Replacing Hook and Loop on SoftBums

While I am waiting for more fluff to arrive at my house for fixing, I have a couple of my own that are in dire need of new hook and loop (H&L).

I thought I would post a quick DIY on replacing H&L for those of you who want to try it on your own.

It isn't hard.  

All you need for tools is a seam ripper, a little pair of scissors, cornstarch and of course a machine.  Nothing fancy, it just needs to do a simple straight stitch and not be too angry about sewing H&L (some have tempers-mine HATES tulle).  

Use 100% polyester thread (most are except quilting, but check your spool first)

Use a simple straight stitch throughout the DIY

Use a ballpoint needle

Don't forget your replacement parts

Step 1:
Carefully remove all H&L with your seam ripper.  A little scissors will work but it is about 10 times harder, pick up a seam ripper at your local craft store for a few bucks, it will save your frustration and your diapers.

When possible remove the H&L from the microfleece side, this will help prevent any accidental holes in the PUL.  

Step 2:

This is probably the hardest part, only because it is SUPER easy to put a hole in your PUL.  You need to open the front of the diaper.  Just along the top edge because you will need to get in there to put the H&L back on with your machine.  

Step 3

Start putting your H&L back on.  I usually start with the front, for no reason at all.  Put a ballpoint needle in your machine (red) they are the smallest.  My trick is to use a little fabric tac on the H&L only on the front just so things don't wiggle or pull.  Start sewing using just a simple straight stitch and back-stitch at the beginning, end, and before and after each corner.  You want this sewn down well and the corners is usually where trouble starts.  

The H&L has about 1/8 of an inch on the top and bottom for sewing, but the sides you'll just have to sew over the H or L.  Stay about 1/8 or just under away from the edge.

This is the inside after the front has been re-sewn.

The outside with the new loop.

Step 4

Tabs.  Start on the outside and work in, first putting the hook on the outside of each tab then the hook as the laundry tab.  Again, keep about 1/8" or just under away from the edge using the same needle.  If your diaper is darker you will want to use the coordinating thread here and not white.  Put the correct color in your bobbin since you will want to look at your H or L to keep it straight.  

Sew with a simple straight stitch, and back-stitch up to and after each corner.

HINT: Don't forget the trick for the corners, end your stitch where you want your next stitching line to begin, with your needle down, lift up your presser foot, spin your work so you are heading in the next direction, lower your presser foot, and continue on.  This will keep your thread in one continual piece (reducing the chance of unraveling) and be much easier on you.

Outside after hook placement.  

You will NEVER get the H&L to be exactly where the old one was, but after a few washings, you'll never be able to tell the difference.

Inside the tab with the new hook.

Both H&L replaced on the tab.  You can see where the SoftBums tag was, which I will replace last (after I switch my threads back to both white). 

Step 5

Switch your bobbin and top color both back to white and sew on your overlap loop.  Staying the same distance in, just ensure this piece is straight as you will see it on the outside of the diaper.

Step 6

Last part of the tab: edge stitch your logo back on.  Stay close to the edge and take your time, you should be able to stay about 1/16" away from the edge and be okay on this.

Step 7

Put color matching thread on top, white in your bobbin.

Now you just need to close up the front of the diaper.  I leave this until last incase I need to replace elastic or fix anything else with the diaper.  Line up your microfleece and your PUL, both should be folded over.  Edge stitch them together, back-stitching at the start and at the edge of each side of the opening in the front (to reach toggles).  Since the MF is stretchier than the PUL you may need to gently hold the fabrics so they stretch into the machine.  

This is the hardest part, and sometimes they come out looking a little goofy, but wash it a couple times and the MF will shrink up and lay nicer.  Remember you've just de-assembled your diaper, it may need some time to "relax" back to its normal shape.  

Done!

After you take a diaper apart and replace parts, make sure you wash it like it's new.  Wash and then dry on hot.  You need to seal up the holes where the old H&L was and where the new H&L goes.