SewLibra:
I decided first how I wanted the buttons spaced. Here each one is centered in a one inch space on top of a ribbon so I can see it better.
SewLibra:
I used a 6 inch scrap of sturdy black cotton to chalk mark the placement. This will become the tape to sew the loops on so I won't have to sew them in the garment separately.
SewLibra:
Use the flat type, not round, elastic hair band. Find where the factory connected it and cut there. Then cut in half so it will make two loops. When you fold the band, you want the loop to cup upward in the finished garment to hold the button securely.
SewLibra:
I wanted my loops to be 5/8 in. to fit my buttons. I marked a 5/8 in. line on copy paper, taped the loops, and sewed on the line. Then I carefully removed the paper.
SewLibra:
Next I positioned the loops with the stitching line exactly on the edge of the tape. I used several rows of short 2.0 stitches to make them secure, then removed the stitching line created from the paper step.
SewLibra:
Mark the seam allowance on the facing where you want your loops to be. The nice thing about sewing the loops on a tape is that if you get the spacing wrong you can make a little fold and stitch it down to fix it. I had to do that next to the top loop.
SewLibra:
Butt the end of the loop tape to the marked seam allowance on the garment and baste on the line over the loops but not on the tape. You do not want any of the tape showing through the seam.
SewLibra:
Then position the loop tape between the facing and front piece with the loops inside, and baste on the same line as before. Turn inside out and if it looks good, go back and sew your permanent stitches.
SewLibra:
Turn your garment to the right side, press, and topstitch if your instructions call for it. Your loops are finished!