Attach EZ

[Jean McLean]

I am about to buy the Attach EZ (if United sells them...they are not in the catalog) and have been reading the posts about how the crochet items are still too loose. I have always taped the cut threads from behind with Framer's tape (acid-free) when I sew my items to mats and wonder if it is possible to tape the plastic tabs from behind the same way in order to tighten them? I have just read a post where the crochet items are too loose using the Attach EZ plastic tabs. Is it because she chose the wrong size? Do they come in various sizes (tabs that is)? Jean in Maine...memoriesofmainegallery.com

 

[Ron Eggers]

Jean, here is the Fletcher-Terry Attach-EZ website. United is listed as a distributor. L-J also carries it and TC Moulding and many others.

There are two gun sizes and a least three fastener sizes. I think a fourth fastener size has been added. Check the F-T ad in a new Decor or PFM magazine for details about that.

I use both guns, but if I had to choose one, it would be the smaller (Microtach) gun. The fasteners are very unobtrusive and I use it to attach thinner items to a single layer of board - usually Crescent/Moorman suede.

 

[Ron Eggers]

Oh, yeh, it is possible - and sometimes necessary - to tape the fasteners from the back. If you're really concerned about the tape working loose with time, you could go around with a q-tip and PVA glue from the back after you're done taping.

I've had some projects where I taped some of the fasteners and left some others loose for a particular look.

Even if you tape and glue, it's considerably faster than stitching - at least for me. After the first project, I've had no problems with bent needles and inserting a fastener takes as long as it takes to squeeze the trigger.

I WOULD recommend you buy some extra needles, though. You don't want to be in the middle of a project and be without a needle.

I want to emphasize once again that I have no vested interest in whether anyone else buys or uses this tool. It works for me, and each of you have to decide if it might work for you.

 

[Dancinbaer]

Jean,
I used the micro-tach on some tatting pieces fastend to suede mat. I actually had to make sure I push down a little extra hard so the micro-tach fastner was all the way through. They held very snug. I believe the micro-tach fastener is 1/8" and the other fastners are 1/4" and 1/2".

 

[Jean McLean]

I am so excited! I ordered my Attach EZ (set) today from Don Mar. My goodness, it isn't all that expensive. I cannot wait to use it. Heck, a good dinner out (with wine) will probably cost you more and you may not have as much satisfaction? Ha Ha. Thanks for all the pre-advice. I will let you know later how I like it.