Ok, whats the trick with velcro?

Im no seamstress, dont pretend to be, never was never will be soooooooooooooooooo, whats the trick to sewing velcro on? My machine wont stitch it, keeps missing big stretches of stitches, only way I could secure a piece of the velcro tape was by reversing all the time, every few stitches which looks mightly ugly. So, share the trick/secret, why cant I sew velcro strips on? Im using cotton thread if thats any help

Is the velcro you are using sticky backed? I had trouble trying to reinforce that.
New sharps needle might help.

Today I bought a magnetic clasp for a bag I'm making......it doesnt come with instructions!
I'm assuming I pierce my fabric and insert the two prongs through the fabric then put the flat washer type thing on then close the tines? Help!

I think there are different kinds of Velcro? When we did the fabric wallet that Tracy did online I had a heck of a time with what I had. It had sticky on the back and it gummed up the needle and was a mess! I ended up having to sew that stuff by hand and it wasn't easy!
I'd like to know the secret too.

CC..I haven't ever used anything like you described either. I'm no help with these questions..but I'd like to know the answers.

I have also had troubles with velcro. My best resukts have been by sewing from the back. I usually sew along the edges with a zig zag. I tried the sticky stuff and ended up sewing it by hand, making holes with an awl....no fun.

Seems to me there's no way one should try sewing the sticky backed velcro. As for regular velcro, I do what Marynel said - zigzag along the edge or a short straight stitch, aiming for the needle to go into that little border along the edge of the velcro, not into the "business" part of the velcro. I think I've used cotton covered poly thread - don't know if that would make a difference except I do think it's a little stronger and won't fray so easily. To be honest though, I generally feel like velcro is a pain in the you-know-where!

Its not got a sticky back, didnt even know you could get sticky backed stuff. I tried a small stitch in the little border and it wont take properly. I just put a new needle in, broke on last night, at least its not just me being dumb, will try sewing from the back, fingers crossed, thanks for quick replies

CC I just got those magnetic prongs in the mail today for a purse... Just stick it thru the fabric and metal and bend the prongs... anxious to see your purse.. I should finish mine up tomorrow... this will fun...

Gimpy, I've sewed alot of velcro on and have not had that problem... usually able to sew down each edge on both... sorry you having so much trouble...

PS The one time I sewed velcro using my old featherwieght Singer, I did not have a problem. Nor did I with my sail making machine or my ancient Viking. (In low gear the Viking went thru 6 layers of heavy canvas without any trouble.)

I try to use a 'jean/top stitch needle large size' Then I sew from corner to corner diagonally making a cross over the square.

Just wanted to say that when you insert the prongs for the magnetic closures, don't forget to reinforce it with something heavier. If you just put it through the fabric, it will soon pull out. (Ask me how I know LOL)

Thanks sally&tilly.... mine called for added fleece at that spot...

AOL good point... I X over mine too.....

Sometimes I'm so DUH I can hardly believe it - if I'm hemming jeans I think to use a heavy denim needle - why didn't I ever think of that with velcro??

I should have mentioned I also sew an X through my velcro then do the ends.

I found this site late last night....she suggests doing buttton holes (might be overkill) on the snaps...someone suggested timtex(peltex) which I have and plan on using. My purse won't be done this week...I seem to be in a perpetual twitter this week!

http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2007/08/15/sewing-tip-installing-a-magnetic-snap/#comments

CC I put my magnetic snaps on and they were simple to apply... I used iron on fleece under them on the wrong side of the fabic ... cut two little slits and put the prongs thru onto the second metal piece, bent the prongs and walla... works great and really easy...

Gimp just finished using some velcro.... no problem sewing thru it ... wonder if you are using industrial velcro????

Did you bend your prongs in or out?

I played with magnets today...trying to perfect my light box.....Basket BOM just around the corner!!

I bent them out, but my directions say either way is fine.....

Yours came with instructions? Good to know!

Will try a denim needle, my machine is over 40yrs old, its usually strong enough to just plod along, it goes through fine but the stitchs arent locking. The velcro is just some tape about
1" wide I bought from the dressmaking store, will give it a go again next week, put that job aside for now and I will try doing the X pattern to secure it, thanks