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Post by dewryce on Jul 20, 2019 23:24:49 GMT
The kit (suit) DH wears for triathlons closes in the back and as such has a string/cord tied to the zipper to help him open and close it on his own. They are never long enough and they always come off. So I want to sew one in for him. Is there a type of ribbon or something you would recommend? The opening is pretty small so a thick cord won’t work and I’m afraid any sewing will make the thin cord unravel. Currently it has a very thin stiff feeling ribbon on it, about 1/2” wide, of that. It won’t be in chlorine or salt water much at all, mostly inland open water. Does grosgrain do well in water?
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Post by KelleeM on Jul 20, 2019 23:36:05 GMT
I would look for cotton twill tape. Joann probably has it.
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TheOtherMeg
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,541
Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Jul 20, 2019 23:54:04 GMT
For 50+ years, I've replaced wetsuit strings with shoelaces. I'm sure there's something fancier or more legit out there, though. lol
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,948 
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Post by scrapngranny on Jul 21, 2019 0:05:48 GMT
I was thinking about what type of ribbon would be best, then I saw the shoe lace idea and thought that was great idea.
Grosgrain ribbon would not be the best you could choose. The twill tape looks similar to what is on there now.
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 21, 2019 2:19:05 GMT
I’d look to see if you can find a trill tape that is polyester so that it dries quickly. But really, just about anything will work. I do think grosgrain is a good second choice. I’d overlap the end about 2” after you loop it through the zipper.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,366
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jul 21, 2019 2:40:04 GMT
Check with Strapworks they have all kinds of strapping and connectors. I use their stuff all the time on bags I make. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jul 21, 2019 3:56:40 GMT
Both grosgrain and twill will fray if the loose ends aren’t lapped over and sewn down securely. I would look for something polyester or nylon so you can seal the cut ends with heat so it won’t unravel or fray.
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Post by dewryce on Jul 21, 2019 4:46:01 GMT
Thank you ladies! For 50+ years, I've replaced wetsuit strings with shoelaces. I'm sure there's something fancier or more legit out there, though. lol This is brilliant and if I can’t quickly find a fun one at least I know I can find normal shoe laces. I like how thick it will be so it will hang down. I’d look to see if you can find a trill tape that is polyester so that it dries quickly. But really, just about anything will work. I do think grosgrain is a good second choice. I’d overlap the end about 2” after you loop it through the zipper. No matter what I end up using I was planning on overlapping quite a bit, sewing a box along the edge of the overlap, and then an ‘X’ through the center. Will that be enough? Check with Strapworks they have all kinds of strapping and connectors. I use their stuff all the time on bags I make. Oh I wish I had asked sooner! I will have to make due for this upcoming race but I will look there for a more permanent solution. |
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TheOtherMeg
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,541
Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Jul 21, 2019 6:53:41 GMT
I like how thick it will be so it will hang down. Yes, that's important. Anything thin will stick to the suit when it gets wet and undoubtedly end up plastered some place the wearer can't easily reach. A shoelace is heavy enough to stay hanging down when wet. At least nowadays shoelaces come in all kinds of colors & designs. |
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Post by phoenixcov on Jul 21, 2019 10:39:52 GMT
There is a no sew solution, fold the lace or ribbon in half push the loop end through the zip tag hole, pass the other two ends back through the loop and tighten. Looks good with a leather cord or the above mentioned shoelace.
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TheOtherMeg
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,541
Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Jul 21, 2019 21:44:26 GMT
You could also braid thinner materials to make them heavier so they'd hang better. It'd look pretty cool and, depending on how you finished it, you could end up not having to sew at all. You could loop two strands of something through, like phoenixcov suggested, to get four strands, and then braid those four. |
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