Hooks and Eyes

Hooks and Eyes

Hooks and eyes are small but comparatively strong fasteners. Though they are most often applied at single points of a garment opening, such as a waistband or neckline, they can also be used to fasten an entire opening.

There are several types of hooks and eyes, each designed to serve a particular purpose. They are available in various sizes and weights. Two types of eyes are included on each card. The round eye is used to fasten edges that meet each other, the straight eye is used to fasten edges that lap over each other. The hook is placed on the right front for front openings and on the front for skirt openings.

1.     Mark position and sew hooks on first.

2.     Set the hook back at least ¹/₈ inch from the finished edge, so that it will not be pulled into a position where it will show.

3.     Take several small overhand stitches over the rings, being sure stitches do not show on the right side of the garment. Secure the hook with overhand stitches.

4.     When the round eye is used for edges, which will meet each other, the end should extend ¹/₈ inch beyond the finished edge. Sew with small over hand stitches along the rings and at the finished edge.

5.     The straight eye, for edges that lap over, may be placed at various distances from the finished edge, depending on the amount of overlap. Remember that the eye will pull to the end of the hook; therefore, to mark the end of the hook with a pin, and use this as the position for the eye. The eye has a curve in it; be sure the hook will pull with, rather than against, the curve. Sew in place with several small overhand stitches over the rings.