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Member since 4/24/05
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Posted on: 8/22/16 0:53 AM ET
Any opinions on the best knitted elastic for waistbands? I see you can buy Dritz or Singer from the usual sources, "Fantastic Elastic" from Pamela's Patterns, "Sew Through Elastic" from Kathy Ruddy and 12 yard rolls of Knitted Elastic from Wawak. I assume they are all roughly similar products, but I know that in RTW garments the quality of this type of elastic in waistbands varies widely and it will sometimes fail after only a few washings while other times it will hold up for the life of the garment through many launderings. I would happily pay more for better quality if that's what the designers are offering, but I am sorely tempted by the Wawak pricing which is a fraction of what the designers charge.
  
Member since 12/15/12
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Posted on: 8/22/16 1:45 AM ET
In reply to Kelly D.
I use Grosgrain Ribbon like this on all of the ladies pants and skirts I make for my clients that require an elastic style waistband. It is a bit thicker and more sturdy than a knit elastic. It doesn't stretch as much or as easily as knit elastics do, but it maintains its shape and support better too. It also sews on with minimum additional stretching.


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Member since 5/6/13
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Posted on: 8/22/16 6:00 AM ET
In reply to Kelly D.
Hello.
First off I'll mention grosgrain is Not elastic. I'm assuming Kevin is using it as a backing or casing.

I know virtually nothing about brands. I do know that elastic used to keep in your sewing box unused for years and years and still be good. Now, I figure if it's been around a few years it quite well might fall apart after a few washings. Some will be useless by the time you go to use it and some go to crap any day. It's all in the quality and amount of latex/rubber. Today's profit oriented planned obscelescent system does really care if your pants fall apart. It prefers that they do.

Aside - you used to buy a latex backed rug that lasted through many washings. Now, by the time they need cleaning they are usually done. It's because the latex has been diluted with chalk fillers.

I can speak about types - to a point. It comes in solid bands or bands with spaces woven in. This is usually wider elastics. The most common [at least where I am] is the 3 layer type. When you stitch through plain, solid elastic you have to calculate to use a shorter amount to compensate for the thread's bulk. The shorter your stitches the more thread and thus you would use less elastic.

With the open weave most are made with 3 sections. There's two spaces of approx. 1/8th inch or 3 mm where the weave excludes the bands of rubber that give it the stretch. Generally, this type is softer or less firm in tautness than the solid type. It's designed so that you can stitch through the open rows. Not only does it not require calculating for the stitching, it sews smoother and easier because you aren't stitching through any rubber. Your finished garment has two rows of stitching plus any topstitching on band or casing. Personally, I find the 1 1/2" a bit wide but I haven't seen the 1 1/4" for years. I think some of it also is open weave on the edges. It 2:30+ am and too late to dig around in my elastic box.

If you prefer a smooth un-stitched look take the time to stitch a few verticals across the band. I stitch 'in the ditch' at side and back seams.
If the garment has front pockets I might stitch above them. It depends on the look/line. Having elastic twist or fold inside is next impossible to correct. Once folded or twisted it will continue to do so until either you fix it or get rid of the pants or skirt.

You can buy several pieces of the same 'type' of elastic and find the amount and strength of stretch differs. It's something I prefer to buy in person.

Hope this is helpful.
  
Member since 3/27/05
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Posted on: 8/22/16 6:11 AM ET
The Pro-Stretch elastic from Fashion Sewing Supply is really nice and comes in several different widths for waistbands.

If your waistband elastic is stretching out after a few wears, I'd recommend:
a) Make sure you pre-stretch your elastic (like you would a balloon before blowing it up) before measuring it and sewing it.
b) Do not use the tumble dryer! High heat will kill elastic. Always air dry.

With the two above, I've yet to have a single piece of waistband elastic fail in my activewear leggings or shorts, despite making TONS, washing them after every wear, and wearing them for several years. :)
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Member since 2/9/04
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Posted on: 8/22/16 11:09 AM ET
In reply to Kelly D.
I swear by the elastic from Pamela's Patterns. You can even cut it down to a narrower width and the elastic is not compromised.

I've also bought some great elastic from Wawak but I do not recall which one it was.

The stuff from fabric stores never holds up for me and I swore off it ages ago.
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Member since 4/8/02
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Posted on: 8/22/16 12:12 PM ET
I buy the elastic from Fashion Sewing Supply, often trimming down the 2" width to something narrower, depending on the pattern, my mood, etc. It doesn't ravel, doesn't stretch out with wearing or washing. Steaming the daylights out of the waistband after the elastic is applied gives it a nice professional appearance.
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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.'



  
Member since 12/17/12
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Posted on: 8/22/16 2:00 PM ET
Yes, Fashion Sewing Supply elastic is great.
  
Member since 11/18/03
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Posted on: 8/22/16 3:33 PM ET
I bought this elastic from Amazon. It has channels to stitch on and I've been very happy with the quality
  
Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 8/22/16 3:53 PM ET
In reply to Kelly D.
Kinda depends on what you're using it for, and what effort you want to go to for replacement when it dies, at least in my thinking.

For what it's worth, I use Wawak's knit elastic in my hubby's undershorts, where it generally lasts about a year and a half of weekly hot washes and dries before it needs replacing.
  
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Posted on: 8/22/16 8:10 PM ET
In reply to kevinsews
Quote: kevinsews
I use Grosgrain Ribbon like this on all of the ladies pants and skirts I make for my clients that require an elastic style waistband. It is a bit thicker and more sturdy than a knit elastic. It doesn't stretch as much or as easily as knit elastics do, but it maintains its shape and support better too. It also sews on with minimum additional stretching.




At artisanssquare, someone posted this link for stretch grosgrain,' both plain and 'fold over.'

I have no idea what this stuff is, but it might be fun to experiment with.

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Elona
  
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