Goodmorning, Can someone please explain to me how to sew the elastic to a waistband without casing. I've tried several times, it's just all stretched out. There is no give left in the elastic.

You have pretty good answers on here. So I just came to give everybody flowers. Flower and XoXo

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Last few times I put in elastic, I pressed on the fold line, had the elastic sewn together in a circle. Put the clothing item INSIDE the elastic circle, folded over the first few inches, placed this on the arm of the machine and started to sew. As you sew you can slide the elastic around (pulling it toward you from under the arm)and make sure it's inside the casing you are making. That way you are actually sewing on a straigh piece, not gathering it up. I HOPE this is clear. Someone told me how, but I had a hard time "seeing" it until I actually was doing a pair of PJ pants in a VERY large size for someone and the pattern actually had the directions printed in it! Of course the pictures helped! I know you said without casing! But try this on a scrap and see how it works.

You already have your answers ( I do mine the same as jrob.) ( must be us Southern Girls HeHeHe ) Good luck . A flower for you.

The way I learned and do is;
measure the elastic to fit, then streatch it out an inch or two till it is comfortable.
Sew the elastic into a circle, pin the seam to the back seam of the garment,then hold the elastic till it is even and pin the 'fold' to the front, same with sides, you can do this when you sew the elastic into the circle, you want it pinned in quarters, with the elastic seam at the back, the front to the front seam and so on with the sides. then with elastic on right side of fabric sew it, stretching it between quarters, not much but so it is smooth and even. pull the elastic back over wiht s little of the fabric.
You can sew several rows or just the bottom of elastic, I prefer to fold the fabric back the the inside, then pin the elastic in the 4 seams.
Hope this helps.
Oh and ifthere is not enough fabric to fold over sew a piece of the fabric right sides together, press down and sew elastic.
Evelyn

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can you post a pic it sometimes shows us what you are doing or kind of elastic you are using .its sounds like it not the best elastic for that job

You might want to try some adjustable elastic. It is used in making boxer shorts.You sew it in place and then pul elastic threads at the end until you have the correct size. This requires making 5 or more rows of stitches but it works pretty well. Good Luck!

It also depends on the type of elastic you use. You need one that has a fairly open weave, so that you do not pierce the actual rubber elastic too much with your needle. You could also be using elastic that is old and starting to perish. Otherwise I do the same as the others, dividing into quarters etc.

I've divided into quarters just has you've said and used a zig-zag stitch along the edge, then turned in and stitched, but it is all stretched out. There is no elastic give anymore.

1 comment

by mpo14011 14 Jul 2008

Did you have the elastic too loose or tight? And was it wide or narrow elastic? I think this method works better with wide elastic like the type you put in trackky dags. It is better to use a casing for the narrow elastic that are in undies.

I have not done this, but I make lingerie. I attach elastic with a zigzag stitch length 3, width 4 (mm), first on one side, than fold inwards and stitch again on the other side of the elastic, which in my case is no more then 10 mm wide. Staight stitch or narrow zigzag tend to get the stretch out of it, but this way it works out well on bra's and knickers. Hope this helps.

I just measure what I want the elastic to be finished as and deduct 1 1/2 inch. Then I measure it into quarters and pin in those 4 places on the waistband (also figure the waistband into quarters). As you sew down the middle of the piece of elastic, gently stretch it to the next pin. In other words make one fourth of the elastic fit one fourth of the waistband. Finish stitch the ends and you should then be able to turn down the fabric over the elastic or attach the facing so that the elastic isn't against your skin. ;)

2 comments

by mpo14011 14 Jul 2008

Yes, that is how I do it, but I use a reasonably large zigzag rather then a straight stitch to stitch down the elastic. Both methods should work fine. If you use mops method, still divide the fabric and elastic into 4, just like you would do when you attach ribbing onto a windcheater. This way the elastic will be even.

by mops 15 Jul 2008

Yes, I should have added the division of fabric and elastic.