Wee Waistband - 5/8" finished, therefore wee or smaller than normal.
This waistband does NOT have interfacing, instead it uses the encased seam allowance as a center filling for support.
Basically this band becomes one giant hong-kong finished seam allowance! Is that a good visual?
I find it softer, and enjoy the minimal 5/8" width, rather than the common 1 1/4" - 1 1/2" width interfaced ones found in most patterns. You will end up with 4 thicknesses of fabric as a waistband.
Cut a 2 1/4" wide band along the selvedge of your fabric. (Only if your selvedge is decent looking and supportive - because it will show on inside of your garment. And there are some bad looking selvedges out there! )
Make the length, your current waist measurement, plus 1" ease, plus 3" (for 2 end seam allowances and a 1 3/4" underlap for closures)
Fit pants properly, trim waistline top edge to 5/8". Stitch new band to right side of garment, allowing 5/8" extension seam for short center front edge, and 2 3/8" for underlap and seam at other edge. (these two extensions equal the previously mentioned 3" excess in band length)
Stitch short ends (center front, and underlap)
Wrap band around to the inside, encasing all seam allowances, Selvedge will wrap and extend 1/4" below seamline. Now you can catch the selvedge in when topstitching in the ditch, on the front of your garment.
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What a great idea - I'll have to try this. Thanks!
3/30/04 10:47 AM
Sheree, thank you for this tip, I've wondered why you couldn't just use what's already there, makes sense to me, and a nice finish!
3/30/04 12:28 PM
I have this done before and it also acts as a guide for the dry cleaner ( if the contents of the fabric is woven in the selvedge)
3/30/04 12:47 PM
I have been using this technique for a couple of years in most of my skirts. It is flattering since it makes the upper torso appear longer if you are short-waisted. If you snoop shop you will notice this used on many well-made skirts.
3/30/04 1:05 PM
This is a great tip! I will definately use it the next time I have to construct a "standard" waistband. Thanks for sharing
3/30/04 3:27 PM
This is such a great tip! I'll use this on my next pair of pants or skirt. A great alternative to waistband, facing, or bias binding.
3/30/04 5:57 PM
This is the method I use too. It really helps when you're very short-waisted.
3/31/04 2:35 AM
Just wondering - is this a very soft waistband? If so, wouldn't it have a tendency to roll? I have always done what the pattern instructions told me to do.
3/31/04 4:46 AM
Great tip!! I have seen this in many RTW and wanted to duplicate. You have helped me tremendously with this tip.
3/31/04 5:46 AM
I have used this on some of my waistbands, especially a skirt cut on the bias and it is so comfortable . No it doesn't roll because there is not enough width to roll . I just love this technique and it is so easy .
3/31/04 2:45 PM
Does this have a small button closure cause i,m thinking a buttonhole would be to hard to do on this thin waistband
4/4/04 7:40 AM
Interesting idea - and could be good if you are running short on fabric. I'll have to try it. I'm glad Val linked to this, in her review.
4/5/04 7:58 PM
Lorraine, I put a buttonhole on the underlap portion, not the front of the waistband. My Viking machine can handle the 4 thicknesses very well, but of course, you should practice a buttonhole first, using 4 layers. Then I sew my button on the backside of the top waistband and it is camouflaged.
4/7/04 9:05 AM
Sheree this is a GREAT TIP! I am adding it to the knowledgebase. Thanks!
4/7/04 10:44 AM
This is great! Will definitely use it in the future, as I age, I value the comfort of a narrower waistband and especially one that will not roll!
4/11/04 4:34 PM
Sheree, great tip. I did it on a pair of pants and loved it.
4/14/04 7:09 AM
Sheree, this is awsome! I hate putting in waistbands, and this is definitely going to change that, Big Time! Thank you for this, I really appreciate It! 8^D)
6/4/04 10:07 AM
Great tip -- I'm looking forward to trying it!
7/15/04 10:32 AM
What a great idea; many thanks; it sound much more comfortable without interfacing;will try it out with my next pair.
8/24/04 3:59 AM
good information
10/20/04 9:49 PM
Thank you so very much. You have simplified my life. (:
9/8/05 1:29 PM
i also think it is a great idea.
11/29/06 7:08 PM
I can't wait to try this on my next project.
7/31/07 10:09 AM
my full figure is most comfortabe with narrow waistband--i willbe sure to use this idea!-thank you
2/23/08 2:14 PM