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Stephen Ira

Owner and President

Expertise:

Hook-and Loop Product Engineering
• Product Innovation
• Mechanical Engineering
Stephen Ira worked as an inventor for a small manufacturing company where he developed several patents that included Velcro® brand products which led to his founding of HookandLoop.com in 1989, distributing Velcro® brand fasteners across the country. Stephen’s company has grown into a business that specializes in manufacturing hook and loop products that are used in the final products in many industries around the world. Stephen is a graduate of the University of Memphis with a BS degree in mechanical engineering and specialized in machine design and solar engineering. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida where he enjoys an avid outdoor lifestyle and spending time with his two daughters.
10+ Years of Experiences
180+ Articles Written
Organization
The association for Business Journalist

Stephen'S Picks

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Hook and Loop Used in Rowing

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

When rowing, hook and loop is a vital part of an effective stroke and a pleasant day on the water. Let’s take a look at some of the most important and most common ways to best utilize hook and loop in your boathouse.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Securing Couch Cushions with Hook and Loop

AI 7 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Do you ever have issues keeping your couch cushions on your couch? Or maybe your patio chairs have a similar issue? Well one solution is to use hook and loop to secure your cushions to your furniture. We sell 6-inch hook and loop that you can use to fasten your cushions to the base of your couch or chair.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Embroidery on Webbing

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Embroidery is a process of stitching a design or decoration into a material. We offer this capability on our webbing because the hook and loop does not allow for ease of function when embroidered. Stitching on hook and loop limits its usefulness. We often sew hook and loop, but that is done to provide a strong hold or reinforce the material. The stitching in those instances is done on the outer portions of the hook and loop, mostly in the selvage edge where no hook or loop is located.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Difference Between Regal and Premier Display Loop

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

There are lots of wide loop options available at HookandLoop.com. We carry VELCRO® Brand Woven Loop 3001 and Knit Loop 3610 which have similar uses but are limited in color options. Another wide loop we carry is our DuraGrip Brand Display Loop. This is a thicker loop material available in two styles and in several colors.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
Dirty Velcro Hook

Cleaning Hook

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Since the hook side is the rough scratchy side that sticks to everything, we get questions about how to clean it. It often gets debris in it if it isn't fastened during washing so we thought it would be useful to go over different ways to clean it out to use again! There are a few points to go over so let's get started.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Washing Hook and Loop

AI 5 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

One question we get occasionally is whether or not hook and loop material is washable. The answer is yes, and there are a couple parts of this answer that can be elaborated on. One is regarding proper care for hook and loop when washing, the other is about the material itself.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Industrial Sewing Machines vs. Home Sewing Machines

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

The types of sewing machines we use for reinforcing hook and loop straps with polypropylene webbing have some differences compared to a standard sewing machine you might have at home. We’ll go over some of differences between industrial and domestic sewing machines here.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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"Do You Sell 24" Wide Hook?"

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

This is a question we get regularly. It stems from the availability of our wide loop products, which are only available in the loop side (the soft, fuzzy side) in 12", 24", and 54" widths. There are no wide sheets of the hook side available. VELCRO USA manufactures low profile wide hook options in a 12” option but products like these have high minimums, often several hundred yards or so. Additionally, there are substantial lead times of 6-12 weeks on these products. To inquire about these hook options, please email us at [email protected].
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Wide Loop Uses

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

We offer several sizes, colors and styles of wide loop products. Wide loop is the loop side of hook and loop fasteners, manufactured in wide sheets for a variety of uses. We’ll cover some common uses here, but first let’s look at the different wide loop options we offer.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Hook And Loop Sander Discs

AI 2 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Sander discs are used on drum sanders. Many drum sanders and other large industrial sanders use sanding discs that are attached with a hook and loop fastener. This is so the sanding discs can be interchangeable and replaceable once the sandpaper or buffer or similar attachment wears out.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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Pad Print Techniques

AI 3 min read

Updated On: Jun 23, 2026

Pad printing is the printing process we use to imprint logos and information onto hook and loop. Typically, this printing is done on the back side of the hook portion of a custom strap so it will be outward facing when in use. We use a PLT 9 ink that is available in black or white ink, but we also have several other colors available for a $35 up-charge. This ink works well with our clichés and leaves clean imprint on the smooth nylon backing.
Stephen Ira
by: Stephen Ira
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