Elastic is often used as a waistband when sewing clothes. In addition, you can attach elastic to the ends of the sleeves, the neck of the dress, or the ankles to make the clothes look neat when worn. If you need to apply elastic to a garment that is being sewn, use the 2 methods in this article. First, the elastic is sewn onto the fabric. Second, make a sleeve and then insert the elastic into the sleeve. Use the first method if you want to attach the elastic so that the fabric crinkles. Use the second method if you don't want the elastic wrapping fabric to wrinkle.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Sewing Elastic on the Fabric
Step 1. Measure the elastic and then cut as needed
Determine the elastic length by measuring the part of the body that the elastic will circle when the shirt is worn, such as the waist, chest, upper arms, wrists, neck, or other body parts.
- For example, if you want to attach elastic to the waist of a skirt, measure the waist circumference of the person who ordered the shirt. Use these measurements to determine the length of the elastic and then cut as needed.
- If she orders a skirt that is a little tighter at the waist, cut the elastic a little shorter than the measurement. For example, to make a skirt with a slightly tighter waist, cut the elastic 5-10 cm shorter than the measurement.
Step 2. Sew the two ends of the elastic together
Join the two ends of the elastic so that they overlap -1½ cm. Set the sewing machine setting to zigzag stitches and then sew the elastic 2-3 times to make sure the ends of the elastic don't come loose.
Another way to connect elastic ends is to use a patchwork of fabric. Secure the two ends of the elastic over the patchwork and then zigzag the elastic joint 2-3 times. This prevents bulging because the elastic ends overlap each other
Step 3. Hold the elastic to the fabric using 4 equal-spaced pins
First, hold the elastic joint (which is freshly sewn) on the fabric joint. If there are no fabric joints, you are free to choose where to put the first needle to hold the elastic. Then, fold the fabric in half and hold the elastic with the second pin in the fold of fabric directly opposite the first pin. Fold the fabric in half again to determine where to hold the elastic with the third and fourth pins. This method makes the fabric and elastic are divided into 4 equal parts.
Place the top edge of the elastic about cm from the edge of the fabric so that the elastic is not visible from the outside after sewing
Step 4. Sew the elastic on the fabric
After the elastic is held on to the fabric with 4 pins, sew the elastic using a sewing machine. Set the machine to a zigzag stitch and then sew the top edge of the elastic. Make sure you sew the elastic while stretching it so that it is the same length as the fabric. Sew the entire top edge of the elastic all the way back to the first stitch. Sew the first few stitches again so the stitches don't come loose.
Step 5. Fold the top edge of the fabric to wrap the elastic
To prevent the newly sewn elastic from showing, fold the fabric that has the elastic in place. Make sure the elastic doesn't overlap and the fabric is folded just over the bottom edge of the elastic.
Step 6. Sew the seam around the edges of the folded inward fabric
Stretch the elastic again so that it is the same length as the fabric and then sew a zigzag near the elastic seam. Make sure you sew the entire edge of the fabric. Sew the elastic again with a distance of 2½ cm from the first stitch so that the elastic does not shift.
Method 2 of 2: Making the Sleeve
Step 1. Measure the width of the elastic
The sleeve should be made slightly wider than the elastic. Before making the sleeve, you need to measure the width of the elastic and then increase the measurement by 1.3 cm. For example, if the width of the elastic is 1.3 cm, you will need 2.6 cm of fabric for the sleeve.
Step 2. Fold the fabric as needed
Use the measurements above to fold the fabric. Make sure the fabric is folded inward so that the rough edges of the fabric are not visible when you are finished sewing. Fold the fabric the same width along the waistband or cuffs. Hold the crease of the fabric with a pin so the sleeve is ready to be sewn.
For example, if you need 2.6 cm of fabric for the sleeve, fold the fabric in 2.6 cm from the edge of the fabric
Step 3. Prepare a gap in the sleeve for inserting the elastic
Don't forget to prepare a gap so you can insert the elastic into the sleeve. The gap will be closed when the elastic is attached and the ends are joined. To make a slit, mark the bottom edge of the sleeve with cloth chalk and then screw the pins on both sides.
Make the gap wide enough for the elastic to fit easily. For example, if the width of the elastic is 1.3 cm, make a gap of 2½ cm
Step 4. Sew the edges of the fabric to make the sleeve
After the fabric is folded and held in place with a pin, sew the sleeve using a sewing machine with a straight stitch cm from the edge of the fabric so that there is enough room for the elastic and the folds of the fabric are not exposed.
Areas marked for gaps in the sleeve should not be sutured
Step 5. Measure the length of the elastic and then cut it as needed
Finish making the sleeve, determine the length of the elastic. For that, you need to measure the person who will be wearing the shirt, for example the waist, chest, wrist, or other body part that will be elastically circled.
- For example, if the elastic is attached to the sleeve of a blouse, measure the circumference of the arm or wrist according to the position of the elastic. Use these measurements to determine the length of the elastic and then cut as needed.
- Depending on what the customer wants, you usually need to reduce the measurement results. For example, if the client wants to wear tight cuffs, reduce the wrist circumference by 1.3 cm.
Step 6. Pin it to one end of the elastic
Inserting the elastic into the sleeve is much easier if you use safety pins. Prepare a safety pin, pierce the needle at one end of the elastic, then close the safety cover on the head of the safety pin.
When attaching the safety pin, make sure that you do not poke the needle too close to the end of the elastic as the pin may come off when it is inserted into the sleeve. Pin it about 1½ cm from the end of the elastic
Step 7. Insert the safety pin and elastic through the gap in the sleeve
Hold the safety pin and insert it into the sleeve through the prepared slit.
Step 8. Push the safety pin into the sleeve so that it slides away from the gap
After the safety pin is inserted into the sleeve, slide the fabric along the safety pin so that it is wrinkled and then grasp the pin head. Pull the fabric away from the safety pin with your other hand to allow the elastic into the sleeve. Repeat this process until the safety pin comes out through the gap in the opposite direction.
- Do not twist the elastic when it is inserted into the sleeve.
- If the safety pin opens while in the sleeve, try to close it carefully. If that doesn't work, pull the elastic to remove the safety pin and then close the safety. Insert the safety pin back into the sleeve and push gently to insert the elastic.
Step 9. Secure the other end of the elastic with a safety pin
Hold the other end of the elastic as you insert the elastic to prevent it from being pulled into the sleeve.
If you have trouble holding the elastic end while working, secure it with another safety pin as close to the gap in the sleeve as possible
Step 10. Stack the two ends of the elastic and sew to connect
Finish inserting the elastic with the help of a pin into the sleeve, remove the pin and then connect the two ends of the elastic. Stack the ends of the elastic 1-1½ cm wide and then sew zigzags with a sewing machine to connect.
Step 11. Close the gap on the sleeve
When the ends of the elastic have been joined, hide the elastic under the fabric and then sew a gap in the sleeve to seal it.
