Mastering the Art of Sewing in a Closure: Your Ultimate Guide

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Sewing in a closure is an essential skill for anyone interested in creating their own custom wigs or extensions. Not only does it add a professional touch to the finished product, but it also allows for versatile styling options. Whether you are a seasoned seamstress or a beginner looking to expand your crafting abilities, learning how to sew in a closure is a valuable technique to have in your repertoire. In this article, we will dive into the step-by-step process of sewing in a closure and provide tips and tricks along the way. So grab your sewing kit and let’s get started on creating the perfect closure for your next hair creation!

What is a Closure?

A closure is an essential part of a sew-in hairstyle that provides a natural-looking finish. It is a horseshoe-shaped piece of lace or silk material that is used to cover the top or crown area of the head. Closures give the illusion of a natural scalp and hairline, making it easier to blend with your own hair.

There are two types of closures: lace closures and silk closures. Lace closures are made from sheer lace material, while silk closures are made from silk fabric. Both types provide a seamless look when installed properly.

Benefits of Sewing In a Closure

Using a closure in your sew-in hairstyle has many benefits. Firstly, it gives you versatility in styling your hair. You can opt for different partings like middle, side, or even deep side parts without worrying about exposing your tracks or braids.

Another advantage of sewing in a closure is that it protects your hair from heat damage and breakage caused by constant styling and manipulation. With the closure acting as a protective barrier, your natural hair gets time to rest and grow without any interference.

Furthermore, using a closure gives you a more natural-looking finish compared to other weaving techniques like leave-out or partial sew-ins. The closure mimics the appearance of your scalp and creates an illusion of growing hair, resulting in a seamless blend between your natural hair and the extensions.

Preparing Your Hair for Sew-In with Closure

Before installing your closure, you need to prepare your natural hair to ensure that it stays healthy under the sew-in hairstyle. Start by washing and deep conditioning your hair to remove any product buildup and deeply moisturize it.

Next, section off your hair where you want the closure to sit using clips or rubber bands. This will prevent tangling with other sections when you start braiding. Make sure that the sections are neat and even for a more natural-looking result.

If you plan on using a closure with a middle part, make sure to pluck out some hair from the closure piece before installing it. This process will create a more natural-looking hairline and avoid any harsh lines between your forehead and the closure.

How to Install a Closure Sew-In

Tools needed:
– Sewing needle
– Thread
– Hair bundles of your choice
– Closure piece
– Scissors
– Wig cap (optional)

Steps:

1. Braid your natural hair in cornrows, following the direction in which you want the extensions to fall. Make sure that the braids are small, secure, and even since these will act as the anchor for your sew-in.

2. Place the closure piece on top of your braided hair and adjust it to fit seamlessly with your scalp. If needed, trim off any excess lace that may be visible or interfere with the installation.

3. Thread your needle with matching thread and tie off one end so that it doesn’t slip through the needle’s eye.

4. Secure the closure piece by sewing in through one side of the braid, then looping back through the other side. Repeat this process until you have sewn all around the perimeter of your closure.

5. Once you have secured the closure in place, sew in your hair bundles as usual by starting at the nape of your neck and working your way up.

6. When you reach the closure area, make sure to fold over any excess wefts or tracks at the edges to ensure that they don’t show when styling.

7. Finish off by styling your hair as desired using heat tools or flexi rods for curls.

How to Care For Your Closure Sew-In

Proper care is essential for maintaining a flawless looking sew-in with a closure. Here are some tips to help you keep your hair looking fresh and natural:

– Always cover your hair with a satin scarf or bonnet before going to bed to prevent friction and damage.

– Avoid using heavy products on your sew-in closure, as these can cause buildup and make it look greasy.

– Gently comb or brush through your hair daily, starting from the ends and working your way up, to avoid any tangling or matting.

– Wash your sew-in closure at least once a week with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep it clean and free of product buildup. Make sure not to rub or scrub the closure too harshly, as this can cause shedding.

– Use heat protectant products when styling with heat tools to prevent damage to both your natural hair and the closure piece.

Now that you know how to sew in a closure, you can achieve a flawless sew-in hairstyle that looks natural and protects your natural hair. Remember always to prepare your hair beforehand for the installation process and take proper care of your sew-in afterward. With the right maintenance, your sew-in with closure will last anywhere from 6-8 weeks, giving you plenty of flaunt-worthy hairstyles.

What is a Closure?

A closure is a specially designed hair piece that is used to complete a sew-in hairstyle. It is usually made of lace or silk material and can come in various sizes and shapes. The purpose of a closure is to mimic the appearance of a natural hairline, giving the illusion that the extensions are growing directly from your scalp. Closures are commonly used in sew-in weaves because they provide a more polished and seamless look compared to traditional leave-out methods.

The Benefits of Sewing in a Closure

There are many benefits to sewing in a closure when creating a weave hairstyle. One major advantage is that it allows for more versatility in styling. With a closure, you can part your hair in any direction without worrying about exposing tracks or natural hair underneath. This gives you the freedom to try different hairstyles without limitations.

