When it comes to fasteners, most people have a favorite. As a seamstress, installing a zipper isn’t my favorite thing. As a little girl, my least favorite was the hook and eye because I never seemed to be able to get them fastened.
But for many people who sew doll clothes, they’re either a Velcro fan or they prefer snaps. Which one is your favorite? please let me know in the comments at the bottom!
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When I sew for bigger dolls, I tend to use Velcro because these garments require quite a few snaps.
A swatch of Velcro, which runs about $7.00 (American) for one and a half meters or 1.7 yards, costs less than snaps while covering a larger space of fabric. So it makes sense to use Velcro for bigger dolls like American Girl, Wellie Wishers, and the vintage Crissy dolls.
On the other hand, I love the nostalgia of using snaps. It takes me back to my childhood. So for Barbie and other small dolls, I prefer to use a row of snap fasteners most of the time.
Now it’s your turn. What is your preference? And why do you use snaps or Velcro? Or maybe something else? Please leave a comment.
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Chelly Wood and the ChellyWood.com website are not affiliated with any of the doll or toy companies mentioned in this blog post, but Chelly enjoys designing her doll clothes to fit a variety of dolls. To learn more about the doll companies mentioned in today’s post, please visit the doll or toy company’s website.
I usually do snaps but people that have their fit perfected use all three zippers, snaps, and velcro – there is a lady that uses narrow velcro on etsy that does absolutely beautiful work. Looks just as finished as snaps or hooks & eyes.
I love how you say “people that have their fit perfected.” I think of my aunts and grandma in cases like that!
I prefer snaps and have always used them, until my bursitis and failing eyesight forced me to start using velcro.
I’m so sorry Vanita, but it does sound like you’re making the most out of it. Best of luck to you!
I am like you. The bigger the outfit I like Velcro. And also I hate zippers
Zippers can certainly challenge a person. Most people who’ve sewed for a long time have had their struggles with zippers. I know I certainly have!
Hi, I prefer snaps too. Probably because I have been thought to sew them as a child and I don’t like very much velcro.
I hate it on shoes and I am quite sure I’d need a sewing machine to use it for a doll dress.
I have a Peggy McCall doll and her dress is the only one I have seen with a zipper (except for a original pair of pants for Ken) but I’m quite sure I’ll never use it 🙂
I must find the courage to make her a new dress, but her pls one is done so well…
It is possible to sew Velcro by hand. (I’ve done it.) But you have to really push hard to make your needle go through it. A thimble can help.
Unfortunately, Velcro can cause your hand-stitching needles to become dull.
I prefer snaps as I am old and that is what I grew up with. Also, I don’t like how the Velcro snags fabric and hair. I also like hook and eye where it makes sense. I also like teeny tiny buttons that are just for show.
I’ve also dealt with the Velcro snagging on felt fabric and soft doll hair. Before I use Velcro, I pre-plan how I’m going to avoid these problems.
And I, too, use a hook and eye once in a while. They can come in handy when the doll’s bodice has a very snug fit with little overlap.