How to make rouleau loops

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Rouleau loops are thin tubes of fabric used for straps or to make fastening loops for bulky buttons or frog fastenings

Cut bias strips 3cm wide and fold in half lengthways with right sides together. Sew using a 6mm seam allowance. Insert a rouleau loop turner into the tube and catch the fabric at the top end in the little latch. Gently ease the top of the loop inside, pulling on the tool to tease the fabric right side out. Roll the rouleau loop so that the seam is at the centre back.
Alternatively, stitch across the top of the folded fabric strip, then down the long edge using a 6mm seam allowance. Use the sharp end of a wooden skewer to start pushing the top end inside. Once it’s been started, use the blunt end to continue pushing the tube right side out.
Another method is to fold the fabric strip, then insert a length of string inside the folded fabric, pushiung it against the fold. Anchor it in place at the top by stitching over the short end, pivot to stitch down the side seam, using a 6mm seam allowance, back stitching at the
start to secure the side seam stitching. Then pull on the string, easing the top inside as you turn the tube out. Unpick the end and remove the string.
If you have an overlocker, you could overlock a chain of thread the length of the rouleau loop required. Then without cutting the chain, bring it round to the front of the machine and lay it on the right side of the fabric strip. Fold the strip in half, sandwiching the chain and overlock the long edge, taking care that you don’t catch the threads. To turn through, pull on the inside chain.

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