Another benefit of using closures is their ability to protect your natural hair. Since the extensions are sewn onto the closure rather than directly onto your strands, there is less tension and stress on your real hair. This reduces the chances of breakage and damage, making closures an ideal choice for those looking to grow out their natural hair.

Additionally, closures can also help blend different textures of hair together. For instance, if you have relaxed hair but want to wear curly extensions, using a closure can help create a seamless blend between the two textures.

The Different Types of Closures

There are two main types of closures: lace closures and silk closures. Each type has its own unique qualities and benefits.

Lace closures are made with thin lace material that mimics the look of scalp when properly installed. They come in various sizes and can be customized by bleaching or tinting the lace to match your skin tone. Lace closures are popular because they provide a realistic-looking scalp and allow for breathability, making it a comfortable option for long-term wear.

Silk closures, on the other hand, are made with a silk base instead of lace. The silk material mimics the appearance of scalp and provides a more natural look than lace closures. The main difference between the two is that silk closures have a thicker and more durable base, making them less prone to tearing or fraying.

How to Sew in a Closure

Before sewing in a closure, you must first prepare your hair and extensions. This includes washing and conditioning your hair as well as braiding it in a specific pattern to create a strong foundation for the sew-in. Once your hair is prepped, you can begin the sewing process.

To start, place the closure on top of your braided hair and use clips to secure it in place. Make sure it is evenly aligned with your natural hairline. Next, take a needle and thread that matches either your natural hair or extension hair color and begin sewing around the perimeter of the closure. Make sure to sew through both the closure and braid to ensure it is securely attached.

After completing this step, all that’s left is to sew down the remaining portion of wefted extensions onto your braids until you reach the middle back of your head. Cut off any excess wefts or threads and make sure everything is tightly secured. You can also opt to glue down any loose ends for added security.

Tips for Maintaining Your Closure Sew-In

To keep your closure sew-in looking fresh for as long as possible, there are a few things you can do:

– Avoid excessive heat styling: While closures can withstand heat, constant use of hot tools can cause damage over time.
– Gently brush out knots: Closures are prone to tangling due to their delicate construction. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to carefully brush out any knots.
– Protect your hair at night: Use a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase to protect your closure and extensions while you sleep. This will also help prevent frizz and tangling.
– Avoid direct contact with oils: Oils can cause the lace or silk material of your closure to become oily and dirty. Use a small amount of oil at the tips of your fingers to apply directly to your scalp instead of the closure.
– Keep it clean: Just like your natural hair, it’s important to keep your closure clean by washing it regularly with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.

Sewing in a closure can elevate your weave hairstyle and give you a flawless finish. With its versatility, protection for natural hair, and ability to create a seamless blend, closures are becoming increasingly popular in the world of hair extensions. By understanding the different types, proper installation techniques, and maintenance tips, you can achieve a flawless look that will last for weeks. Invest in high-quality closures and ensure proper care to achieve the best results. Happy sewing!

Q: What is a closure when it comes to sewing?
A: A closure is a hairpiece that is used to create a natural-looking part in wigs or extensions.

Q: What materials do I need to sew in a closure?
A: To sew in a closure, you will need a weaving needle, thread, wig cap or mesh, and the closure hairpiece.

Q: How do I prepare my natural hair before sewing in the closure?
A: Before sewing in the closure, make sure your natural hair and scalp are clean and free from any product buildup. Also, braid your hair into cornrows for a flat base.

Q: Can I sew in the closure without any experience?
A: Sewing in a closure may require some basic sewing skills. If you have no prior experience, it is best to seek the help of someone with more expertise or watch tutorial videos before attempting it yourself.

Q: Is there a specific way to sew in the closure?
A: Yes, there are various techniques for sewing in closures depending on the type of installation method (sew-in, glue-in, or clips). It is best to follow tutorials specific to the method you choose.

Q: How long does a sew-in closure last?
A: With proper maintenance and care, a sew-in closure can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks. However, if you are experiencing any lifting or discomfort within this period, it is recommended to have it redone by a professional.

In conclusion, sewing in a closure can be an intimidating task for beginners, but with the right tools, techniques, and practice, one can easily achieve a seamless and natural-looking closure. The key to successfully sewing in a closure lies in properly preparing both the closure and the braiding pattern, choosing the right type of needle and thread, and paying attention to small details such as concealing knots and properly securing the closure. It is essential to take your time and be patient as rushing through the process can result in an uneven or unnatural-looking closure.

Furthermore, it is important to choose high-quality hair extensions and closures to ensure durability and a natural blend with your existing hair. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on caring for your closures to maintain their appearance for as long as possible. Additionally, experimenting with different styles and techniques can help enhance your sewing-in skills.

Lastly, remember that everyone has their unique way of sewing in a closure, so don’t be afraid to try different methods until you find one that works best for you. With practice and patience, anyone can master the art of sewing in a closure. So go ahead and confidently rock that flawless sew-in hairstyle!

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.