Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Sewing Elastic

When sewing garments, you'll find that using elastic becomes very common, especially in children's designs. Here are a couple of simple tips that I have found to be helpful and thought you might too. 

 I like to start by making small marks all along one side of the cut elastic I plan to use. In this instance it is for a waistband. This helps me keep the same side of the elastic up as I thread it through, preventing it from being twisted within the waistband.

Once through, it's time to stitch the 2 ends together.
I always, always, always use a 3-step zig zag stitch here and stitch it back and forth several times. This gives me the peace of mind that it will hold well regardless of being stretched over and over. The zig zag stitch also seems to pull the narrow elastic through my machine easier, where a straight stitch will often bunch up. 
Finish your garment per instructions.

Now you're ready to admire your finished item!

Happy Sewing!

5 comments:

Pam @Threading My Way said...

Great tip about marking the elastic, Kristy.

Laura said...

Good Morning Kristy!

I found that marking the elastic makes threading it so much easier too! Glad to hear that I'm not the only one. Sometimes I also overlap the two ends...and sew them with a zig zag stitch several times...including catching the very end...this way I don't get that little end bump thing!

Have a blessed day!
Laura

Melissa said...

Thank you for sharing such a fabulous tip!

Sew It Sherry said...

Hi Kristy. Regarding your question about my Japanese Pattern Books. One that I have is called HAPPY HOMEMADE VOLUME2. The other one does not have an English name but it is part of the HEART WARMING LIFE SERIES although I don't think it will come up in any search under that name. I have found another link for this book on ebay so you can have a good look at all the pictures. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LETS-GO-OUT-GIRLS-CLOTHES-Japanese-Dress-Pattern-Book-/360336821701?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e5bf8dc5

ChrisW Designs said...

This is really a great tip and i do it too....helps SO much!
Christine
- ChrisW Designs

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