How to Put Elastic in a Waistband
Traditional methods for putting elastic into a waistband involves creating a hem wide enough to thread the elastic through, then pulling the elastic through the hem and overlapping the elastic ends before sewing them together. This creates bulk at the waistband which is something most of us want to avoid. The second method is a little more tricky but is worth trying as the elastic lies flatter and the hem is the perfect width for whatever size elastic is used.
Instructions
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Measure your waist and cut a piece of non-roll elastic a couple of inches shorter than your waist measurement to allow the elastic to fit snugly when worn. A different method is to measure the waist with the elastic, stretching it slightly around the waist until it feels comfortably tight and cut it to that length.
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2
Join the ends of the elastic by butting the ends together and laying a short (1 or 2 inches) length of non-stretch ribbon or fabric over them. Machine sew the fabric into place on the elastic to hold the two ends together. This forms an elasticated circle that has less bulk than if the two ends of elastic were overlapped.
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3
Neaten the edge of the fabric where the waistband will fit with a machine zigzag stitch and trim off any stray ends of thread. This saves having to turn the fabric over and reduces bulk in the waistband.
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4
Pin the elastic to the inside of the fabric below the line of zigzag stitches. Start at the back seam, then place a pin the middle front of the waistband. Pin the sides of the waistband then put extra pins in the gaps. This ensures the elastic is pinned evenly around the waistband so that the fabric gathers evenly.
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Fold the fabric in so that the elastic is encased between two layers of fabric, then using the sewing machine zipper foot, sew together the fabric layers being careful not to sew through the elastic. A regular machine foot can be used if a zipper foot is not available but take care to sew as close to the elastic as possible. Stretch the elastic out as you sew so that folds are not sewn into the fabric.
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References
- Photo Credit machine sewing stripey fabric image by David Winwood from Fotolia.com
