Friday Fun Fact: Hooks and Eyes

It's all about hooks and eyes!

There are many different kinds available, and they all have subtly different strengths. Here are a few of the most common.

At the top are trouser (or skirt) hooks. You'll typically see these on the waistband of dressier garments.

At center are the hooks and eyes you might be most familiar with. These are ideal for the top of a zipper opening or any place that meets edge-to-edge. Usually they're sewn with the tip of the eye peeking out just a bit from the edge.

At the bottom are hooks and bars. These are more discreet than basic eyes when edges overlap - the bars don't stick out and hide a little better!

Hooks and eyes have been around for a LONG time - they're one of the oldest known clothing closures! 

Take a look at these surviving medieval-era examples!

Hooks are such a basic closure that you could even make them yourself! Check out the historical sewing blog Katafalk to see more! Her photo below illustrates the steps in the process.