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Member since 1/1/06
Posts: 12
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Posted on: 2/3/06 3:37 PM ET
I hope this isn't a repeat--I did search and found other helpful tips for sewing with ribbing but not quite this. I'm going to add a wide ribbing waistband to a pair of low slung drawstring yoga shorts. My ribbing (cotton/lycra) arrived today and it doesn't seem wide enough to cut the one piece the pattern calls for. It's a long tube that's 15" wide (so if cut on the fold would yield a 30" long piece for the band. I don't have the pattern here at work but I think the band piece was supposed to be more like 34" long.

I tried the "tube" on just to see (it looked like I was wearing a trashy '80s stretch dress :)) and 30" diameter does fit once it stretches but I'm thinking it shouldn't have to stretch THAT much. The area where the band will hit is right around the top of my hip bones, which is about 34"-35" Should I try cutting two pieces and sew them together to make the length the pattern calls for? Will that cause any problems with stretch or fit?

  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 6374
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Posted on: 2/3/06 7:37 PM ET
You can piece the ribbing if needed, just remember to add the seam allowance.

However if the tube is comfortable, no too tight and if the pattern does not call for elastic within the ribbing, you may want to go with it as it is. Usually ribbing will be at least 90% of the opening.

I rarely use the elastic/ribbing measurements given on a pattern. Each type of elsatic and ribbing has a different degree of stretch.
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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 947
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Posted on: 2/4/06 1:11 PM ET
Yes, you can certainly seam the ribbing. This is often done on sweatshirt waistbands.
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Tessa
  
Member since 11/30/04
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Posted on: 2/4/06 6:38 PM ET
Just make sure to use a walking foot on that ribbing when seaming it. It sure loves to stretch on me when I sew it, even with only a 2" seam.
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Big 4 Pattern size 12, RTW bottom: 6, RTW jacket 8, RTW top (no size fits me well!)
Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.)
Machines: Sewing: Elna 760, vintage Kenmore Model 33 (1967), Janome Gem Gold 3, Singer Model 99, Singer 221/Featherweight, Bernina 1630. Sergers: Babylock Enlighten and Babylock Ovation. Embroidery Only: Janome 300E. Embroidery/Sewing Combo: Brother Dream machine. Straight Stitch: Janome 1600P.
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