Sewing Instructions for Gathering With an Elastic Cord
When a sewing project calls for elastic, many crafters immediately opt for elastic tape, which can be cumbersome and often requires sewing it directly onto the fabric or creating a small casing of fabric for it to go through. A much easier method is to use elastic cord and create a casing out of thread using a zigzag stitch. Once you learn how to use this method, it will take only a few minutes to create perfect gathers on any garment you sew.
Instructions
-
-
1
Determine the placement of the elastic on the item that you're sewing. If you're following a sewing pattern, it should specify exactly where the elastic needs to go. If you are working without a pattern, you can either go by measurements to figure out where the elastic needs to be placed or simply put it where you think it looks best.
-
2
Set your sewing machine to the straight stitch setting and tack one end of the elastic cord to the edge of the fabric. Be sure that the stitches have actually gone through the cord; otherwise it won't be held securely in place and may slip out of position while you're sewing. Then set your machine to the zigzag stitch setting, making sure that the stitches will be wide enough to go over the elastic cord without catching it.
-
-
3
Hold the cord as straight as possible and carefully begin to sew over it with zigzag stitches, creating a casing for the elastic out of thread. If you accidentally sew through the cord, it will not be able to slide through the casing. You will have to use a seam ripper to remove the stitch or stitches that went through the cord and then resume sewing.
-
4
Clip the excess thread once you have reached the end of your casing. Then, hold tightly onto the free end of the elastic and pull the cord carefully through the thread casing; the fabric will begin to gather as the elastic cord is pulled. When you've achieved your desired amount of gathering, stop pulling the cord.
-
5
Set your sewing machine back to the straight stitch setting and tack the elastic cord securely into place, then cut off the excess length of cord. You can then adjust the gathers so that they're evenly spaced along the elastic and proceed with the next step of your sewing project.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit red fabric background image by vnlit from Fotolia.com
