How to Cut & Sew the Right Length of Elastic for the Waistband on Pants

Elastic can be used in garments that require additional stretch during movements. Many waistbands contain elastic to provide comfort to the wearer, as well as shape retention in the fabric. It is often necessary to replace a piece of elastic in a garment that has been worn and stretched over time. You can measure and cut a piece of elastic for use in the waistband of skirts and pants.

Things You'll Need

• Elastic
• Sewing ripper
• Sewing scissors
• Needle and thread

Instructions

1. Purchase a good piece of elastic for sewing into your garment. Find a length of elastic that is between 1 and 2 inches wide to avoid twisting and pinching at the waist. Check the instructions on the elastic package. Many designate the proper use for each type of elastic. If possible, pull the elastic apart to determine the strength of the piece. Buy a package of strong, wide elastic for use in adult waistbands.

2. Measure your waist. Use your purchased piece of elastic, rather than your cloth measuring tape. Place the elastic directly against your bare skin for best fit. Place the elastic around your waist at the height of the garment's waistband. Gently pull the elastic until it feels comfortable, yet slightly stretched. Do not cut the elastic, but overlap the ends at the crossing point.

   Place a safety-pin through the overlapping sections. Move around with the pinned elastic to ensure correct placement. Stretch upwards and sit down. The elastic should feel slightly loose during stretching, yet comfortable during sitting. Loosen the fabric 1/2 inch to allow for waistband fabric thickness. Cut elastic with an allowance of 1 inch for overlap.

3. Remove the old elastic from the waistband of your pants by making a small slit with a ripper on the inside of the waistband. Grasp a section of the old elastic and pull through the hole you created. Snip the elastic and pull completely out of the waistband casing.

4. Replace with the piece of new elastic by pulling the length of new elastic through the waistband casing of your garment. Attach a small safety pin to one end of the elastic and use to feed through the waistband casing, gently gathering and releasing the fabric as you work the pin through the casing. Do not allow the elastic to bend or twist during insertion. Pull both ends of elastic through the small hole you created. Overlap elastic ends 1 inch.

5. Sew overlapped ends together with a needle and thread. Pull connected ends of elastic loop down into the waistband casing. Stitch together the small hole in the casing you created for insertion of elastic.

References

• New Mexico State University Extension: Sewing Shortcuts
• Threads magazine: The Great Elastic Waistband

Resources

• Univerisity of Kentucky Extension: Sewing Techniques (PDF)