SEWING ELASTIC – How to Sew Elastic Easily
Sewing elastic into an elastic waistband, neck, or cuffs is a quick and easy way to make simple garments. You can sew elastic to the edge or create a casing and thread it through.
Sewing Elastic
Sewing Elastic to an Edge. Creating a Casing and Threading the Elastic Through is one of the simplest methods for sewing elastic into a fabric.
Method 1 – Sewing Elastic to an Edge
Because you’ll be stitching directly on to the elastic, you’ll need ballpoint or stretch sewing needles, as well as a Teflon foot and good quality polyester thread to keep the stitches moving evenly.
How to Sew Elastic Edges
Sewing Elastic to an Edge is a great way to make a beautiful gathered elastic waistband. I like to use two rows of elastic and stitch along the edge with a wide zig-zag or serger.
Method 2 – Sewing Elastic in a Casing
This method of sewing elastic in an elastic waistband is great for thin or thick elastic where fuller gathers are desired, and it’s also popular in the necks of peasant dress patterns. The best elastic for casings is braided elastic, which is soft and designed for this kind of application.
How to Sew Elastic Casings
On the wrong side of the fabric, press the top raw edge of your elastic over by 6mm (6mm), overlap the ends of the elastic by u00bd inch (12mm), and stitch. Push the elastic back into the casing and then stitch the gap closed.
How to Stop Sewing Elastic Twisting
When sewing elastic into a casing, the elastic can twist around, causing discomfort; however, if you have already stitched your elastic into the casing, there is a solution.
Stop Wide Elastic Twisting
To avoid puckers or gathers, stretch the elastic flat between the pins, distribute the gathers evenly around the waist, and pin at the quarter marks. Sew your skirt right side up in your machine and stitch through the center of the elastic.
Fold Over Elastic
Fold over elastic is used on the edge of knit fabric sewing patterns on items like underwear and leotards, and it has a groove down the center. Read the full tutorial on how to sew fold over elastic from BBC Wales Sewing – Fold Over Elastic.
Shirring Elastic
Shirring elastic, also known as elastic thread, is used to sew rows of elastic to form a band around the waist. The elastic thread is wound on the bobbin by hand and then sewn with your sewing machine. Read the full tutorial on how to sew elastic thread.
What needle do I use for elastic?
Chart of Quick Reference
| Sewing Machine Needle Type | Needle Size | Fabric Type |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch needles | 75 (11) | Light lycra, elasticised fabrics |
| 90 (14) | Elastic, heavier lycra, elasticised fabrics | |
| Jeans needles | 90 (14) | Denim, tightly woven fabrics |
| 100 (16) | Heavy denim, vinyl, furnishings |
What stitch should I use for stretchy material?
A zigzag stitch is the best stitch for stretchy fabric because we need a flexible stitch that can stretch with the fabric. There are different zigzag stitches depending on the fabric and its intended use.
Can you sew through elastic?
To shape a garment at the wrists, ankles, and waistlines, sew lengths of elastic directly to the wrong side of the fabric. Cut it slightly shorter than you need because it stretches during sewing. Sew with a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch, which will stretch along with the elastic.
How much elastic do you need for waistband?
A waistband’s elastic should be about 2 inches smaller than your waist measurement.
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 stitch for hemming?
Stitch down the hem with a straight stitch in the center needle position; the default stitch length of 2.5 mm works well in most cases, but can be lengthened for heavier/bulkier fabrics.
Can you use straight stitch on stretch fabric?
Stretch the fabric slightly (and gently) as it passes under the presser foot when sewing knits with a straight stitch; to do so, apply equal pressure on both sides of the needle by slightly pulling the fabric.
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.
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 is a 90 14 needle used for?
90/14 u2013 suitable for medium weight fabrics, such as slightly heavier weight cotton, polyester, linen, and lightweight upholstery fabric; lighter weight fabrics, such as silk (chiffon, organza, crepe-de-chine), will require a smaller needle.