FAQ

What’s the difference between Bondell and Cashmira?

Bondell works like traditional hook-and-loop (Velcro®): two separate pieces — microfiber and velvet — fasten to each other.

Cashmira bonds the backs of those two surfaces together, creating one fabric with microfiber on one side and velvet on the other. It can wrap, overlap, and fasten back onto itself without an additional closure.

Bondell came first. After talking with customers, I saw a need for a self-fastening version. That led to Cashmira.

Which one should I use for my project?

Choose Bondell when two separate surfaces need to connect: garment and costume closures, curtains, fabric panels, props, removable covers, adaptive clothing, and easier-to-open closures for children, seniors, or people with dexterity limitations.

Choose Cashmira when one piece needs to wrap back onto itself: wraps, straps, adjustable bands, protective coverings, and reusable ties where knots loosen or come undone, such as bathrobe or clothing ties.

How does it work?

The microfiber side acts as the loops and the velvet side as the hooks. When pressed together, the fibers interlock at an angle, almost like tiny V-shapes.

This creates a strong hold under horizontal tension. Peel force is much weaker because peeling separates the connection gradually from one edge.

How strong is it?

Strength depends on surface area and how the force is applied. More overlap means a stronger hold.

One customer tried replacing a button with a very small piece and found it wasn’t enough. For high-pressure closures, use a larger area so the force is spread across more material.

How do I attach it?

Bondell can be sewn, ironed on, or glued.

Sewing: It sews much like regular fabric. A standard 70/10–80/12 needle works well in most cases.

Iron-on: HeatnBond and other fusible adhesives work well. Follow the directions on the package.

Glue: Use a thin, smooth layer. Avoid hot glue because its thickness can create an uneven fastening surface. E6000 can work when applied very thinly. For heavier glue applications, iron fusible interfacing onto the back first and glue to that. Cashmira is also more forgiving with glue because it is two layers thick.

Does the direction I cut it matter?

Yes. One direction has more stretch and give; the other is sturdier and more stable. Choose the direction based on whether your project needs flexibility or structure.

Will it snag lace, knits, hair or fur?

No. Bondell and Cashmira do not snag lace, knits, sweaters, hair, or animal fur like traditional Velcro® can.

The drawback is very fine dry debris. Wood shavings, catnip, dried herbs, and similar particles can become deeply embedded and may be impossible to completely remove, even with tweezers.

How many times can it be opened and closed?

I don’t give a specific cycle count because it doesn’t wear down like plastic hook-and-loop, where hooks can bend or break.

The bigger long-term issue is dust, lint, oils, and residue collecting between the fibers. Keeping the surfaces clean and fluffy helps maintain the grip.

How should I wash and dry it?

Wash in cold to lukewarm water and tumble dry on low. A soft brush or lint roller can help refresh the fibers when needed.

Will it fray?

You may see a little loose fluff immediately after cutting. Once that initial excess is removed, it does not continue to fray.

Can I dye it? Will more colors be available?

Bondell and Cashmira are synthetic, so if you experiment with dye, use one made for synthetic fabrics and test a small piece first. I can’t guarantee dyeing results, and excessive heat may affect Cashmira’s bonded layers.

Also remember that Bondell is a fastener even though it’s sold by the yard. Many customers attach it behind their chosen fabric rather than making Bondell itself visible. Because it’s thin, it can do this without creating the bulky ridge traditional hook-and-loop often does.

More colors are planned as demand allows. Each color requires a large production run, so they have to be added gradually.

What makes Bondell and Cashmira a good choice for sensitive applications?

There are no hard plastic hooks to scratch or snag, which makes them useful for projects involving skin, hair, fur, children, pets, and adaptive uses.

They are also made without optical brighteners — additives commonly used to make white fabric look stark or blue-white. The white is instead a softer, more natural shade.

Why does it cost more than traditional hook-and-loop?

Bondell and Cashmira may be sold in inches and yards like fabric, but they are closures.

The $38 Sample Pack is a good example: it can provide 12 Bondell closures plus 6 self-fastening Cashmira closures — 18 closures total, or about $2.11 each.

They also aren’t mass-produced plastic fasteners. Orders are measured, cut, prepared, and packed by hand in the U.S. by U.S.-based workers.

They weren’t created to be the cheapest way to fasten two things together. They were created for projects where conventional closures aren’t working.

Can I order a custom size?

Usually. With enough notice, I can accommodate many custom sizes. Email me the dimensions and quantity you need.

Do you donate to nonprofit or community projects?

If your organization is using Bondell or Cashmira for a project that will be donated or used to support a cause, please email me. When possible, I’d love to contribute material.