How to Make a Waistband for Sweats

Elastic wears out over time; replace worn elastic to keep sweats fitting like new.

Making an elastic sweat pant waistband can be accomplished with basic sewing skills. However, it is important when making a waistband from scratch to buy elastic not only designed for waistbands, but also for sweats. This ensures the proper stretch for a snug, comfortable fit necessary during exercise. Additionally, care must be used when sewing the elastic to prevent damage to its stretching ability. Follow these instructions to tailor the waistband of your sweats to your specific body type.

Things You'll Need

• Sport elastic band
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine and thread

Instructions

1. Take a length of 1-inch wide elastic band and wrap it tightly around your waist, stretching it slightly. Pin the elastic band together so that the elastic is stretched tightly enough to ensure a snug fit, but not so tight as to make it uncomfortable. The ends should overlap 1 inch. Cut off any excess elastic with a scissors.

2. With the sewing machine, sew together the elastic band to create a loop. The experts at Sewing Answers recommend stitching two parallel lines within the overlap, using a medium-straight stitch. For added strength, stitch two diagonal lines to form an "X" between the two parallel stitch lines. Remove the pins.

3. Turn the sweat pants inside out and place the loop of elastic band around the sweat pant's waist, leaving 1 1/4 inches of fabric above the elastic. Fold the extra sweat pant fabric down over the elastic so that the extra 1/4 inch of fabric hangs below the elastic and pin in place, every 3 to 4 inches along the waistband.

4. Using the same medium-straight stitch, sew the elastic band into the sweat pants along the rows, stretching the elastic and removing the pins as you go. The sport elastic band should have two parallel rows running along the length of the elastic band. These rows do not have any elastic in them and are designed to accept stitching. Do not stitch outside these rows as puncturing the elastic will weaken its ability to stretch.

5. Completely encase the elastic band by stitching through and around the extra 1/4inch of fabric.

References

• Sewing Answers: How to Add Elastic Waistband

Resources

• Independent Living Institute: How to Make An Elastic Waist