BERNINA Corporate Blog -Dear Overlock and Coverstitch enthusiasts, you may already have noticed when visiting www.bernina.com that we have a new addition on the overlocker accessory list: the Belt Loop Folder #C30 in three different sizes. In this article you will find some instructions on how to attach and sew with the new accessories. I will also share some tips and creative ideas.
I will use the Belt Loop Folder #C30-15/30 mm for the demonstration in this article.
With the Belt Loop Folders you can of course sew belt loops, but that’s not all: You can sew straps to decorate any project you have in mind.
The Belt Loop Folder #C30 comes in three different sizes. However, you can purchase each size separately, starting with the size you think you need most.
Sizes of the finished belt loops/straps are 10, 15 or 20 mm, and in inches: 3/8”, 5/8” or 7/8”.
Finished widths and cutting widths for the fabric strips are engraved in millimeters on the Belt Loop Folders.
The Belt Loop Folder folds the fabric edges under with the long edges meeting in the center on the back of the belt loop.
The folders are suitable for fine to medium-weight fabrics that glide through the accessory without resistance. You need to cut fabric strips in widths of 20, 30 or 40 mm. In inches this is 7/8, 1 1/4 or 1 5/8 of an inch.
Since the Belt Loop Folder is attached to your machine using the Accessories Holder, remember to purchase that as well. You may have already done so as you may own the Double Fold Binder for Unfolded Tape #C21 or Single Fold Binder for Unfolded Tape #C22.
Thanks to the swing-out Accessories Holder, the Belt Loop Folders #C30 are compatible with the L 890, the b68 or b62 as well as the b48 and b42.
If you are a very long-time enthusiastic BERNINA overlocker user, yes, you can also attach these accessories to your L 220 and your 1300 MDC.
I recommend using the Chainstitch Foot #C13 or respectively your standard foot for the coverstitch when sewing with the Belt Loop Folder.
Optional feet are of course also suitable and compatible, such as the transparent Clear Overlock/Combostitch Foot #C27 for the L 890. Also compatible is the standard foot Overlock-/Combostitch Foot #C11.
For bernette, there is a transparent standard foot packed with the other cover-/chainstitch feet in a set. But please see your authorized bernette dealer, maybe you can purchase the transparent foot individually.
A video tutorial about using the Belt Loop Folder is in the making. Please check the BERNINA website or our YouTube channel as of early July. I will also be happy to inform you as soon as it is available and share the link, maybe together with a sewing project. Here is a picture from our video set:
In the BERNINA video tutorial, we will demonstrate the steps with the 15/30 mm Belt Loop Folder. However, the procedure is the same for all sizes.
With this accessory we recommend using the 4-thread coverstitch or the wide 3-thread coverstitch.
Attaching the Belt Loop Folder
If you are familiar with the binders #C21/C22, the procedure is the same, i.e. for new users as follows:
Attach the Belt Loop Folder to the connecting piece of the Accessories Holder.
Usually I screw the parts together tightly, so that I have maximal maneuverability.
Attach the Accessories Holder to the coverstitch insert on your machine.
I set the Accessories Holder all the way to the left, to minimize tolerance.
Loosen the locking screw on the swivel arm and push the Belt Loop Folder towards the foot…
… so that it can be positioned in front of the tip of the presser foot. Then tighten the screw.
Loosen the screw of the connecting piece and align the Belt Loop Folder as far to the left…
… as needed to have it centered in front of the coverstitch needles, then tighten the screw.
The Belt Loop Folder and the presser foot are close but do not touch.
A BERNINA tip: for threading or opening the covers, swing the Belt Loop Folder out. I find this a big advantage of this Accessories Holder!
Sewing Belt Loops and Straps
Cut the fabric strip along the grain at a suitable width, here 30 mm, or 1 1/4″ for the Belt Loop Folder #C30 15/30 and cut a roof shape at one end to easily guide the strip through the folder.
Feed the fabric strip into the folder with the right side up. The left and right edges will fold under as the strip feeds through the folder.
To make that more visible, I have swung out the Belt Loop Folder, but only for the picture.
Place the strip under the presser foot and lower the foot. The knee lifter is very conventient for this step, since I have both hands free to hold the tweezers and the camera 😉
Sew a few inches, then check if the stitching covers both fabric edges on the underside.
Adjust the position of the folder if required. In my case I had to adjust the Belt Loop Folder to the left. That is done using the screw at the connecting piece of the Accessories Holder.
My tip: for minimal adjustments, the coverstitch insert can be moved using the cutting width dial.
While sewing, make sure the tape is unobstructed as it feeds through the Belt Loop Folder.
One more tip: if the fabric edges on the lower side don’t meet, cut the strip slightly wider.
The Belt Loop Folder #C30 makes it quick and easy to sew lengths of belt loops that can be trimmed to the desired size. This example shows a strap made of soft suede.
Tips and tricks for the Belt Loop Folder #C30
These tapes can also be sewn-on decoratively or used for fabric weaving.
For even more decorative applications, ribbons, elastic bands, stabilizer or batting can be guided under the fabric strip as it feeds through the folder.
I recommend: when making wrap-row strips, cut materials that will be wrapped 2 mm narrower then the finished width of the strips for smooth feeding in the folder…
… and cut the fabric strip slightly wider to fold easily around the insert and to accommodate for the extra thickness.
Here you can easily see the difference:
While sewing a wrapped strap, it is even more important not to hold back the material but just to guide it slightly.
These finished strips can be used as soft belts and straps for garments, bags and other home dec projects. Here examples with all three sizes used for straps, belts and belt loops.
And one more tip: when sewing in elastic, I recommend to increase the stitch length up to the maximum to compensate for stretching the elastic band while sewing.
That’s all! The Belt Loop Folders are easy to attach, easy to use and the results are loops, straps or fabric strips you may use for practical or decorative effects in your projects.
Here for example, rows of small loops are used to add a decorative edge on the sleeve and hem.
In case you are interested in this pattern, it is made by a German Designer. You can buy the pattern “Kleve” and a separate eBook here (German only).
Or use your self made ribbons for jewellery:
I could even redesign that wristband into a collar:
Would you have thought that the three pants were all made from one and the same pattern? If you are interested, the free pattern I used for the pants featured on the packaging of the Belt Loop Folders can be found on our german blog: Kinderhose/Culotte (German only).
Belt Loop Folder #C30-10/20 mm
Belt Loop Folder #C30-15/30 mm
Belt Loop Folder #C30-20/40 mm
With the Belt Loop Folder #C30, you can sew belt loops in three sizes for your individual creations. There are no limits to your imagination.
With this I wish you many creative hours with the new accessory and fun with all your sewing projects.
Doris
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