How to Make a Whip Stitch With Elastic
A whip stitch is an overcast stitch that is used to bind two pieces of fabric together. Using standard thread, you create a firmly stitched seam that strongly binds the two pieces of fabric. When you use elastic thread, you have a flexible seam that can adjust to the conditions your final product endures. For instance, you may be stitching a shirt for use in sports or other activities, so you may want the seams to give rather than rip during times of high stress.
Things You'll Need
- Two pieces of felt, each with at least one side of equal length
- Elastic thread
- Needle
Instructions
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Tie a knot at the end of your elastic thread so that you can pull the thread tight. Line up the two pieces of felt with the even sides matched together. At the end of the sides, push your needle through one of the pieces of felt, pull the elastic thread all the way through. Leave the knot in between the two pieces.
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Bring the thread back around the edge of the fabric and press the needle through both pieces of felt. Pull the elastic thread until it's snugly through, but be sure that it's not too tight and stretched.
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3
Determine how far you need your stitches to be spaced. If you need your felt to be held tight, space the stiches closer together. For example, use a one-sixteenth inch interval for a tight whip stitch. A one-quarter inch should suit most needs.
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Loop the thread back over the edge of the joined fabric and again press the needle through at the distance you determined to produce the optimal whip stitching. Then, repeat these stitches until you reach the end of the conjoined sides. When you've stitched as far down the side as you'd like, press the needle through the bottom piece of fabric, but not the top. Tie off your elastic thread to compete your elastic whip stitch.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
