Replies

1. 
   jatman | Sep 29, 2006 11:08am | #1

   Well, that got my attention!

   Any chance that you can use a ribbon, thin leather strip or yarn instead of denim?  Or here's another thought; how about doubling the denim and doing a zig zag down it then trimming close to the edge?  (This would probably need to be done with a bias cut).  There is something called Fray Check (by Dritz or possibly called something else by another manufacturer) that you can put on the edges if you are afraid of it unraveling.  It makes the fabric a little crunchy but that may be a good thing for a frequently used button loop.  Hope this helps.

   Good luck!

   JT

    

    

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/29/2006 4:12 am ET by jatman

2. 
   fabricholic | Sep 29, 2006 06:51pm | #2

   Have you tried widening the strips of fabric before you sew the seam? Maybe it's just not a wide enough tube to turn.

   Marcy

3. 
   sherryv | Sep 29, 2006 10:20pm | #3

   Cut your strips on the bias, and they'll turn easier.  Or, don't turn them at all.  Take the strips, fold in half lengthwise, press.  Then open and fold each long edge to meet at the center crease, press again.  Fold it together lengthwise, press, and stitch.  Press again.  Voila - straps, no turning. 

   This method is useful when your straps are tiny or in a difficult/stiff fabric, or both.  Leather purse straps, for example.

   SherryV

   P.S. - Other ideas - reduce your seam allowance to make more room for turning.  I use the Fasturn tube and hook, but button loops are going to be tiny.  You may be better off not turning them.  Good luck, and let us know what works out for you!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/29/2006 3:24 pm ET by SherryV

1. 
   educo | Sep 30, 2006 03:12am | #4

   Thanks to everyone for the quick response. I'm going to use the non turning method. It seems easier because the loops are supposed to finish at 1/8". Cutting it on bias is something I did already and I thought that will make the turning easier. I shaved off a good amount of the allowance, but it came apart at the seams from the stress of me pulling it through. Thanks!

1. 
   sherryv | Sep 30, 2006 09:21pm | #6

   Wow, itty 1/8th inch turned denim tubes - that is a bugger!  Hope you now have some great little button loops!  :)

1. 
   educo | Oct 01, 2006 12:30am | #7

   Yep, it was a pain pressing them but now I have my button loops, I slipstitched the folds closed (ahh, me and my thing for button loops!).

1. 
   sherryv | Oct 01, 2006 07:21am | #9

   I was just now thinking about you pressing those little things, funny you mentioned it!  I'll bet they are very cool.  Congrats on conquering them! :)

   Edited 10/4/2006 2:35 pm ET by SherryV

2. 
   Teaf5 | Oct 03, 2006 04:24am | #10

   It sounds as if you've solved your problem, but here's another solution for the next time you're trying to make button loops out of stiff fabric:  try button tabs instead.  With the folded and stitched strip, have the "loop" come straight out from the edge, fold it diagonally, then diagonally again, so that it goes straight back.  It will look like a thick arrow with a slit in it for the button rather than a curved loop; this is very sharp, very decorative closure, whether buttoned or left open. You can topstitch the whole tab with contrasting or coordinating thread to flatten and accent the shape.

   Stiff fabrics are usually easier to fold than to curve, and button tabs made from stiff fabrics suit the stiffness very well.

    

1. 
   sherryv | Oct 05, 2006 07:18pm | #12

   Teaf & 'Smocker - these are fantastic, clever ideas!  Now *I* want to go make some button loops, LOL!!  Seriously, great ideas.  Thanks for sharing :)

1. 
   Teaf5 | Oct 07, 2006 02:57am | #13

   Desperate times call for desperate measures, and I didn't have quite enough fabric for a vest with an overlap, so the button tabs helped span a gap in the center front and make it look intentional.  People--even non-sewers--always compliment me on that vest, which is always funny, as those button tabs were inspired by desperation!

2. 
   sherryv | Oct 07, 2006 04:04am | #14

   Truly, those desperation moments inspire some of the most creative solutions!  Don't suppose you could post a picture of that vest?  Would love to see how you did it.

4. 
   Josefly | Sep 30, 2006 04:16am | #5

   Are you cutting the strips to make the straps on the full bias? Did you try sewing them a little wider than you want them to be finally, and stretch the bias out after they're sewn and turned, to make them narrower? If it's real twill-weave denim, it might be impossible. I've never used denim to make the loops, but I've made them out of other fabrics, and bias strips are always easier to turn. Another option might be to make the tubes wider, turn them, stretch them, then roll them lengthwise and hand stitch. Good luck.

1. 
   Josefly | Oct 01, 2006 01:10am | #8

   Sorry about my redundant message--somehow I missed all but the first two postings on this thread before I posted. Glad you found a solution, though. I bet it'll look great.

5. 
   solosmocker | Oct 04, 2006 11:27pm | #11

   You may want to consider shopping for a similar colored cotton chambray. This is a very thin cotton often found in the denim colors. It is not a "gourmet" fabric so you should be able to find it at most of the chains. That's what I would do and I think you will have no trouble making those straps after that with your tube turner.