How to Sew an Elastic Waistband That Never Twists
There’s a better way to sew an elastic waistband, and it only takes the right technique and some basic sewing skills. This post will teach you how to sew elastic waistbands in a variety of styles, sizes, and thicknesses for different shapes and sizes.
The Secret to a Twist-Proof Elastic Waistband
You only need to fold the fabric in half the width of the elastic in this technique; it’s incredibly simple and can be done with a serger or overlock machine. The same technique can be used for any elastic you’d put into a casing.
1. Cut Your Elastic to Fit
Make your own elastic-wrapped Christmas pajamas by following the instructions, making sure to use the correct elastic type and size for your project. We’re using a 1u2033 elastic for the waistband on a pair of pajama pants, so the elastic is cut to fit the wearer’s natural waist.
2. Pin the Ends Together
To make the waistband, first sew the elastic ends together, then overlap the ends according to the pattern instructions and pin in place.
4. Form a Square of Stitches
First, make sure that each row of elastic is backstitched in the same way as the previous one, and then pull on the area to make sure it’s secure.
5. Divide the Elastic
Using a pin vertically inserted into the elastic at the quarter mark spot, mark each spot.
6. Divide the Waistband Fabric
Start at the center back and divide the rest from there, just like you did with the elastic in Step 5. Don’t assume the seams on your project will be at any of these four anchor points; start at the center back and divide the rest from there, just like you did with the elastic in Step 5.
7. Apply the Band to the Fabric
Don’t worry if your elastic is smaller than the waistband; this is normal! Place the overlap in a hidden location, such as the center back or near a side seam.
8. Stitch
Sew around the waistband with a serger, overlock machine, or zigzag stitch to connect the elastic to the fabric and keep it in place while wearing. Do not cut the elastic or fabric with your machine’s knife while sewing.
9. Fold and Pin
Because the fabric is gathered to fit the elastic, you’ll need to stretch the elastic and waistband area as you pin. Only fold the width of the elastic itself, making sure the top edge of the elastic is at the very top of the fabric fold.
10. Sew Along the Bottom of the Fold
Sew through the fabric, stitching, and elastic with the wrong side of the fabric up; once you’ve gone all the way around, the waistband will look exactly like it would if you’d sewn it into a casing.
How do I stop my waist from rolling?
Gently push the Ban Rol behind the seam allowance and, if necessary, use a point turner or tweezers to push it right into one finished corner of the waistband; place a pin through the first corner before pushing it into the other end of the waistband to prevent the Ban Rol from pulling out of place.
How do you sew elastic to fabric directly?
What is the best way to sew elastic to fabric?
- Pin the end of your elastic to the end of your fabric and stitch to secure, then pull the elastic tight and pin the next section of elastic to the next pin on the fabric.
Can you cut waistband elastic lengthwise?
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 don’t recommend cutting elastic lengthwise because it almost always causes the elastic to fray and/or lose integrity. Instead, I recommend making mask ties out of jersey knit fabric.
How much elastic do you need for waistband?
A waistband’s elastic should be about 2 inches smaller than your waist measurement.
How do I keep my pants up with a big stomach?
Suspenders or a suspenders alternative, such as PantsProp or Hikers, are the best ways to keep your pants from falling down if you have a big belly or stomach.
How should I dress if I have a big stomach?
10 Pieces of Advice for Hiding Your Belly and Side Fat Under Your Clothes
- Choose loose clothing over tight clothing.
- Look for vertical stripes on clothing.
- Highlight a different part of your body with clothing that is a little longer than the knee or maxi length.
- Use one-color blouses and shirts.
How do I stop my pants from rolling under my stomach?
10 Simple Tips To Keep Leggings From Rolling Down
- Say ‘Yes’ to Elastic Waistband Leggings.
- Top Seamed Waistbands are a must.
- Waistbands with Drawstrings are Good.
- Wearing a Belt is a Good Idea.
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 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.
What tension should I use for elastic?
In general, elastic works best when stretched 3-8%, with 8% being used only on the smaller parts of the garment because it’s a bit extreme. Remember that the more you stretch the elastic, the more stitches you’re putting on that space of elastic.
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.
What is the best type of elastic for face masks?
The best size of elastic for face masks is 1/8 braided elastic, which is ideal for making earloops for face masks and is easy to sew into a fabric due to its size and thickness.
How long do you cut elastic for masks?
Cut 2 pieces of elastic, each 7 inches long, or 4 fabric ties, each 18 inches long for a child’s mask. For a child’s mask, cut 1 fabric rectangle 14 inches long and 6.5 inches wide, then cut 2 pieces of elastic, each 6 inches long.