Ethan Clarke
Sewable plastic lash tabs are a great way to add a finishing touch to your sewing projects, especially packs and bags. They are used to simplify construction and can be sewn directly into the seams of packs and bags. Lash tabs can be purchased online and sewn by hand or with a heavy-duty sewing machine. They are also available in leather, but plastic tabs are more commonly found.
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What You'll Learn
Sewing by hand with nylon thread and a speedy awl
To use the Speedy Stitcher® Sewing Awl, start by pushing the needle through the material from the backside. On the front side, fully draw out the thread, ensuring it is long enough for the entire project, and remember to add an extra 3" of thread. Keep your thumb firmly on the thread on the handle of the awl and pull the needle out of the hole. Then, start the needle through the second hole. Push the needle through the second hole as far as it will go, and then pull back slightly on the awl until a loop is formed.
The Speedy Stitcher® Sewing Awl comes with a bobbin of thread pre-loaded in the awl handle and two needles stored under the chuck lock of the awl, making it easy and quick to start any sewing project. When you are finished sewing, safely store the Speedy Stitcher® Sewing Awl by removing the needle from the threaded post and placing it back in the appropriate slot. Then, screw the chuck lock back in place.
With a little practice, the Speedy Stitcher® Sewing Awl can be a useful tool for sewing plastic lash tabs and other heavy materials. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of projects and repairs.
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Using a heavy-duty sewing machine
If you have access to a heavy-duty sewing machine, sewing plastic lash tabs can be a straightforward process. These machines are built to handle tough materials such as leather, thin sheet brass, and multiple layers of seat-belt webbing.
When using a heavy-duty sewing machine, it is important to select the appropriate needles and thread for the job. Heavy-duty needles are designed to pierce through sturdy fabrics and materials without breaking. Similarly, thick thread, such as waxed thread, is recommended for its added strength and durability.
Before beginning the sewing process, it is advisable to mark the sewing lines or drill holes in the plastic to ensure straight and secure stitching. This can be done by melting or drilling holes in the groove along the edge of the plastic. This technique prevents the need for sewing directly through the plastic, which can be challenging.
When sewing plastic lash tabs, it is essential to use a slow and steady pace to maintain control and accuracy. Additionally, using a thimble can provide extra grip and protection for your fingers during the sewing process.
Some heavy-duty sewing machines have large throats, allowing for the passage of bulky items like sails. These machines are often used for sailmaking and can be found second-hand from manufacturers specializing in industrial sewing equipment. Online marketplaces, such as eBay, are also good sources for finding used heavy-duty sewing machines at affordable prices.
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Choosing the right needle
Sewing plastic lash tabs requires heavy-duty needles, thick thread, a thimble, and a small pair of pliers. A heavy-duty sewing machine is also useful for sewing through multiple layers of fabric.
When choosing the right needle for your project, consider the type of fabric and thread you are working with. For example, if you are working with densely woven fabrics such as silk or microfiber, a sharps needle is recommended due to its stronger shaft and sharp point, which helps to avoid breakage and produce smooth buttonholes. Quilting needles are also suitable for multiple layers of fabric due to their reinforced shaft.
If you are working with leather, suede, or other tough materials, a leather needle with a chisel point is ideal. These needles are designed to easily penetrate these challenging materials. However, they should not be used with imitation leather or synthetic suede as these fabrics have different characteristics.
For sewing plastic lash tabs, a heavy-duty needle is recommended. Additionally, using waxed thread can provide extra strength and help prevent unraveling.
It is important to select the appropriate needle size for your project. The needle size depends on the fabric type, fabric weight, and thread used. For example, an 80/12 needle is commonly used for dressmaking, while a larger needle size may be preferred for quilting by more experienced individuals. Remember that needle sizes are standardized across different sewing machine brands, so compatibility is not an issue.
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Using waxed thread
Sewing plastic lash tabs is a straightforward process. You can use a heavy-duty sewing machine, or sew by hand with a heavy-duty needle. If you are sewing by hand, you can use waxed thread to make the process easier.
Waxed thread is ideal for hand-sewing projects involving plastic lash tabs, as it is easier to work with than regular thread. You can buy pre-waxed thread, or make your own by drawing a length of thread across a block of solid beeswax several times. You can use any type of thread, from embroidery floss to linen thread, hemp twine, or heavyweight sewing thread.
When sewing plastic lash tabs, it is recommended to double stitch, with one length of thread and needles at each end, entering the same location from opposite sides of the patch. You can also use lockstitching to prevent the thread and knots from unravelling. It is also recommended to back through the last holes, then tuck the ends inside the patch before knotting to give a more finished look and to prevent knots from coming loose.
Waxed thread is also useful for other projects, such as bookbinding, leatherwork, macrame, and jewelry making. It is also ideal for outdoor-friendly projects, as it is more durable than regular thread.
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Sewing directly into seams
When sewing plastic lash tabs, one method is to sew them directly into the seams of your item. This is a straightforward process that will securely attach the lash tab to the fabric. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Plastic Lash Tab: Start by choosing a suitable plastic lash tab that matches the colour and thickness of your fabric. Clean the surface of the plastic lash tab with a mild detergent or alcohol wipe to ensure that it is free of any dirt or residue. This will help create a strong bond between the plastic and the fabric.
Mark the Sewing Position: Place the plastic lash tab in the desired position on the fabric. Use a fabric marker or tailor's chalk to mark the sewing line along the edges of the lash tab. Make sure that the lash tab is placed correctly and securely in the desired position before marking, ensuring it is straight and aligned with the fabric grain or in the correct position relative to the item.
Pin and Secure the Lash Tab: Pin the plastic lash tab in place along the marked lines. Use a hand-sewing needle to pierce the fabric and create a small hole at each end of the marked line. These holes will guide your sewing machine needle and help keep the stitching straight and secure. You can also use a sewing awl or a small, sharp craft knife to make these guide holes.
Sewing the Seam: Thread your sewing machine with a thread that matches the fabric and lash tab colour. Select a needle suitable for sewing synthetic fabrics, such as a sharp or microtex needle, and polypropylene thread, which is strong and suitable for sewing plastic. Sew along the marked lines, backstitching at the beginning and end to secure the stitching. Sew slowly and carefully, ensuring that the stitching stays straight and follows the marked lines.
Reinforce the Seam: For added strength, consider reinforcing the seam with a second row of stitching. Sew a second line of stitches parallel to the first, approximately 2-3 mm away, creating a double seam. This will help distribute the stress across a larger area and reduce the risk of the seam tearing under pressure.
Finish and Test: Once you have completed the sewing, carefully trim any loose threads and test the strength of the lash tab by gently pulling on it. Ensure that the stitches are secure and that the plastic lash tab is firmly attached to the fabric.
By following these steps, you can securely sew a plastic lash tab directly into the seams of your item, creating a strong and durable attachment.
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Frequently asked questions
Basic tools include heavy-duty needles, thick thread, a thimble, and a small pair of pliers. You can also use a sewing machine if it's strong enough.
Yes, there are specialized sewing gizmos available for this purpose. The Speedy Stitcher sewing awl is a good option and is also affordable.
Nylon thread is recommended for sewing plastic lash tabs. Jandd, a manufacturer of lash tabs, recommends sewing around the tabs at least twice with at least 69-pound-force bounded nylon thread.
Yes, a heavy-duty sewing machine can be used to sew plastic lash tabs. However, make sure your machine is strong enough to sew through the plastic material.
When using a Speedy Stitcher, be cautious as the little edged needles are designed to cut holes rather than poke them, and they may damage the pack's material. Additionally, consider melting or drilling holes in the plastic before sewing to make the process easier.
