How to sew on sticky-back velcro

Connie
by Connie
Made a "compression vest" for my great-grandson & used sticky-back velcro. The velcro isn't staying on too good, so I tried sewing it on and the needle keeps getting stuck and hard to go through. Purchased a big roll of it, so don't want to waste it. Any suggestions on how to do keep the velcro attached?

  7 answers
  • Gail Gail on Jan 04, 2018

    Stick on when put on any kind of fabric material is not going to stay on it. Minute fibers/fuzz comes off the fabric that causes it to lose its stickiness. If putting on fabric, sew-on Velcro is almost always the best choice.


    You can try lubricating needle every 2 or 3 times of putting needle thru the Velcro to make little easier to sew on, but it's not going to be a quick or easy task getting the needle thru the Velcro glue on its backing. I'm sorry but this is just not an easy fix to do. Personally, I'd replace it with sew-on Velcro & save fingers, time, & frustration.

    • Connie Connie on Jan 06, 2018

      Thank you Gail. Thought I was going to go the lazy route and use the adhesive, but it as you say, not an easy fix. I'll try heating (ironing) the material before I restick the velcro on and see if that will fix it.

  • Elizabeth Elizabeth on Jan 04, 2018

    Hi Connie. I use sew on Velcro for many projects and found that zigzagging around both pieces produces a strong hold

  • William William on Jan 04, 2018

    Try using E6000 adhesive. I used it to seal a seam after stuffing two double sided placemats for throw pillows. Has held up well. Just push down on the velcro so the glue gets into the fibers.

  • Connie Connie on Jan 06, 2018

    Thanks, I forgot I had some.

  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Jan 06, 2018

    Connie, I've tried using the sticky back before and you can't even get the needle through it. Best option is to buy the regular sew on velcro.

    • Paula Paula on Dec 27, 2018

      Have you guys looked at the shelves in your local wal mart/ joanns/hobby lobby lately? It’s ALL sticky back crap! It’s a nightmare for sewers! The fuzzy side you can find without but, I have yet to find the hook side without.

  • Gail Gail on Jan 06, 2018

    Heat will cause the glue to not hold as well, just like if you put it in a clothes dryer after washing, heat from the dryer will tend to or hasten its turning loose. Same applies should it be taken off or even worn for long period of time in which the dun bears down on it. Keep it cool & it will likely stay a little longer but unfortunately not likely very long. I'm sorry but that's just the nature of the product.


    Here's one more tip you might find helpful. Tack the corners with fishing line rather than thread as it will not stick as easily. The needle will continue to stick but applying cooking spray with fingers along as you go will help.