should not get hot or cold or the would can more severely expand and contract. There are probably some reasons I'm forgetting, but these are the ones I can remember off the top of my head. To compensate for the fact that I actually play the piano regularly, I'm making the cover in several removable sections. This way, I can take off one part and leave on the others. |
User: twerkema
Member since: 03-27-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 03-29-2006, 10:36 PM (18 of 20)
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Thanks for explaining. We live in an especially dry area -- Arizona -- and our piano tuner put something inside the piano to help it maintain its humidity level. Plus being that our weather is so hot they strongly recommended keeping it on an interior wall away from the sunlight and temperature extremes as much as possible. It seems to be helping -- the piano has maintained its tuning for over a year now. There's just nothing like music to make it feel like home to me! BTW has anyone seen the "Fabric of Jazz" exhibit? It is currently at the Mesa Southwest Museum but I understand that it has been in other cities as well. I saw it today and I'll sum it up by saying; Wow!!! I loved it! AZ Barbara |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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From: twerkema
Date: 03-30-2006, 06:36 PM (19 of 20)
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We're off the subject now, but they recommend putting a piano on an interior wall no matter where you live. Exterior walls have the most fluctuation in temperature, hot or cold, and that's not good for any piano. And I'm familiar with the humidity regulation system. They're pretty fancy! So far my cover seems to be working, the parts that are put together at least. The cats haven't once tried to jump on it. Supposedly the vinyl is not soft enough for their liking. |
User: twerkema
Member since: 03-27-2006 Total posts: 6 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 03-30-2006, 11:41 PM (20 of 20)
| Sorry about going OT. Sounds like your project is working out well for you. That's great! |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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