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Applying clear elastic to neckline Very technical question
rfsews Beginner CA USA Member since 11/21/06 Posts: 140	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/11/12 7:17 PM I’ve read up as much as I could on how to apply clear elastic to neckline on knits (to prevent stretching). There are many approaches to this task and I’m wondering what is the best way to do it? Should I serge or zigzag the clear elastic on the neckline? After turning the elastic along seam line, should I topstitch or coverstitch? If I serge, turn, and coverstitch, it seems like my neckline will have a lot of bulk (loopers from both serger and coverstitch)? Thanks, Steph
MagnoliaHoney Beginner KS USA Member since 8/16/10 Posts: 238	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/12/12 11:17 AM Anne at Needle Nook Fabrics, always has me make a big zig zag. ------ Visit my blog http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5412	Login to reply to this post In reply to rfsews << Like this post Date: 4/12/12 11:48 AM I have tried both and serving is a huge pain plus, as you suggest, it gives far too much bulk when you CS over it. Definitely zig zag with a large, long stitch. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
nicegirl Intermediate DC USA Member since 5/10/06 Posts: 1609	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 4/12/12 12:02 PM I don't have a coverstitch, but I fold the fabric over, enclosing the elastic and pin in place (elastic slightly shorter than the neckline), then twin needle over it, catching/enclosing the elastic and finishing the neckline at the same time. No zigzag or serging prior to the neckline finish. I imagine you could do the same this with a coverstitch. ------ http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com ================= 2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+ So close to parity, yet so far Trying again in 2008 Yards purchased: 133 Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95 2009? I give up
BeckyNoSleep Intermediate USA Member since 4/19/10 Posts: 129	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/12/12 12:12 PM It may be my technique, but I have never been happy with the results of trying to serge clear elastic to fabric. The elastic tends to stick to the bottom of the foot, getting even tension on the elastic while also trying to feed the fabric straight, and the knife cutting into my elastic on occasion... I've been much happier with a big, wide zigzag (3-step ZZ if you've got it) when attaching elastic to fabric.
Rosews13   Advanced CA USA Member since 1/17/10 Posts: 1068	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/12/12 11:20 PM I serge knit elastic to the neckline, turn and topstitch with my sm. For kids' leotards and costumes I topstitch with a zigzag.
rfsews Beginner CA USA Member since 11/21/06 Posts: 140	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/18/12 6:39 PM So I can report back on my findings... I made a muslin for Vogue V1027 and applied clear elastic on the neckline by serging it on then topstitch (using stretch stitch on my SM) down. Bear in mind that this is the first time I’ve ever used clear elastic and that I calculated the length wrong so had to cut 2 pieces of elastic and join them at center back (measured stitching line of the back neck and front neckline correctly, FORGOT TO MULTIPLY BY 2 because you know, the pattern is only half of the garment). The end result is a lot of wrinkling and generally not great looking but definitely wearable. Based on my muslin and the suggestions here (specifically), on the real version of V1027, I MEASURED AND CUT the clear elastic correctly, applied it by using steam-a-steam to secure parts of it on the neckline, turned and coverstitched on. This version looks really good, no wrinkling at all! I would definitely use this method in the future. Thank you for all your help!
sewbluetiful   Intermediate MO USA Member since 2/8/07 Posts: 391	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/18/12 7:34 PM My question is,, in a round neck, how do you get the elastic to lay flat,, I mean, you are using elastic that doesn't "bend" to put in a round area.. now if it was a boatneck style, it wouldn't be so bad.. ------ Mickie http://sew-something.blogspot.com/

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