Why Use Non-Adhesive VELCRO® Brand Tape?

Do you need to make a costume with easy closures for your child’s school play? Or maybe you want to make cushion covers easier to close for a senior relative who may struggle with zips? As a fastener, hook and loop makes the ideal solution – and there is no better hook and loop than the renowned VELCRO® Brand. With a variety of products available ranging from straps to stick-on coins, non-adhesive VELCRO® Brand tape is one product on offer that offers a flexible solution with a variety of uses – you never know when it may come in handy! In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about non-adhesive VELCRO® Brand tape, so keep reading to see if it’s the hook and loop product for you. What is Non-Adhesive VELCRO® Brand Tape? As the name suggests, non-adhesive hook and loop tape must be manually attached to the surface it’s required for, as opposed to self-adhesive hook and loop tape, which is attached with an adhesive material such as a sticker or heat-activated glue. Adhesive hook and loop tape is great for using on hard surfaces, such as walls or plastic items, however it doesn’t always work as well on fabrics. This is because the adhesive doesn’t stick as well to fibres and will eventually start to deteriorate in the washing machine. Non-adhesive hook and loop, then, is the perfect alternative. This type of hook and loop tape is also known as sew-on tape, as this is the method used to attach it. Because of this, sew-on VELCRO® Brand tape is not only ideal for use on fabric, but incredibly strong and long lasting. The Uses Whilst you may think that this type of VELCRO® Brand tape must have limited uses compared to self-adhesive tape, it’s actually a versatile fixing that can be used for numerous applications. Clothing The most common and obvious use for sew-on VELCRO® Brand tape is for use on clothing. The opportunities in this way are endless. For example, if you have an elderly relative who has developed arthritis or struggles with their sight, they may have issues with closing and opening buttons, which can make it difficult to do up cardigans when they’re cold. By sewing on a strip of non-adhesive VELCRO® Brand tape, this allows them to keep their cardigans closed whilst maintaining their independence when getting dressed. Alternatively, you may be making clothing for your child, such as a costume, and want to be able to fasten it in a way that is easier for them to do themselves, as opposed to a zip, then sew-on VELCRO® Brand tape is ideal. Accessories Fabric isn’t limited to clothing, but accessories, also. If you have a bag with a broken fixture or a tote bag that you’d like to be able to close at the top, then sew-on tape is the perfect solution. As well as cotton and polyester fabrics, it can be sewn onto heavier duty fabrics like leather or vinyl. The same applies to other accessories, such as purses, wallets and backpacks. Home DIY If you’re someone who likes to take the DIY route for home decor, then sew-on VELCRO® Brand tape is your best friend. If you have some cushion covers that you want to be able to seal, for example, then sewing a strip of VELCRO® Brand tape is a quick, effective and easy fix. Similarly, if you want to be able to keep your curtains shut without blowing around when the window is open, then sewing a bit of tape on each curtain would allow them to remain fixed together. Medical Applications Believe it or not, sew-on hook and loop can even be used in medical applications, such as to secure bandages or triangular arm slings. There is even medical grade VELCRO® Brand tape available for use in sterile environments or applications when extra hygiene is required. How to Use In order to apply sew-on hook and loop, you can either hand sew the tape onto your material of choice or use a sewing machine. Which you choose depends on multiple factors, such as: The required sturdiness The fabric being sewn onto How the hook and loop will be used Your sewing abilities and whether or not you have access to a sewing machine The same tips apply when attaching the tape to your material. Here are our top tips. Choose a thread that matches the colour of the fabric you’ll be attaching it to, and use a sharp needle that will be able to pierce through VELCRO® Brand tape without bending or breaking. Cut a strip of the tape to the length you need, then cut the corners of this strip so that they’re at an angle, rather than pointy; the hooks and loops don’t extend right to the very edge of the seam on the tape, cutting the corners of this seam ensures a nicer finish that also won’t poke your skin if being used on clothing. Position the tape where you want it on your material and pin it into place – a single pin in the centre of the tape should be enough for this. Start sewing around the edge of the tape using a straight stitch, ideally in stitches as small as possible. Once you get back to where you started, make sure to back stitch to reinforce the stitches, then tie off the stitch (if hand sewing) and trim off the excess thread. Benefits of Sew-On Tape Durable Sew-on hook and loop tape is renowned for being durable. It can withstand frequent use and washing without losing its effectiveness. This is unlike adhesive hook and loop tape, which, although durable in use, could begin to lose its stick after too many times in the washing machine. Can be Easily Removed Not only is non-adhesive hook and loop durable, but it is also easily removable or replaceable if need be. Removing self-adhesive hook and loop can be tricky and leaves a sticky residue on the surfaces each strip was attached to. As for non-adhesive hook and loop, because this is sewn on, the thread can easily be unpicked if required without leaving any major physical impact on the material it was attached to, nor impact its quality. Can be Used on a Variety of Fabrics It’s not just cotton, polyester and other heavy duty fabrics that non-adhesive hook and loop can be sewn onto, but it can also be sewn onto both delicate fabrics, such as chiffon, and thicker fabrics, such as leather. Heavy Duty Assuming that it is properly sewn and secured into place, non-adhesive hook and loop can be used for heavy duty applications. When extra strength and durability is required, sew-on tape is able to withstand heavy weights and tension. Ease of Use Unlike other fastenings, such as buttons and zips, sew-on tape isn’t only easier to apply, but is also much easier, safer and more convenient to use for people of all ages. What’s even better is that this ease of use doesn’t compromise its quality and effectiveness. The Varieties of Sew-On VELCRO® Brand Strips VELCRO® Brand sew-on tape isn’t just available with standard hook and loop, but there are different types that you can get. One of the first notable varieties is their flame retardant sew-on tape. This is resistant to fire and is able to extinguish any flame that strikes it. This type of VELCRO® Brand tape is ideal for use in fire fighter uniforms, thanks to its combination of fire retardant and heavy duty properties. The next variety is low profile non-adhesive VELCRO® Brand tape. In this tape, the high technology hook (HTH) and velour loop are both far thinner than their standard woven counterpart, which gives the best connection when combined. This allows for a much thinner connection, allowing the tape to be low profile and inconspicuous. Hook and Loop Products: Where to Buy Non Adhesive VELCRO® Brand Products As you can see, non-adhesive VELCRO® Brand products offer a variety of uses and a plethora of benefits. However, many people often confuse hook and loop and VELCRO® as being synonymous, despite VELCRO® simply being the brand name for the highest quality hook and loop. That’s why you want to make sure that this is the brand you’re buying. Here at MPD Hook & Loop, we are a premium distributor of VELCRO® products. We sell a range of both their non-adhesive and self-adhesive hook and loop, whether you’re after their standard sew-on tape or adhesive VELCRO® Brand circles, you can rest assured that you’ll find the product to suit your needs. Not only do we sell products to suit small projects, but we also offer solutions to heavier duty needs, such as pallet banding. Get in touch today to discuss your requirements, whatever they may be, and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect solution.