Loops are sewn into the ends of lines on paragliders, certain kites, and many other applications. It is a very strong way of creating a loop, and it does not snag as easily as a knot would

This is meant to be a very basic overview of how I sew a loop into the end of a line. I intend to keep it a broad as possible - it is quite simple, however, I personally would have liked to have found a simple instructional guide to it when I taught myself - so hopefully this is that for some people.

I use Bonded Nylon thread, however I know some people believe that other threads like Dacron are better for this use.

Step 1: Make the Guide Plate

To keep the line aligned when sewing, a guide plate is used. Anything fairly rigid - about 0.5 - 0.75 times the thickness of the line should work. The one pictured is plastic. This plate will get taped to the machine under the presser foot. Cut a slot in the plate twice the thickness of the line wide, by a few inches long. A sharp utility knife and straight edge work well,

Step 2: Tape It Down

I use clear packaging tape to secure the plate, but most anything should work. You may have to play around with it a bit to get the alignment just right

Step 3: Start Sewing

Once you get the plate aligned - get a scrap piece of line and tweak the zig-zag width to go slightly beyond (outward of) center.
To begin sewing a loop position everything carefully, and make a couple back and fourth stitches turning the machine manually to make sure everything is going where you want it. You will want the angle of the zig-zag to create somewhere between a 45 and 90 degree angle with itself. See picture

Use a sharp needle - the sharper the needle, the less likely it is to catch fibers and damage them on its way through the line

Step 4: Finish It Off

Run the length of the overlap creating 90 degree angles, and go a few stitches beyond the end of the short tail. After cutting the thread, use a lighter and carefully melt little mushrooms on the end of the thread. Thats it! Good Luck