How to Sew Elastic: Easy Steps (2024)

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Ready to take your sewing skills to the next level? Learn how to sew elastic in easy steps and unlock a world of possibilities for your garments.

Whether you’re creating a comfortable waistband or adding gathers for an elegant touch, mastering elastic sewing techniques is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process with clear instructions and helpful tips.

What You’ll Need

To sew elastic, you’ll need:

• Fabric or an existing project
• Elastic
• A sewing machine
• Thread
• Fabric scissors
• A tape measure
• Pins

These tools are essential for successfully sewing elastic onto your garments.

The fabric serves as the base material that you’ll be attaching the elastic to.

Elastic provides stretch and helps create shape and gather in your garment.

A sewing machine is necessary for stitching the elastic securely in place with precision.

Thread is used to sew the stitches that hold everything together.

Fabric scissors are needed to cut both your fabric and elastic accurately without fraying or damaging them.

A tape measure ensures accurate measurements while pins help keep fabrics aligned during sewing tasks such as gathering or hemming with elastics.

Step 1: Take Your Measurements

You’ll need to measure yourself or the garment using a tape measure. This step is crucial in ensuring that you have the correct measurements for your elastic.

By following these steps, you can be confident that you’ll use an appropriate-sized elastic and achieve optimal comfort when sewing it onto fabric later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Elastic

Now that you’ve taken your measurements with precision, it’s time to move on to the next step: preparing the elastic.

To ensure successful sewing, it’s crucial to use a stretch needle and avoid damaging the elastic during this process.

When making casings, remember to add an extra 5mm of ease for comfortable wear.

If you’re creating a waistband, start by joining the ends of the elastic together before attaching it to your garment.

For more gathering effect when using shirring elastic, set a longer stitch length on your machine.

And if you’re working with clear elastic or want smooth sewing without sticking issues, consider using a Teflon foot for optimal results.

Step 3: Divide the Elastic

Next, divide the elastic into two equal sections. This step is crucial to ensure that your elastic will be evenly distributed when sewn onto your fabric. By dividing the elastic, you create two separate pieces that can be easily attached to each side of the waistband or casing.

To do this, simply overlap one end of the elastic with the other, making sure they’re aligned perfectly. Pinch and hold both ends together firmly before proceeding to sew them in place using a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.

Once divided and secured, you’re ready to move on to Step 4: Pinning and Sewing the Elastic Casing!

Step 4: Pin the Elastic Directly Onto the Fabric

To pin the elastic directly onto your fabric, start by placing the fabric and elastic together in their desired positions.

Overlap the ends of the elastic slightly to ensure a secure attachment.

Use pins to hold the seam of the elastic to one side of your fabric and repeat on all sides.

This will help keep everything in place while you sew.

When sewing, make sure to use a zigzag stitch setting on your machine for added durability and flexibility.

Be cautious not to stretch or damage the elastic as you sew it onto your fabric.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to securely attach your elastic without compromising its quality or functionality.

Once you have pinned down all sides of the elastic, you can begin sewing.

Step 5: Sewing the Elastic Directly Onto Fabric

Sew the elastic directly onto the fabric using a zigzag stitch. This step is crucial in securing the elastic and ensuring a comfortable fit for your garment.

Start by overlapping the ends of the elastic by about 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches, then use a safety pin to hold them together while you sew them with multiple passes of a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine.

Next, it’s time to attach the elastic to your fabric. Begin by pinning one end of the seam where you just sewed onto one side of your fabric band, and do this for both opposing sides as well.

Now, set up your sewing machine with its zigzag stitch setting and start sewing along the top edge of the elastic until it’s securely attached to all sides of your fabric band.

Once finished, give it a gentle tug on each side to ensure that all parts are under control before closing any casings or hems remaining from previous steps – close these openings if needed!

Step 6: Turning Up the Elasticated Hem

Now that you have successfully sewn the elastic directly onto your fabric, it’s time to move on to the next step: turning up the elasticated hem. This is an important step as it ensures a clean and professional finish for your garment.

• Pull gently on the fabric above and below the sewing line where you attached the elastic.
• Use a zigzag stitch setting on your sewing machine to create flexibility in both fabric and elastic.
• Measure and fold over 1 inch (2.5cm) of fabric towards the inside, creating a casing.
• Securely pin or clip along this folded edge to hold it in place while you work.
• Sew a straight stitch close to folded edge, about 0.25 inches (0.64cm) away from edges of fabric.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to effortlessly turn up your elasticated hem with precision and ease!

Let’s Start With the Basics: What Types of Elastic Are There?

Let’s start by discussing the basics:

• Flat elastic and shirring elastic are two common types used in sewing.
• Flat elastic is strong and thick, making it ideal for waistbands.
• Shirring elastic is perfect for gathering fabric as it can be wound onto the bobbin.

Understanding these different types of elastic will help you choose the right one for your sewing project.

Flat Elastic

Now let’s explore the different types of flat elastic that you can use for sewing projects.

Here are three common types of flat elastic:

Type	Description
Woven Elastic	Strong and thick, perfect for waistbands
Clear Elastic	Transparent and used to stabilize stretchy seams
Elastic Thread	Sewn onto fabric to create shirring or gathering effect

When working with flat elastic, remember to:

• Keep it taut while sewing.
• Overlap the ends before stitching them together using a zigzag stitch.
• Avoid stretching it too much.

If you’re using clear elastic, consider using a Teflon foot on your sewing machine to prevent sticking.

Shirring Elastic

To sew shirring elastic, gather the necessary materials and follow a few simple steps.

• Determine the desired length of shirring elastic based on your project.
• Use a zigzag stitch to sew the elastic onto fabric or create casings for it.
• When gathering with shirring elastic, wind it onto the bobbin at the right tension and use a longer stitch length for more gathers.
• Sewing shirring elastic to a waistband is easy when you overlap and stitch its ends inside the casing.

Which Needle Should You Use to Sew With Elastic?

When sewing with elastic, it’s important to use the right needle for optimal results.

The type and size of needle you choose can make a big difference in how well your elastic sews onto fabric.

For sewing stretchy materials like elastic, a stretch needle is recommended.

This type of needle has a slightly rounded point and is designed specifically for fabrics that require extra give and elasticity.

It helps prevent skipped stitches or broken threads while ensuring smooth stitching through the elastic without causing any damage to its structure.

When selecting thread for sewing with elastic, consider using polyester or nylon thread as they offer good strength and flexibility to withstand stretching without breaking easily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)