Chapter 26 Basic Sewing Skills 467 To attach hooks and eyes: 1. Place the hook on the inside of the garment just a slight distance from the edge so it does not show. 2. Stitch around each hole using an overcast stitch. Make sure stitches do not go through to the outside of the garment. 3. Place a few stitches at the end of the hook to hold it fl at against the fabric. 4. Secure the threads. 5. Place the round eye on the inside of the opposite edge so that the loop extends slightly beyond the edge. The garment edges should just meet when the hook and eye is fastened. The straight eye is sewn to the underlap part of the garment exactly opposite the hook. Sew the eye on as you did the hook. Trouser hooks and eyes are often used on the waist- bands of jeans, pants, shorts, and sportswear, 26-36. They are very durable. They are sewn, clamped, or hammered into the fabric. It is best to use them on fi rmly woven fabrics as they could damage lightweight fabrics. To attach, follow the manufacturer’s directions on the package. Hook-and-Loop Tape Hook-and-loop tape is used on edges that overlap. It consists of two strips of nylon fabric. One strip has tiny loops and the other strip is fuzzy. When the two strips are pressed together, they hold fast to one another. To open the garment, pull the two strips apart. The strips of tape can be cut to the desired length, shape, or size. Precut squares and circles can also be purchased. Hook-and-loop tape is often used on jackets, children’s clothes, craft items, camping equipment, and household items. To attach hook-and-loop tape: 1. Cut the tape to the desired size. 2. Place the fuzzy side of the strip on the underside of the overlapping garment edge, 26-37. 3. Stitch around all four edges by hand or machine. 4. Place the looped side of the strip on the underlap so that the garment closes properly. 5. Stitch in place through all fabric thicknesses. Secure the threads. Pressing Techniques Good pressing techniques are as important as good sewing techniques. A carefully constructed garment will look better if you press as you sew. Pressing of the completed garment will take less time and effort. The end result will be a professional-looking garment, 26-38. As you set up your machine to sew, set 26-36 Trouser hook and eyes are good for use on sportswear and other clothes that take hard wear. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Overlap 26-37 Place the fuzzy side of hook-and-loop tape on the underside of the overlap. Place the looped side on the underlap. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher