Stitching Like a Pro: Mastering the Art of How to Sew In Closure

AvatarByJill Nammar

Sewing in a closure is an essential skill for any avid seamstress or DIY enthusiast. Whether you’re creating a new garment or giving an old one a fresh look, knowing how to sew in a closure can add both functionality and style to your creations. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of sewing in a closure, from choosing the right materials to achieving a seamless finish. So grab your needle and thread, and let’s dive into the world of sewing closures!

What is a Closure?

A closure refers to a hairpiece, typically made from lace or silk, that is used to cover the top of your hair when getting a sew-in weave. It is custom-made and designed to resemble your natural scalp, giving you a more natural and realistic look. Closures are available in different sizes and can be used for both partial and full sew-in weaves. They are great for protecting your natural hair while allowing you to experiment with different hairstyles.

Types of Closures

There are two main types of closures – lace closures and silk closures. Lace closures have a sheer appearance and mimic the appearance of your scalp better than silk closures. They are also more breathable, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. However, they may require more maintenance as the lace can easily tear if not handled carefully.

On the other hand, silk closures have a smoother texture and give off a slightly shinier finish. They tend to last longer than lace closures due to their sturdier material. However, they may not blend in as seamlessly with your natural scalp as lace closures do.

Preparing Your Natural Hair

Before getting a sew-in closure, it is important to properly prepare your natural hair for the installation process. Start by washing and conditioning your hair thoroughly to ensure that it is clean and free from any product build-up or dirt. Use a deep conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment as well to nourish your strands.

Next, braid or cornrow your hair tightly in a circular pattern matching the placement of where you want the closure to be installed. It is recommended to braid smaller sections around the perimeter of your head for easier installation later on.

Preparing The Closure

If you opt for a lace closure, you will need to bleach the knots before installation to make them less noticeable. This involves using a mixture of bleach and developer to lighten the knot color to match your scalp. It is best to seek professional help for this step to avoid damaging the closure.

For both types of closures, it is important to trim any excess lace or silk around the edges for a neater and more natural-looking finish. Be sure not to cut too close to the hairline as it may cause the closure to unravel.

Installing The Closure

To install the closure, start by sewing it onto the braids using needle and thread. The closure should be placed right above your hairline with a slight space in between for your real hairline. Make sure that it is securely attached by sewing along the perimeter of the closure as well as in between tracks of weave.

Once attached, you may use heat from a blow dryer or flat iron on low heat to blend your natural hair with the weave for a seamless look.

Maintaining Your Closure

To keep your closure looking fresh and natural, it is important to properly maintain it. Avoid using heavy products or oils near the base of the closure as it may weigh down on the delicate lace or silk material, causing it to tear.

You should also regularly moisturize and seal your natural hair extensions underneath the closure. This will help keep them healthy and prevent any breakage or damage.

If you have a lace closure, you should also avoid brushing or combing directly on top of it as this can result in shedding or tearing. Instead, gently detangle your hair from the ends up using a wide-tooth comb or brush.

Removal Process

When it’s time to remove your sew-in closure, carefully cut any thread used during installation without cutting into your natural hair. Unbraid your hair gently and use an oil-based product to remove any adhesive residue left on your scalp from the closure. Then, wash and condition your hair to cleanse it thoroughly.

Conclusion

Sew-in closures are a great option for those who want to try out different hairstyles without risking damage to their natural hair. They provide a protective and natural-looking cover that can last for weeks when properly installed and maintained. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve a flawless and seamless sew-in closure that will leave everyone in awe of your beautiful and versatile hairstyle. Be sure to seek professional help if you are unsure or inexperienced with the process to ensure the best results.

What is a Closure?

A closure, also known as a lace closure, is a hairpiece that is sewn or glued onto a person’s scalp to give the appearance of a natural hairline. It is placed at the crown or front of the head, where the hair would normally be parted, and can be made from human hair, synthetic hair, or a combination of both.

Closures are used to complete a full sew-in hairstyle by covering the top portion of the head where tracks of hair extensions are attached. They come in different sizes and shapes to match various head sizes and styles. Some common types include lace closures, silk base closures, and monofilament closures.

Why Use Closures

One of the main reasons for using closures in a sew-in hairstyle is to protect your natural hair from heat and styling damage. By creating a barrier between your real hair and the extensions, closures minimize tension and pulling on your scalp which can lead to breakage and thinning.

Additionally, closures give versatility to sew-in hairstyles by allowing you to style your hair in various ways like ponytails or different parts without exposing tracks of extensions. This creates a more natural look and blends seamlessly with your own hair.

Preparing Your Hair Before Installing A Closure

Before sewing in a closure, it is important to prepare your natural hair properly. This includes shampooing with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and conditioning to keep your hair moisturized.

Once clean and dry, you can braid or cornrow your natural hair in either a circular pattern or straight back. These braids will serve as the foundation for sewing in both the closure and extensions, providing support for the weight of added hair.

Using thread that matches your natural hair color, attach the closure to each braid using small stitches around its perimeter. This ensures a secure hold while also allowing for a natural-looking part.

Installing Your Closure and Extensions

Once your closure is sewn in, you can begin to install your hair extensions. The key to achieving a natural-looking hairstyle is ensuring that the extensions are placed in a way that blends with your own hair. This can be achieved by leaving some of your natural hair out around the edges and parting it over the tracks of extensions.

Using a needle and thread, sew in the wefts of hair extensions closely together, following the circular or straight pattern of braids. Also, make sure to sew in a few rows of tracks towards the front where the closure ends to prevent any gaps between it and the rest of your hair.

After all the tracks are sewn in, make final adjustments to ensure that there are no visible gaps or tracks showing. Style as desired, and you now have a flawless sew-in hairstyle with a natural-looking closure!

Caring for Your Closure

To maintain your sew-in with closure, you should follow a regular hair care routine. This includes shampooing and conditioning using sulfate-free products and keeping your scalp clean and moisturized.

When washing your hair, take extra care around the edges where the closure is installed to prevent any loosening or damage. Also, limit heat styling as much as possible and use heat protectant products when necessary.

If you have a human hair closure, it is essential to treat it like your own hair – deep condition regularly, detangle gently using a wide-tooth comb and avoid excessive pulling or brushing.

In Conclusion

Sew-in hairstyles with closures provide not only versatility but also protection for natural hair. By following proper installation techniques and care routines, you can have flawless looking weave hairstyles without damaging your real hair.

Remember to invest in high-quality closures made from human hair for better results and longer lifespan. With all these tips in mind, you can confidently rock your sew-in with closure knowing that your hair is well protected and cared for.

Q1: What is a closure?
A closure is a hairpiece that is sewn or glued onto the hairline to mimics the scalp and covers the top and front of your head.

Q2: How do I prepare my hair for a sew-in closure?
Start by washing and drying your natural hair. Then, braid your hair into cornrows or have one continuous braid going around your head to create a flat base for the closure.

Q3: How many bundles do I need for a sew-in with a closure?
The amount of bundles needed will depend on the desired fullness and length. For a sew-in with a closure, 2-3 bundles are typically enough for a natural look. However, using an extra bundle may give you more volume.

Q4: Do I need to bleach or color my closure before installing it?
It is not necessary to bleach or color your closure before installing it, but some people prefer to customize their closures to match their scalp color.

Q5: How do I secure the closure onto my head?
First, lay down the closure onto your braided base and use clips or pins to hold it in place. Then, use thread and needle to sew around the outer edge of the closure, making sure it blends seamlessly with your natural hair.

Q6: Can I swim or exercise with a sew-in closure?
Yes, you can swim or exercise with a sew-in closure. Just make sure to properly tie down your hair to avoid tangling and protect the edges of the closure from getting wet. After exercising or swimming, thoroughly wash and condition your scalp and extensions.

In conclusion, sewing in closure is a common technique used in hair extensions and weaves to achieve a natural and seamless look. Properly sewing in a closure requires attention to detail, the right tools, and some practice. It is important to choose a quality closure and carefully prepare the hair before beginning the sewing process.

We have discussed the key steps involved in sewing in a closure, including preparing the braids, securing the closure, and stitching it onto the braids. We have also covered some tips for making the process easier, such as using a double weft or pre-cutting the lace.

By following these steps and taking proper care of your sewn-in closure, you can achieve a realistic and long-lasting hairstyle. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hair stylist, mastering this skill can save you time and money by avoiding frequent trips to the salon.

In addition to providing aesthetic benefits, sewing in closures can also protect your natural hair from heat damage and breakage. It allows for versatility in styling options and provides a protective barrier for your existing hair.

Although it may seem daunting at first, with practice and patience, anyone can learn how to sew in a closure successfully. Remember to always use quality products and take care of your natural hair to maintain healthy extensions.

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.