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converting waistband? going from full elastic to partial
plumfan   Beginner Member since 1/8/13 Posts: 48	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/9/13 10:03 AM I recently started sewing and came across the book Singer Perfect Plus by Kathleen Cheetham. I made a muslin of the fly-front pants with an elastic waist. I am not crazy about the look of a full elastic waistband and I kept the darts rather than leaving them out. The pants fit great and I'm excited that with only a bit of tweaking these could become my first TNT pattern. So, I'd like to put in a partial elastic waistband. The original already has 2 elastic pieces, each one about 4 inches long starting at the side seam and wrapping around to the back. I want to basically make the front the same as the back so I have a flat, non-elasticized bit of waistband at the center front like at the center back. My question is should I use 2 pieces of elastic each going about 1/4 away around the waist equally at the side seams? Or should I use 4 pieces in the same place only each side of the seam will have it's own bit of elastic? Clear as mud?
arianamaniacs   Advanced AUSTRIA Member since 6/11/04 Posts: 943	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/10/13 4:33 AM Since you want it to wrap around the sides, I see no advantage to chopping it up at the side seam. Just use one length per side and wrap around from front to back.
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 6999	Login to reply to this post In reply to plumfan << Like this post Date: 2/10/13 8:12 AM I'm curious as to why you'd still want some elastic in the front. It might make the transition to the side seams look a little strange, because the elastic isn't starting at the waist, nor is it running in a continuous circle. If you were to look at the front part of the waistband, in the way that you want it, it might accentuate your hips too much. Does this {-----} give you an idea? The reason for the elastic starting at the waist and going toward the back is because it rests on the dip of your waistline and looks smooth, as well as the waistline dip helps to hold it in place. But if you still want to go ahead, I'd suggest you use one piece, starting near CF, wrapping around the back, and ending near CF on the other side. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
plumfan   Beginner Member since 1/8/13 Posts: 48	Login to reply to this post In reply to Miss Fairchild << Like this post Date: 2/10/13 10:05 AM The original pattern had a zipper front and elastic in the back between the side seam and back darts (leaving no elastic at center back). When I made the muslin I sewed up the front and left the elastic in. I liked the way they fit, but I need to make the waistband a bit longer and thought I would need the extra elastic toward the front to get it to lay right. I have a decent hourglass shape when you look at me from the front, but my waist is only 4" smaller than my hip because of a protruding belly. (I tend to look pregnant from the side view.)
Patti B   Intermediate OR USA Member since 9/29/02 Posts: 2248	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 2/10/13 10:15 AM I would use elastic in the entire waistband but just stretch it at the sides (or wherever you want it). This way, the elastic acts as the stabilizer for the entire waistband and will be smoother without a transition to the elastic. I have done this and have been happy with the results. Good luck. PS - Congrats on making a TNT so early in your sewing life! -- Edited on 2/10/13 10:15 AM -- ------ Patti R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success

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