How to sew an elasticated waistband
A waistband with an elastic closure is a versatile and comfortable option for many garments, such as skirts, shorts, and trousers. The elastic allows for stretch and easy adjusting, making it ideal for clothing that needs to fit snugly at the waist but also allow for movement. Sewing an elasticated waistband is a fairly simple process that can be easily accomplished with basic sewing skills and a few essential supplies.
Before you begin
Before sewing an elasticated waistband, it’s important to select the appropriate fabric and elastic for your project. The fabric should be lightweight and stretchy enough to comfortably accommodate the elastic. It’s also important to choose the right width and type of elastic. For most projects, a 1-inch wide elastic is suitable, but larger or smaller widths can be used depending on the desired look and functionality.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of sewing an elasticated waistband, from measuring and cutting the fabric and elastic to attaching and finishing the waistband. Follow these instructions, and you’ll be able to create comfortable and stylish garments with elasticated waistbands in no time!
How to Sew an Elasticated Waistband
Creating an elasticated waistband is a simple way to add comfort and flexibility to your garment. Whether you’re making a skirt, pants, or even a dress, this technique can easily be incorporated into your sewing project. Follow these steps to sew an elasticated waistband.
Gather Your Materials
Before you get started, gather all your materials. You will need:
- Fabric
- Elastic
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Iron
Measure and Cut
Measure the width of your waistband area and subtract about 2 inches for the elastic casing overlap. Cut a strip of fabric in the desired width and the length of your waistband measurement plus at least 3 inches to allow for overlap and seam allowances.
Create the Elastic Casing
To create the elastic casing, fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise with the right sides facing inwards. Press the fold with an iron to create a crease.
Unfold the strip and fold the raw edges towards the center crease. Press the folds to create a clean edge.
Fold the strip along the center crease again, encasing the raw edges. Press the fabric to create the elastic casing.
Pin the folded edges together, making sure to keep the folded fabric secure.
Sew the Casing
Using a sewing machine, sew along the edge of the folded strip, leaving a small opening to insert the elastic when finished.
Remove the pins and use scissors to trim any excess fabric.
Insert the Elastic
Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and feed it through the small opening, pulling it through until it reaches the other end of the casing.
Overlap the ends of the elastic by about 1 inch and sew them together securely using a zigzag stitch.
Close the opening in the casing by sewing over it with a straight stitch, making sure to secure the elastic in place.
Finalize the Waistband
Evenly distribute the gathers by pulling on the waistband fabric, adjusting it to your desired fit.
Try on your garment to ensure the waistband is comfortable and the desired length.
To finish, sew along the top edge of the elastic casing, securing everything in place and creating a clean look.
Now that you’ve completed these steps, you have successfully sewn an elasticated waistband for your garment. Enjoy the added comfort and flexibility it provides!
Preparing the Fabric
Before sewing an elasticated waistband, it is important to properly prepare the fabric. Whether you are using a new fabric or repurposing an old garment, there are a few steps you should follow to ensure that your waistband turns out well.
First, you should pre-wash your fabric to remove any excess dye or shrinkage. This step is especially important when working with natural fibers such as cotton or linen. To pre-wash your fabric, simply machine wash it in cold or warm water, then tumble dry on low heat or air dry. Once your fabric is pre-washed and dried, it is ready to be cut and sewn into the desired waistband shape.
| Tip: | When selecting your fabric, consider how much stretch is needed for your elasticated waistband. Fabrics with some amount of stretch, such as jersey or stretch denim, work best for a comfortable and flexible waistband. |
Next, you will need to iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles or creases. Set your iron to the appropriate heat setting for your fabric type (refer to the fabric care instructions if necessary) and gently press the fabric with the iron. You can also use a pressing cloth or a combination of level and damp heat to remove stubborn wrinkles.
Lastly, lay your fabric flat on a clean and smooth surface, and make sure it is aligned properly to the grain line. The grain line is the direction of the fabric threads, and it is important to keep the fabric aligned with it to ensure that your waistband hangs correctly and that the elastic is evenly distributed. You can use tailor’s chalk or fabric marking tools to mark the grain line.
By following these steps to prepare your fabric, you will set yourself up for success when sewing an elasticated waistband.
Attaching the Elastic
Once you have prepared your waistband and elastics, you are ready to attach the elastic. Follow these steps to sew an elasticated waistband:
Step 1: Find the Centre
Start by finding the centre of both the elastic and the waistband. You can do this by folding both in half lengthwise and making a small mark or crease using a fabric marker or pin.
Step 2: Pin the Elastic
Pin the elastic to the waistband at the quarter points: the centre and the two sides. This will help ensure that the elastic is evenly distributed when attached.
For example, if your elastic and waistband have been marked into quarters, pin the elastic’s centre point to the waistband’s centre, and then pin the two remaining quarter points together.
Step 3: Establish Tension
Next, stretch the elastic so that it fits the waistband without any puckering. Adjust the tension as needed to create a comfortable and secure fit.
In general, it is best to stretch the elastic slightly less than the waistband’s full width to avoid any overstretch or grading issues.
Step 4: Sew the Elastic
Using a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch setting on your sewing machine, sew along the entire length of the elastic, attaching it to the waistband.
Be sure to sew directly over the line of stitching that secured the elastic together in a loop. This will help ensure that the elastic is securely attached to the waistband.
Repeat this step, sewing a second line of stitching just below the first to strengthen the attachment.
Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the threads.
Finishing the Waistband
After sewing the elastic into the waistband and securing the ends, it’s time to finish the waistband. This step will give the waistband a clean and polished look.
Here’s how to finish the waistband:
-
Trim the excess fabric
First, trim any excess fabric from the waistband. Make sure to leave a small allowance of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) for the seam allowance.
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Press the waistband
Next, press the waistband using an iron. Make sure to fold the raw edge of the fabric towards the wrong side and press it down. This will create a clean edge for the waistband.
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Stitch the folded edge
Once the waistband is pressed, stitch along the folded edge of the fabric to secure it. You can use a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch, depending on your preference.
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Finish the topstitching
Finally, finish the waistband by adding topstitching. This will not only reinforce the waistband but also give it a professional finish. Sew a straight stitch along the upper edge of the waistband, about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) from the edge.
With these simple steps, you can easily finish the waistband of your elasticated garment. Remember to take your time and ensure each step is done accurately for the best results.
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