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12 
Member since 2/7/04
Posts: 568
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Posted on: 10/28/04 1:00 PM ET
I was thinking of starting this topic after I have stabilized a neck line of a cross over top. I was wondering how does everyone use clear elastic as a stabilizer? Do you cut it as long as the seam you are stabilizing and if not what is the formula you are using? We can do this by breaking it into:
- stabilizing shoulders
- stabilizing neckline
- stabilizing armhole
- stabilizing leg opening on lingerie, swimwear, etc....
- stabilizing side seams..........
if someone thinks of another place that can be stabilized, just add them, I cannot think of more at this moment!
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http://theprincessseam.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 1/20/04
Posts: 430
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Posted on: 10/28/04 1:33 PM ET
and what stitch do you use if not serging, do you trim the extra hanging off the sides from the stitch?

Bridget
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Bridget

It's funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn't it?
- Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna, 1912
  
Member since 2/21/04
Posts: 248
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Posted on: 10/28/04 6:58 PM ET
Last year I was making cloth diapers and subscribed to a couple of diaper sewing lists. Lastin clear elastic was a very popular item. The recommended stitch for application was a 3 step zigzag. As I remember, that stitch was considered essential for the 1/4" stuff. I don't think many people used an edge application but rather applied it 1/2"to 1" from the edges of the crotch and back.
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Cornelia"Love" is a verb.
  
Member since 11/30/03
Posts: 121
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Posted on: 11/1/04 10:51 PM ET
In necklines, I've learned to just pull it ever so slightly ahead of the  needle - using a big zigzag stitch.  Then, i serge to neaten the edge - then I flip down into place and stitch with a 4.0 Twin Stretch needle.  THen I steam.  
Wa - la.
Try it - you might like it!
:)
Londa
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Creative Sewing is my passion.
www.londas-sewing.com
  
Member since 3/6/03
Posts: 24
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Posted on: 11/7/04 0:09 AM ET
I've used clear elastic a couple of time for stabilizing necklines. Just overlocked it to the edge, folded it over and then coverstitched it. Works well and is easy to do.

For lingerie and swimwear I use it a lot, too. No problems at all, even after many months of use.
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 2683
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Posted on: 11/7/04 8:33 AM ET
Stretch the elastic before you use it.  I have made it a practice just to give it a tug along the length that I plan on using.  I have no idea if it serves any useful purpose, I just do it and haven't been sorry I did!  

PLUS just because you can stretch it to infinity doesn't mean you have to!  Just pull enough to give you the gathering or stablizing you want....if you pull it til it doesn't stretch anymore, you will have a mighty tight little elastic section!
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JanieV
  
B

B
Member since 12/5/03
Posts: 716
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Posted on: 8/29/05 10:56 AM ET
Help! Where exactly to sew the clear elastic on the crotch seam and shoulder seam? Seam came loose so I wasn't doing it right.
Do you sew the seam first and then sew it next to the seam? Through both layers? I had it on the seam which seemed to sew ok when I used a walking foot.
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Janome serger 634D, Brother PC6000, Singer 500A, Kenmore Mini-Ultra, vintage Bernina 600, White Rotary treadle, New Homestead A VS treadle
  
Member since 8/1/03
Posts: 1023
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Posted on: 8/29/05 11:28 AM ET
In reply to B
I sew the shoulder seams first, then triple-step (serpentine) zigzag the CE on the seam allowance. This avoids the CE from gathering the fabric.

For crotch seams--are you sewing hems on lingerie and swimwear? On a 1/4" hem allowance edge that I triple-ztep zigzag the 1/4" CE with one edge flush with the fabric edge (over the fabric, not hanging off it). Turn in, then 3-step zz again on top. This is a turned & stitched elastic application that's on a lot of RTW garments.
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Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7614
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Posted on: 8/29/05 12:08 PM ET
It's great for rouching or gathering of any type. Don't buy that stuff from JoAnn's or Walmart. Lastin can be bought from several on-line souces and makes the world of difference. It comes in a few different widths too.
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Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com

If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL
  
B

B
Member since 12/5/03
Posts: 716
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Posted on: 8/29/05 1:39 PM ET
Thanks!
I bought some Lastin CE from a coop so it should be pretty good.
I tried it on the crotch seam of trousers with a bit of stretch. Will go over them again sewing the seams normally then sewing on the CE right next to it with a 3-step zig-zag. Hope that will make it strong and not stretch out.
I love all the info I have gotten from these boards! As a returning sewer there are so many new products and methods that I am really learning a lot.

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Janome serger 634D, Brother PC6000, Singer 500A, Kenmore Mini-Ultra, vintage Bernina 600, White Rotary treadle, New Homestead A VS treadle
  
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