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Sick of your hair system coming loose halfway through a cycle? Although weaves and extensions can be easier to style than a woman's natural hair, they don't always work perfectly. Through physical activity or just plain regular wear, weave stitches can start to come loose, leaving you screaming for a style intervention. The fault usually lies with improper installation but can also come from stitching techniques. Whether you're getting your weave done by a professional or tackling a hair transformation yourself, get secure with a basic loop stitch.
Standard Weave Sewing
Not everyone has regular trouble with weaves separating from their tracks, so many women opt for a simple sewing stitch to keep their faux tresses together, even if it isn't the most stable method of attaching a weave. The standard stitch works just like a slip stitch in garment sewing, with lines of thread inserted through the same side of two overlapping material edges. In this case, the bottom edge of the hairpiece and the edge of the braid tracks become drawn together by the pulled thread. However, this method won't always hold.
When to Switch
Over time, basic stitches can begin to loosen and a weave can start to slide, turning a once-hot hairstyle into a hot mess. If you often have trouble with your weaves loosening up shortly after installation or participate in sports or dance activities that give your hair a rough time, you might want to think about changing over to a more effective technique. Loop stitching, also known as lock or blanket stitching, works by securing the thread after each stitch, keeping the tension even all across your style and your weave straight on your head.
Braided Base
The foundation for any sew-in weave look, regardless of style, is a pattern of track braids. Depending on the shape of the hair pieces you're looking to rock, you might end up with cornrows that wind all the way around your head or take up just a small section. Loop stitch sewing works well with any braiding style but can't cover for problems with loose braiding. Make sure your braids are snug against your scalp, but not tugging on it, before you start getting your weave on.
Loop Stitch Sewing
Altering a familiar, basic weave sewing stitch into a loop stitch doesn't make a weaving session much longer or more difficult than normal. After matching your tracks with the edge of the weave, follow your usual stitching technique by inserting the needle up through both layers, then doing it again. This time, do not pull the thread all the way through the hair but instead leave a small loop behind. Push the needle through the loop, wrapping it with the thread, then pull the thread taut to lock the first stitch in place. Finish all your stitches this way, all over the weave, to keep your look stylish and secure.
