Elastic waists

[PaulineG]

I have a couple of pairs of pants and a skirt with elastic waist bands that I really love. They've been made so that there is virtually no bulk or gathering in the band at all and look like flat fronted waistbands. I've tried to mimic this in other stuff I've made but aren't having a lot of luck - a little but I'd like an even better effect. Obviously the fabric I choose needs to have a fair amount of stretch so I can minimise the extra fabric width required to fit over my hips. How much width do I really need? Failing advice on how to calculate amounts etc. does anybody know a pattern that creates this effect. Everything I've seen seems to create quite a bit of waistline bulk - something I could definitely do without.

[toadusew]

Pauline, I believe that Sandra Betzina has an elastic waistband technique that gives the results you're looking for in one of her books. At the moment, I can't remember if it's in No Time to Sew (which also comes with patterns) or in Power Sewing, Step by Step. I'm inclined to think it's the latter, though. I can't get to my books right now, or I would check. All of her products can be purchased on her website, but that part of the site is down until the end of October. However, you might also find these books on Amazon.

[bridesmom]

I just flipped through my Power Sewing Step by Step and she does have a method which has the elastic in the back and the front is the traditional zip fly front. Though I don't see why you couldn't mimic this in a side zip skirt or pant. Do you have the book Pauline?

[PaulineG]

Thanks for looking. No it's not a book I have - Sandra Betzina doesn't have much available here at all - I might have a look on Amazon for some of her stuff because so many people suggest her books. However if I was going to the trouble of putting a zip in I probably wouldn't bother with elastic. I'm just trying to do some lazy skirts but with a flattering waistline.

I might just fiddle some more with some cheap fabric.

[DorothyL]

It might help if instead of a casing you just put elastic on the wrong side of the top of the fabric. Just be sure you get good stretchy elastic that is soft and won' be scratchy

[sewingrandma]

Dorothy, I've never had any luck putting elastic in like that. Any tricks to putting it in so that it actually fits my measurements? Mine is always stretched out and doesn't spring back. I also have problems with my machine not wanting to sew thru the elastic, thread bunches up especially if I'm sewing two pieces together. I've tried different needles, thread, stitches all with the same results.

[DorothyL]

Brockie,
To be honest with you I prefer a casing myself. But for a while I did an elastic stitch over the elastic while it was in the casing and realized the real trick seems to be the brand of elastic.
Unfortunately I can't remember the brand that it worked on which is pretty much why I don't do that any more.
Sorry I can't be of more help but I know a lot of people put elastic in without a casing -- even on the serger -- so someone will come along and tell us both the brand.

[toadusew]

Dorothy, could you be thinking of Ban Roll elastic? I'm not 100% sure of the correct spelling, or if that's even the right name, but I do remember that Sandra Betzina used to mention her favorite elastic on her tv show, and she tended to sew through the elastic quite a bit.

[DorothyL]

Yeah, I think that's it.
Maybe.

[sewingrandma]

I'll look around and see if I can find some and try it. I do prefer casings but at times would prefer to just sew the elastic on. Thanks.