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From: mozeyrn
Date: 05-04-2006, 11:42 AM (1 of 7)
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The last step in my dd's outfit says to sew on a 3/8" button and use thread loops to close the back of the shirt. I don't know anything about doing thread loops, any one have another way (ittty bitty elastic to stretch over the button for closure or hook n' eye)? Thanks for any advice!! I finally have made an outfit that she can wear in public!! - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 05-04-2006, 12:30 PM (2 of 7)
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You can buy loops on a spool, but they're generally only in white, slightly elastic, and made for bridal gowns. You might have to go to a better fabric store to find it, and you wouldn't be able to choose how far apart the loops are. It gets sewn in pretty easily. What I do: By hand, make a loop with a few strands of a strong thread running through the eye of the needle at once. Make it just the right size for your buttons. Then, with the thread that coordinates best with your garment (2 strands), sew buttonhole stitches, lots of them, all the way around that loop. This adds strength for all the buttoning the garment will endure. buttonhole stitch (http://www.ushist.com/general-information/stitch.htm) If that's not your speed, you could anchor a few strands of thread using a needle, and then crochet a few chains with a crochet hook until you get the right length, and then re-thread with the sewing needle to re-anchor, forming a loop.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: bluebirdie
Date: 05-04-2006, 01:00 PM (3 of 7)
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I use exactly what you wrote, hook&eye, in place of button loops sometimes on dark fabric (I only have elastic button loops in white). Now equipped with a serger, I also make button loops with the serged thread chain. But I haven't used botton loops to close the whole shirt back, only the top center botton closure. My hands just won't reach that far. - Robin
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User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 139 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 05-04-2006, 01:37 PM (4 of 7)
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There's only one button and yes, that's at the top of the garment. I wish I could do regular button/buttonhole but the back pieces aren't supposed to overlap, that's the reason for the thread loop. Andrea, I'll re-read your advice. I think I understand. If I become all thumbs though, I'm going to a hook & eye - her hair is long enough to cover it. Thank you very much ladies! - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-04-2006, 01:51 PM (5 of 7)
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Well, actually there are several options here. You can buy the bridal elastic loops and there are several styles available. You can buy elastic thread or 1/8 elastic. If you use the thread, I'd knot the thread before I put it in the seamline because otherwise, over time it can/will pull out...back in the days I had a lot of blouses that did this. The problem here is that you need to be exact so your bet is to place one end in the seamline and leave the other end free and a spot open to "stuff it until you have the button hole exactly fitted to the button. These, over time, if they don't pull out tend to stretch out anyway. You can make a very small bias strip of your fabric and make a fabric loop...very pretty. You can use a hook and eye closure. These are OK if the hook is tight enough or there is enough stress to pull the closure closed. They can come undone. You can make your own thread loop and use it for a couple of things....this is free and I'll give you instructions and then I'll give you a couple of really cool options. Ok, to make the loop. Sew your button in place on the right corner. Sew through the edge of the oposite side (left back). Take your double threaded needle through the edge of the left side. Wrap the thread around the button and go through the edge of the left side (either above or below the first loop. There should be spacing between the loops, maybe 1/2 inch or so...use your judgement. Go around the button one more time and go through the same spot as the first stitch. You now have two passes of thread or 4 individual strands wrapped around your button. Test your button to make sure that you can remove it from the loop. You don't want it tight, you don't want it too loose. You should be able to comfortably remove the button. When you have the loop JUST RIGHT, tie a knot. Remove the button from the loop. Depending on whether you are right or left handed, hold the button loop out with your non-dominate hand. With your dominent hand, take your needle from the outside of the loop around the inside of the loop and pull up the slack. As you tighten the loop, pass your needle into the loop between the needle and the edge of the fabric. As you tighten you will make a knot. Repeat this step over and over until you reach the end of the loop, each time passing the needle through the loop between the needle and the beginning knot until the end, then go through the fabric from top to bottom and knot. Holding the loop in your left hand will help you from making the loop smaller as you work. If it is big enough, I just put the loop over my little finger as I work. Now, hopefully you understand the method. There is one more pretty cool option that is sometimes seen on high priced clothing. It is called a swing snap. You sew one side to the wrong side of your garment. You attach your thread with a knot near the edge (not on the edge) or the oposite side, wrong side. Close your snap (one side will be unsewn). Run your thread from the oposite side through one hole in the unsewn snap and return to the oposite side, starting point (the thread is not spread apart in this application. Adjust the length so that the edges of the two sides just bump each other, and tie a knot when it is right. Instead of starting at the garment, when you make your knots, you start at the snap...so you just stretch your thread out to the snap and go through the hole and then knot your way back to the garment and tie off. When you are through the only thing you will see going to the other side of the garment is a thread underneath that should match your garment. It is a very neat closure, stays closed and is easy to close with one hand behind your head. It makes a great top to a zipper in a dress or as a closure to a blouse. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 05-04-2006, 02:24 PM (6 of 7)
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Pam, One question about the swing type - is this the kind of thing that some dress manufacturers put on on the underside of spaghetti straps of dresses to hold a bra strap in place? It keeps it from peeking out. If that's right, then I understand what you're talking about. Wow, never thought of that!!!! You're too cool! - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-04-2006, 02:54 PM (7 of 7)
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I believe that is right. It is just a snap on a little thread chain. I haven't bought something that needed one of those in years. It does do a very nice job and is probably the cheapest and most reliable method of all.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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