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Working with clear elastic Can I pin, baste and sew without wrecking it?
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5412	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/4/12 11:06 AM I have to retrofit some clear elastic onto illusion because I was not smart enough to do it earlier in this process. Sooooooo, I have pinned it in place and now hand basted. I just fret a bit that by the time I do this and have a few try-on sessions that I will have poked so many holes in it the elastic will want to fall apart instead of stabilizing my gown. How much can I get away with? ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
Karla Kizer   Advanced FL USA Member since 4/8/02 Posts: 6976	Login to reply to this post In reply to tourist << 1 member likes this. Date: 11/4/12 12:49 PM As long as the elastic is "fresh", I think you can keep on poking holes in it without a problem. I've stored some WAY past it's sell-by date, though, and it doesn't keep well. ------ “Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig.” -Robert Heinlein and Ann's father. Thanks for the reminder, Ann. Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handbasket? Matthew 25:40 (New International Version) The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5412	Login to reply to this post In reply to Karla Kizer << Like this post Date: 11/4/12 1:05 PM Thanks Karla! Yes, I have seen old clear elastic. Not a pretty picture. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
Laurie Lou   Intermediate MN USA Member since 10/16/05 Posts: 317	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/5/12 1:29 PM I like the title so I will ask my question. What is the best way to sew clear elastic? I never have sucess with it and end up going another route. ------ Laurie Lou
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5412	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/5/12 3:43 PM Laurie - I pinned, hand basted then zig zagged (with a walking foot) and it worked well. The biggest thing is to leave generous "tails" to hang onto. Wash away wonder tape can also be a huge help. In this case the item won't be washed, so I didn't want to use it. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
PattyE   Intermediate MI Member since 9/7/10 Posts: 650	Login to reply to this post In reply to Laurie Lou << Like this post Date: 11/5/12 4:09 PM When I tried clear elastic I ended up with bobbin nests.
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2790	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/5/12 5:39 PM I use a lot of clear elastic -- wide zigzag stitch and a teflon foot are my keys to success. For short spans I pin at the ends and one in the middle. And leaving long tails helps a lot -- gives you something to hold onto. ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 27.25 yards sewn (as of 05/15/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/15/13)
kkkkaty   Intermediate UT USA Member since 12/7/05 Posts: 2226	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 11/5/12 6:11 PM so, question then about the life of this product... if it doesn't store well, i.e., tends to deteriorate, doesn't that mean that it's life in a garment is also limited? I can't see why it would last longer once sewed into a garment than it would in it's packaging.... ------ Viking Lily 545 Viking Ruby Bernina Activa 210 Brother 1034d
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5412	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/5/12 6:58 PM Patty - I had a few messes when I started, as well. It took the walking foot with a microtex sharp needle to make it work. I only had size 14's, goodness knows why, but it worked. I will pick up finer ones next time I am in a fabric store. Katy - I have the same question! From what I have seen in RTW as shoulder seam stabilizers etc., it seems to last better if used. The really awful one I saw was on a garment that had been stored for some years. That seems to be the case with regular elastic, as well. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
PattyE   Intermediate MI Member since 9/7/10 Posts: 650	Login to reply to this post In reply to tourist << Like this post Date: 11/6/12 1:43 PM Ok, thanks for the tips. I tend to prefer other stabilizing products anyway but I have had instances where the clear elastic would have worked great, and I hear so many others have such good experiences with using it.

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