Susan C
 
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CA USA
Member since 8/24/02
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Date: 7/28/12 9:28 PM I'm making Mimi G's Maxi Dress for my daughter and noticed that Ryan's Mom said she had some trouble with the elastic buckling etc in the casing.
I thought I'd use the sewing/stretch method also. I've only used this method once before but found PixieCat's tip. My question is about the length of elastic. My daughter is comfortable with approximately 29 1/2" of elastic if I was using the casing. She tried that on and thought it wasn't too tight or too loose. According to PixieCat, I should deduct an additional 2" due to the stretching of the elastic so I would would use 27 1/2 in. Does that sound right?
Thanks for any help.
Susan
-- Edited on 7/28/12 9:28 PM -- |
Courtney Ostaff
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WV USA
Member since 11/23/10
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Date: 7/28/12 11:27 PM You know, I'd never thought of that, but it would explain a lot! ;) |
Pj3g
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WI USA
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Date: 7/29/12 1:07 PM Yes, that sounds right. Elastic should be 2 inches smaller than the part of the body the elastic is going around.
Actually, I've never read that 2 inch rule in stone, but that's what I follow for myself and all the clothes for my grandkids and 2 inches less is always a good fit. ------
Thank you Lord for my Mother who taught me the joy of sewing. |
Susan C
Intermediate
CA USA
Member since 8/24/02
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Date: 7/29/12 1:53 PM Well she actually measures 33 1/2. The 29 1/2 is if the elastic is in a casing. It felt comfortable etc. According to PixieCat's tip, the elastic needs to be further reduced if the stretching method is used. Ryan's Mom suggested I use a loose zig zag stitch in case I have to take it out and try again. This is my first of several of these dresses for my daughter so I'm trying to work out the kinks. Thanks for your input. Susan
-- Edited on 7/29/12 1:54 PM -- |
gramma b
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USA
Member since 7/25/08
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Date: 9/26/12 7:12 AM Blogs get confusing on this.
I just saw one for using 3" less on a kid's waistband? Of course PJ elastic will be softer/stretchier than some for a skirt.
She sews it on, then folds over again and sews thru waistband again.
My machine fights sewing thru elastic on straight and zigzag.
I'm used to doing the tunnel method, often with a drawstring too. Sometimes have to add or subtract for growing kids and who wants to rip out sewn-on elastic? The tunnel method variously says cut 1" more or the child's waist, then use a 1/2" overlap, but this depends on stretch too. What's your rule for this (gk's in another state)?
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yogaa
Advanced Beginner
USA
Member since 2/13/06
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Date: 9/26/12 2:08 PM When I make elastic waist pants/ shorts for my kids, I try the elastic on them and they tell me what feels comfortable. Then I use that length, I don't reduce further. It seems to work -- no complains so far. |
sew2006
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ON CANADA
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Date: 9/28/12 9:47 PM To keep the elastic from twisting in the tunnel could it be tacked at side seams and centre front/ back? If you have a cover stitch machine a chain stitch would give it good stretch and easier to rip out. When I've sewn swimsuits and undies I try the elastic on for comfort, never reduced the amount any further due to stretching and sewing. Not all elastic created equal. ------
Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc, Bernina FunLock 009DCC coverlock, Brother PQ1500S, Janome CP900. |
goodworks1
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IL USA
Member since 7/19/03
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Date: 9/28/12 11:34 PM If you are stitching down elastic, the length needed will vary according to the thickness of the fabric and the type of elastic and the closeness/type of stitches. So many variables; that's why they often encourage those of us who only sew one of a kind garments to use the casing method, I think.
I'd go with the casing and stitch the elastic down at the side seams or any darts or other places where it isn't noticable. ------
blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
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M.S.
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Date: 9/29/12 8:02 AM I do 5" less for stitched, adult waistbands. 2-3" less for a kid sounds right. ------
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