Friday, November 18, 2011

Friday Confession


Everyone's joking that there's something in the air at work. Eighteen months ago, between the 9 full time people on our team, we had NO children. Six months from now, this same group of people will have 5 children, all under the age of 2.

And what does that mean for me? LOTS of sewing for babies! Which is generally a good thing - with one exception. Snap tape. I admit it - I hate it. I can't get a nice straight row of stitches along the side. The stupid snaps get in the way. :(

It's not the end of the world - I usually substitute Velcro and the Moms don't seem to mind too much.

But, how about you? Do you sew with snap tape? Do you have any tips for me? Or, like me, do you substitute something else when the pattern calls for snap tape?

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I do not sew with snap tape much....have you tried a zipper foot?

Sewing for babies is the best:) Enjoy!

Sheila said...

I have snap tape too, but have yet to use it. I agree a zipper foot may be more helpful, especially the narrow zipper foot.

Also here is a link on how to make you own snap tape: http://lemoncadet.blogspot.com/2010/08/snap-tape-tutorial.html

Sarah said...

I don't like snap tape either for that reason. And also the snaps on the snap tape are not very strong and always pop apart. So... after trying other snap sets... I came across this snap set that I bought from Joanns. You use a hammer and put the snaps into the garment. And I always make sure to put interfacing behing just like a buttonhole. Good luck!

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd34426

mamafitz said...

nope, don't use snap tape. i use snap source snaps and their snap setter. it is AWESOME.

i will edit my post about my sewing room to answer your question, but basically, no, i didn't learn anything i didn't know to do already.

marysews said...

I don't use (or have) snap tape. When I want to sew for a new baby, I make a fitted crib sheet and matching flat sheet with flannel. It's a relatively quick and easy project.

patsijean said...

I don't use snap tape either. I use snaps and snap setter from the Snap Source. The snaps come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and styles.
http://www.snapsource.com/

gwensews said...

Wow-no snap tap users out there? I join the crowd-I haven't used it either. But, it is terrific on infant's clothing when diaper changing. So, no tips for you, other than Google it where of course, you can find tons of information.

Shannon said...

I never use snap tape. I use a snap press or replace the snaps with something else.

Anonymous said...

I have to join the rest of you and say I have never used snap tape. I also think a zipper foot is your best bet BUT not the zipper foot that comes with your machine. They are usually not worth owning. What you want is what I call the two-toed adjustable zipper foot. Janome owners can get one from their dealers and those should also fit most other machines. The beauty of this zipper foot is you can adjust it for left, right and center and there is no part of the foot extending past the needle so there is nothing to get caught on the snaps or zipper or binding or beading while you sew...making straight lines of stitches possible.

I love a good run on sentence, don't you?

Linda T

Summerset said...

I have used it, and an adjustable zipper foot, like Linda T suggested, is your best choice for even trying to get it on nicely. That and some hand basting. Getting a snap setting tool is probably the best and easiest choice.

Anonymous said...

I have a tool to actually add the snaps without messing with tape.

But when I do, I use a zipper foot. Okay, I use a cording foot, since my machine was made before zippers were in full use, but it's the same foot.