How to Sew and Topstitch an Elastic Waistband
I’ve been meaning to write a tutorial on how to sew and topstitch an elastic waistband, so today I’ll show you how to do it on the Arden Pants. This guide can be used for any basic elastic waist garment, such as shorts, skirts, pants, boxers, and so on!
Cut your elastic to length, leaving 1u2033 (2.5 cm) for overlap. Insert the elastic into the waistband and begin to ‘feed’ it through. This ‘feeding’ motion can be tricky at first. Sew the gap closed with the needle all the way to the left. Sew as close to the elastic as you can without sewing on top of it!
Can you sew two pieces of elastic together?
Use your sewing machine’s zigzag stitch setting to sew across the overlapping elastic 2 or 3 times, ensuring that the ends of the elastic band are well connected. Another option is to sew the ends of the elastic together with a scrap piece of fabric.
Can you cut woven elastic lengthwise?
Can You Cut Woven Elastic? Woven elastic can be cut, but it’s not recommended to cut it lengthwise. When cut normally, this type of elastic works well, is very firm, and maintains its width.
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.
How much elastic do you need for a waistband?
A waistband’s elastic should be about 2 inches smaller than your waist measurement.
Can you cut elastic down the middle?
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.
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 woven elastic?
Dritz braided elastic comes in a wide range of widths, from 1/8u2032u2032 to 1u2032u2032, making it ideal for necklines, sleeves, and waistbands. It is lighter and thinner than woven elastic and is best used on light to medium-weight fabrics.
How do I stop my shredding from elastic?
Sewn or no-sew methods can be used to keep woven elastic from fraying.
- Apply liquid fabric stabilizer to the cut ends of the elastic and use a machine zigzag stitch to overcast the ends.
Can you cut fold over elastic in half?
The crease allows you to fold the elastic in half perfectly. FOE comes in a variety of qualities, and some are soft while others are scratchy (especially metallic colors). Some FOEs have better recovery than others (recovery refers to how well it springs back after being stretched).