Accessible Sewing Tips: Closures

When sewing for accessibility, it can be overwhelming to figure out what works perfectly for your needs. Each closure and finishing has both its advantages and disadvantages. Read on to discover a list of the most common closures for each garment, and to determine which is the best for you and your accessibility needs!

Zippers

Pros:

• Easy to move up and down
• With a large pull, can be easy to spot
• Found on many garments
• Can be a decorative element

Cons:

• Tricky to sew for a beginner
• Can be awkwardly placed and hard to reach
• Some may dislike the metal texture
• May limit movement

Buttons

Pros:

• Decorative with many choices available
• Larger buttons can be easier to spot and use
• Easy to attach on garments
• Common and found on many garments

Cons:

• Can be hard to properly close a button with mobility issues
• Buttonholes can be difficult to sew for a beginner
• May be too heavy or awkward for some

Elastic

Pros:

• Easy to sew
• Allows for additional movement and extra give for changing bodies
• Limits the need for additional closures
• Wide range of sizes available

Cons:

• Some may dislike the texture of an elastic band
• “Puckered” elastic look may not be suitable for all garments

Ties

Pros:

• Decorative design element
• Limits the need for additional closures
• Easy to sew and often incorporated into the pattern itself – no need for additional notions or findings
• Can be adjusted easily for changing bodies

Cons:

• Some may find tying a tie to be difficult
• Less stable than other closures

Cords

Pros:

• Can be adjusted easily for changing bodies
• Sensory-friendly
• Decorative design element

Cons:

• More difficult to sew for a beginner
• May involve additional closures, including grommets or eyelets, that may be hard to sew

Velcro

Pros:

• Widely available
• Easy to close with limited movement
• Can help to create “false” finishes of garments where needed, ie front plackets
• Available in sew-on or stick-on options

Cons:

• Stitching through tough Velcro may be difficult for lower mobility
• Stick-On Velcro may interact poorly with delicate fabrics and is not as durable
• The sound and feel might cause sensory issues

Hooks & Eyes

Pros:

• Come in a large range of sizes
• Easy to stitch on
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Can be hard to close for those with mobility issues
• Some may dislike the metal texture
• Can add weight and bulk to a garment

Traditional Snaps

Pros:

• Wide range of sizes available
• Easy to sew on
• Durable and long-lasting
• Allows for easy removal of garments

Cons:

• Can be hard to close for those with mobility issues
• Some may dislike the metal texture
• Can add weight and bulk to a garment

Magnetic Snaps

Pros:

• Effortless on and off
• Durable and long-lasting
• Strong and will stay closed

Cons:

• Limited range of sizes
• Very difficult to sew for the average sewist and can cause additional difficulties for those with chronic pain
• Harder to find and more expensive than traditional snaps
• Some may dislike the plastic or metallic texture
• Can add weight and bulk to a garment

What is your favorite closure to use when sewing? Let us know in the comments down below!