Tool for Turning Small Fabric Straps

Tool for Turning Small Fabric Straps

When sewing dresses, blouses, tank tops, aprons, children’s clothing, or decorative details, small fabric straps are often needed. These may include shoulder straps, spaghetti straps, button loops, belt loops, or small tie straps.

After the strap is sewn into a narrow tube, it needs to be turned right side out. This can be difficult because the inside space is very narrow.

The tool commonly used for this job is called a loop turner.

What Is a Loop Turner?

A loop turner is a long, slim sewing tool, usually made of metal, with a small hook at the end.

The hook catches the fabric end and pulls it back through the tube so the fabric turns right side out. Prym describes a loop turner as a tool for turning fabric tubes such as straps, belts, and tunnel eyelets.

What Is It Used For?

A loop turner is used for turning narrow sewn fabric tubes.

It is commonly used for:

Dress straps
Spaghetti straps
Blouse ties
Apron ties
Belt loops
Button loops
Fabric mask ties
Pouch ties
Small decorative straps

Fashion Wanderer also notes that a loop turner can be used for belt loops, button loops, purse straps, shoulder straps, and spaghetti straps.

How to Use a Loop Turner

First, sew the fabric into a narrow tube with the right side of the fabric facing inward.

Trim the seam allowance if it is too bulky, but do not cut too close to the stitches.

Insert the loop turner through one end of the tube until the hook comes out from the other end. Hook the fabric end securely, then pull the loop turner back through the tube.

As the fabric begins to turn, guide it gently with your fingers. Continue pulling until the entire strap is turned right side out.

Avoid Pulling Too Hard

One common mistake is pulling too strongly.

If the strap is too narrow, the seam allowance is too thick, or the fabric is not hooked securely, the strap may get stuck. Pulling too hard can break the stitches or damage the fabric.

Work slowly and guide the fabric as it turns.

Alternative Tools

Without a loop turner, a small safety pin, hand needle with strong thread, or bodkin may be used for some projects.

However, a loop turner is usually more practical for turning narrow fabric tubes. A bodkin is more suitable for inserting elastic, cord, ribbon, or drawstring through a casing. Clover explains that bodkins can pull elastic, ribbon, cording, or drawstring through fabric casing.

Conclusion

The tool used to turn small fabric straps is called a loop turner.

It helps turn narrow fabric tubes such as dress straps, spaghetti straps, belt loops, button loops, and fabric ties.

For better results, avoid making the strap too narrow, trim bulky seam allowance carefully, hook the fabric securely, and pull slowly. After turning, press the strap so it looks neat and flat.

Looking for loop turners and sewing supplies?

Istana Kancing provides loop turners, needles, threads, scissors, seam rippers, tailor’s chalk, sewing carbon paper, tracing wheels, buttons, zippers, lining, interfacing, bias tape, lace, ribbons, beads, sequins, and garment accessories for tailors, fashion brands, garment makers, and wholesale orders.