How to Make an Elastic Watch Smaller
A lot of kids' and sports watches are made with stretchy, elastic bands that make it easy to fit over the wrist. If the wearer's wrist is smaller than average, you may need to shorten the elastic band for it to fit. With a few simple tools and some basic sewing skills, shortening an elastic watch band is easy and does not require a lot of time.
Instructions
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Put the elastic wristband around the wearer's wrist as normal. Adjust the band so that it fits comfortably; make sure that it is not too tight. Note where the excess of band begins (i.e., the large strip that dangles from the buckle), and mark with a pencil.
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2
Take off the watch and lay it on a flat surface. Cut the excess elastic off at the pencil mark. Use sharp and sturdy scissors to minimize fraying.
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Prepare your sewing machine. Thread your sewing machine with a heavyweight cotton thread that is the same color as the elastic band. Insert a needle; standard needles should work for most types of elastic. If you are working with thick elastic, use a leather needle. Set your machine to do a tight, 1/4-inch zigzag stitch.
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Use the sewing machine to stitch along the edge where you made the cut. Keep the stitch as close to 1/4-inch as possible; stitch as neatly and tightly as possible. Repeat once more. The stitch should look like a contiguous band which completely seals in the cut edge. Lift the presser foot and remove the elastic band. Trim loose thread.
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Apply a layer of nail polish or varnish to set the new edge in place.
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Tips & Warnings
If your watchband comes in two straps (top and bottom) instead of one contiguous band, you may wish to remove equal parts from the ends of both top and bottom pieces. This will help keep the buckle centered underneath the wrist.
References
Resources
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