How To Sew Swimwear Elastic with a Coverstitch
I wait all year for the opportunity to pull out my swimwear fabric and make the perfect suit, and one of my secrets this year is my BERNINA coverstitch, which makes sewing elastic hems on a homemade suit practical and beautiful.
Some people use their overlocker to baste their fabric and lining together, but you can also use a zig-zag stitch or spray baste. I simply “pin basted” mine together with pins.
Step 2: Attach elastic
I like to use 1/4u2033 cotton swimwear0elastic (which you can win in my giveaway below!). Baste along the outer edge of elastic with the lining and main fabric underneath with a narrow zig-zag width set to a wide stitch length.
Step 3: Coverstitch
Stitch along the right side of your fabric with the elastic folded under, catching the raw edge of the elastic underneath with coordinating thread. The top is based on Madalynne’s free Sierra Bra pattern, and the bottoms are based on McCall’s 5861.
Tips for Sewing Elastic with a Coverstitch
MadebyMeg is giving away 5 yards of 1/4u2033 cotton swimwear elastic. For best results, use ballpoint needles and high quality thread. I don’t like to use elastic for my bathing suit leg openings, so I basted the raw edge in place with sewing glue.
What Stitch do you use to sew elastic?
Sew with a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch to allow the elastic to stretch.
- Pin the elastic to the wrong side of the garment, matching the three pins on the elastic and on the fabric.
- Switch the elastic to the fabric, stretching the elastic between the pins.
Can you Coverstitch on a sewing machine?
How to Sew a Coverstitch with a Twin Needle (Introduction)
How do you attach lingerie elastic?
1) Place the fabric and elastic wrong sides together, lining up the elastic’s edge with the fabric’s edge. 2) Baste along the innermost edge of the elastic with a zigzag stitch. 3) Trim back any excess fabric on the right side. 4) Fold the elastic along the fold-line towards the right side of the garment.
What can I use in place of elastic?
You could use hair ties or elastic headbands instead of regular elastic, according to Joann Fabric and Craft Stores, or you could use cord, yarn, ribbon, or other stretchy materials, such as bias tape. The CDC also suggests using cloth strips, rubber bands, or string.
What is the difference between braided and knitted elastic?
Knit elastic is a soft, lightweight elastic that can be used directly against the skin and does not narrow when stretched. It works best with light- to medium-weight fabrics and can be stitched directly to fabrics.
Is a Coverstitch machine worth it?
If you don’t sew that often, or don’t sew knits often, it’s not something you need; coverstitch machines prove their worth on knits. If you do JEANS, skip the entry level coverstitch and buy an industrial mechanical coverstitch instead; jeans require more “firepower.”
What is the difference between flatlock and Coverstitch?
A coverstitch is a two- or three-needle bobbin-less top stitching that adds elasticity to an overlocked (serged) seam; it doesn’t have to be used on an overlocked (serged) seam, but it usually is; on a flatlock, there is no seam allowance and layers fold to the underside.
Can an Overlocker do Coverstitch?
If you’re a frequent dressmaker or already own an overlocker, a quality, stand-alone coverstitch machine like the Janome CoverPro 2000CPX will be a great addition to your arsenal, allowing you to have dedicated machines ready to work.
What is the difference between ruching and shirring?
Ruching is a gathering technique that uses elastic thread to create a stretchy garment. Shirring is a gathering technique that uses elastic thread to create a stretchy garment.
Can you trim elastic?
As a result, many people are asking if they can cut elastic lengthwise u2013 for example, u201cCan I cut 1/2u2032u2032 elastic in half to make 1/4u2032u2032 elastic?u201d I do not recommend cutting elastic lengthwise because it almost always causes it to fray and/or lose its integrity.