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Adding thumb loops


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  • #1281427
    Jeff Jeff
    BPL Member

    @jeffjeff

    Has anyone tried adding thumb loops to an existing commercial garment? There are a few base layers and light fleece tops that I would like a lot better if they didn't ride up.

    I'd love to hear about success, failure, or any ideas for doing it.

    #1797677
    Mark Fowler
    BPL Member

    @kramrelwof

    Locale: Namadgi

    I haven't added them to a product but my 200 weight zip neck merino has them built in. They work well when using poles but I haven't had a long sleeve close fitting top since I started using poles so no comparisions.

    #1797691
    Dan Quixote
    BPL Member

    @dan_quixote

    Locale: below the mountains (AK)

    I chopped some tacky ones into some REI synth long-sleeve tees, and I really like them ( I just wish I placed them symmetrically.) I tried doing similar with a cheapo waffle-knit long-john top which had fairly short arms, and it wasn't comfortable at all.

    So far, the REI ones are holding up quite well through occasional use over a couple years. =)

    #1797709
    Jeff Jeff
    BPL Member

    @jeffjeff

    Any suggestions on how to finish them? Cutting the loop should be easy enough. Should I just fold the fabric back on itself and run a line of stitching along it? That doesn't seem like the best solution. Maybe finish it with some 1/4 inch tape? Just bar tack around the whole thing like a button hole?

    #1797710
    Ben Smith
    BPL Member

    @goosefeet

    Locale: Georgia

    The button hole method would probably be the easiest and most durable option. Just sew the bar tack first, then cut the slit in the middle.

    #1797714
    David Chenault
    BPL Member

    @davec

    Locale: Queen City, MT

    The sleeves on my Rab Boreas were so long I added some. They're great.

    http://bedrockandparadox.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/more-on-windshirts-rab-boreas-first-and-second-look/

    I thought about using the button-hole setting on my machine, but the longest option was too short (I made them 2.5" long (ithink)). I sewed a line of stitching around the long rectangle of the shape I wanted, then went over all four sides with the densest overcasting stitch my machine has, using the narrowest stitch length available. Cut out the middle, lightly melted the edges. Done.

    #1797806
    Matt Mahaney
    BPL Member

    @matt_mahaney

    Locale: In the District

    Dave's got the process right. Stitch then cut then melt. I did this to a Sierra Designs Hurricane for my dad. Works well.

    #1797878
    Marco A. Sánchez
    Member

    @marcoasn

    Locale: The fabulous Pyrenees

    If the sleeves are not long enough, you can always sew a loop of elastic braid (3/8" wide or so). Not as good as "real" thumb loop, but it does the trick:

    Thumb loop detail

    Thumb loop detail

    Thumb loop detail

    Tip:Make a half twist in the braid (as shown in the photo) before sewing it for greater comfort.

    Cheers

    #1814484
    W I S N E R !
    Spectator

    @xnomanx

    This is a nice technique Marco.

    I've got a Rab Boreas on the way (Dave C. inspired me, sounds great for winter running/cycling/packing).

    If the sleeves aren't long enough to do Dave's style, I'll add loops.

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