Rouleau Loops – not as tricky as you might think!

Rouleau Loops are the perfect way to add an elegant finishing touch to special occasion and everyday dressmaking projects, something a bit more special than standard machined buttonholes! I love these versatile little loops and use them all the time as a closure for fabric covered buttons and also when creating dramatic corset backed ballgowns. They’re surprisingly quick and simple to make, especially with the aid of a loop turner from William Gee…

STEP 1:
Cut a strip of fabric on the bias grain, approximately 5cm (2”) wide and 20 – 30cm long. Smooth fabrics such as satin or a light weight cotton work best. To find the bias grain, measure a 45° angle from the selvedge, I’ve done this with the Patternmaster.

STEP 2:
Fold the right sides of your strip together and stitch 6mm in from the fold for a narrow loop or 1cm for a chunky look. The excess fabric width makes feeding through the machine so much easier!

STEP 3:
Trim off the excess fabric close to the stitching, if you’re using a delicate material which frays easily like my Satin, its best to use Pinking Shears.

STEP 4:
Now it’s time to turn through the loop! Slide the tube onto the Loop Turner and hook the catch closed into the material. Next pull the loop turner towards you and the fabric tube away, magically turning it the right way round!

STEP 5:
You can now either press your Rouleau flat, using a steam iron (the Prym Mini Steam Iron is Perfect for delicate tasks like this!) or leave it round for a softer look like I have. Your strip is now ready to be cut down to size depending on your buttons and added to your project!