Velcro Question
 

Which type of application holds the best (longest, no migrating, etc) Iron on or "remove the backing" adhesive. I have heard that sewn on Velcro is quite hard to do and this is a large project. If iron on is "hands down" the best, do you have anhy tips? I'm really in the dark here. Can you trust the info on the packaging? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Alice

Since it is a large project, I would sew it on. Possibly you could use the industrial strength Velcro adhesive back. it just all depends on the project. Outdoor indoor? Wearable, home décor. One thing for sure and I'm sure you wouldn't do this is to try to reinforce the adhesive back by sewing it on. Also be careful what you adhere it to.

I have used adhesive back (do not remember if it was industrial strength). I would not stay stuck to the fabric ... so of course sew it down. GRRR gummed up my needle. So was not happy with it.

I do us sew on now, and no problems. IMHO it is easy to sew, the trick is to make sure and line it up.

What are you thinking of Velcro-ing? Maybe one of us has already been there. If you could expand more on your project.

As others have mentioned, sew-on is the best to be sure it stays put. I use a slightly larger needle and go slowly.

Yup, "stick" with the sewn down...tried the adhesive backed and it turned into a three act play that did not end well!!:(

There are different strengths of Velcro adhesive. The usual ones do not stick well; however, the industrial strength ones can stick very well. You are more apt to find the industrial strength velcro in a big box hardware store. I don't think I've ever seen the industrial strength Velcro at JoAnn's or other sewing shops.

The really strong adhesive velcro will have "industrial strength" printed on the packaging.

What is the project? If the velcro will be taken apart and re-aligned on a daily basis, then even the industrial strength adhesive may not hold. Your best bet may be to purchase a small amount, then put it on your fabric and make sure it is going to hold the way you need it to hold before investing in a large amount.

Edit: I am talking about the adhesive-backed velcro. Iron-on does not come in industrial strength as far as I know. Here is a link to the type I am talking about:
http://www.amazon.com/Velcro-Industr...dp/B00006RSP1/

What am I planning to Velcro?.....Answer: I am going to make a fake wall. It will have a wooden frame, top, bottom and sides. It is for an area 30 ft. x 10 ft. So it will be in sections. I want the fabric to be taut, top to bottom and side to side, so I thought I would velcro it, top and bottom. The only thing in the middle will be the fabric.

Thank you all, this information is really helping!
Alice

So you want to attach fabric to the wooden frame? You would have to test to make sure that the adhesive velcro would stick well to both your fabric and the wood.

An alternative that might be better would be to use a stapler gun (the kind used for wood, not a household stapler) for this kind of job.

The frame will lean against the wall?

I'd use the stapler as a couple others mentioned. Unless there's a reason for taking it off the wooden frame?

I like the staple gun suggestion on the wooden frame. I have never trusted stick on Velcro where fabric comes in, always sew it on. While this may mean buying two types, it's worth it for the effect you want.

I always stitch my velcro to the fabric. For your project it would depend on whether you want to take the fabric on and off the frame. If this isn't the case I would staple the fabric to the frame. It will be a lot quicker and less expensive. I would have a double thickness of fabric around the edges for strength if the fabric is thin like quilting cotton. If it is more like home decorator fabric then you could get by with single thickness. I have small hands so I have a power stapler that I use for projects but if you have enough strength in your arms and hands a non-powered staple gun works fine too.

Adhesive will eventually fail, no matter what. So it really depends on the project.

In my experience, stick on Velcro does not hold. I have even tried the industrial type, and had to either sew or staple it to whatever I was using it on. I was afraid to try sewing it, but once I did, and realized how easy it was to sew, I use it a lot now. Iron on did not stick any better for me. Sewing through the adhesive just makes a nasty mess on your machine and the needle, Cost me a brand new Schmetz needle to learn that. No adhesive for me.

Sew on and do not try and sew adhesive, gums it all up.

For your wall project I'd staple.

Agree that sewn on Velcro the best--I use my zipper foot to make it easier.

Good idea! I detest sewing on velcro but don't trust the stick-on.

Thank you to all of you. I am getting together with my helpers this weekend and I will let you know how it goes. I am planning to take a copy of this thread. It has been so helpful. Thank you again. Alice

Just a note of interest. I saw a very lightweight flexible type of velcro on a wrap around towel for after baths
last year. Have been looking for it in the fabric stores, but haven't found any.

I always sew. The sticky never seems to hold as long as I want it to. Afterall, it is getting tugged everytime.

I would recommend you go on e Velcro site as they have all the different types there. I recently made a bedskirt for my daughter who has a sleep number bed with a plastic frame. I used and they make, I think it was called home dec Velcro, that has one side adhesive and one side non-adhesive. I put the adhesive side on the plastic (first wipe it with alcohol as the instructions said) and the non-adhesive side I sewed on the bedskirt. No problem.

I found it on the http://www.velcro.com/ website under fabrics. It is called Sew On Soft and Flexible. Amazon has it here: http://www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-S...dp/B000YZ8UF8/

I would sew it on ...

I use Velcro for my leaders on my quilt frame. I sewed the loop(soft) non-sticky back strip to the fabric leader and stuck the sticky back loop strip to my conduit pole (not the industrial stuff). The sticky back Velcro has been on my poodles since 2004, and I have had zero issues with it coming loose. But, that is on metal. I have not tried sticking it to wood.

efficient board members
 

Thank you for tracking this down. I see from the web site that Micheals stores have it so will check there. I will probably buy some even if I don't know what I will do with it! I see that they have one which sticks to one side and can be sewn to the other side. Where we want to stick fabric to wood or plastic. Who knew?

I am thinking the soft and flexible might be good for doll clothes. :)

For my walker caddies, I use the stick on Velcro, but squirt Elmer's Glue on first. They always hold.