Expert: Vinette de Phillipe - 8/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'm trying to make a waistband like a pair of nurses pants that have seams sown into the fabric, through the elastic, and shown on the underneath side of the band. Any ideas?  I know stretching the elastic didn't work.  Do I just need to thoroughly press the band then sew through the elastic without tension on the elastic?
Thank you kindly.

ANSWER: Hi Kate,
There exists an elastic that you can stitch thru for waistbands.

Another method is to use narrow elastic and casings.  I have made pants using three rows of casing and three pieces of elastic. this way I did not have to stitch thru the elastic.

Here is a site for elastic that you can stitch thru.  scroll down a bit and you will see it.

http://www.thesewingplace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=60

Hope this is of help.

vi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much.  I ordered the elastic thread for the bobbin. Is there any advise you can give me in using it?  I'm concerned about getting the gathers even and flat.
Thank you.
Kate :)

Answer
HI Kate,
I was not thinking of elastic thread, but of the waistline elastic made for stitching on to the item.

this way you stitch the elastic to the item and it self gathers.

there was some on the site I sent you last time.

vi