pcostanzo
 
Beginner
Member since 10/19/11
Posts: 16 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 3/13/12 9:28 PM I am making pants that have a wide waistband and the pattern shows rows of stitching along the waistband horizontally. Do you stretch the elastic as you sew; I presume you do but would like confirmation. I ordered a heavy sports elastic for the waistband; I wasn't sure what type of elastic to use. |
2 Airedales n Me
Intermediate
BC CANADA
Member since 3/24/09
Posts: 71 |
Login to reply to this post
In reply to pcostanzo
Date: 3/14/12 0:49 AM Certain elastics enable you to stitch thru them without the elastic breaking and losing strength. Sports elastic is usually this type but it never hurts to try a sample if you can.
Insert the elastic into the casing and distribute evenly. Pin at the four seam intersections and if you have a needle-down position on your machine, use it. Stretch about half of the quarter length of elastic between seam intersections, stitch, needle down, stretch again, stitch etc. Often RTW shows two rows of stitching in such waistbands. |
Patti B
Intermediate
OR USA
Member since 9/29/02
Posts: 2247 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 3/14/12 10:15 AM The previous poster has given you very good advice. One thing that Louise Cutting (the doyen of the one seam pants pattern) adds is to give the entire waistband a good shot of steam before wearing. This seems to shrink the elastic back into shape and distributes the gathers better. I don't know why it works but it does work. And, no, the elastic doesn't stretch out again after washing and wearing -- one of the little mysteries of sewing. ------
Patti
R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
|
Judy Kski
Intermediate
FL USA
Member since 10/26/08
Posts: 1018 |
Login to reply to this post
In reply to pcostanzo
Date: 3/14/12 10:59 AM You said you have sports elastic, but if you were wondering where to find the elastic that you can sew on, here are some sources:
1. Nancy's Notions (NAYY)
2. Pamela's Patterns (NAYY)
3. Fashion Sewing Supply (NAYY)
The "Fantastic Elastic" has a unique feature. You can cut it to the desired width (as small as 1/4") for the project you're working on.
I personally love the sew-on elastic for the great stability it provides in the waistband area. I've used the stitched-on method of elastic application on two pair of yoga pants, one pair of workout shorts and two pair of elastic waist pants. The review for one of my pairs of yoga pants that has a photo of the elastic application and comments on my discoveries using it can be found here.
-- Edited on 3/14/12 11:05 AM -- ------
Judy |
MammaJamma
Intermediate
Member since 3/26/06
Posts: 7 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 3/14/12 11:05 PM I have just finished a 2 hour skirt using 2" wide belting elastic that looks well exposed. I cut an A-line, serged the top and hem, and sewed the elastic to the top for a waistband. There are so many different ways to use elastic. I love the tip for shrinking it back with the steam iron. ------
mammajamma |
solosmocker
Advanced
NY USA
Member since 1/23/06
Posts: 1256 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 3/16/12 9:39 PM Look for knit elastics. They are cutable and can be stitched through. ------
http://lasewist.blogspot.com/ |
Marie367
Intermediate
OH USA
Member since 5/28/11
Posts: 1361 |
Login to reply to this post
Date: 3/17/12 12:02 PM You might want to get a needle that will do this. Schetmz makes a stretch sm needle that says it is for elastic and other stretchy knits. I haven't tried it but picked one up today from Hancocks (50% off sale). |
|Login|Help]
Printable Version
