To sew elastic evenly, the key is to stretch the elastic to match the length of the fabric as you stitch, often using a zigzag stitch.
Sewing elastic smoothly and evenly around a garment opening, like a waistband, ensures a comfortable fit and a professional look. Uneven stitching can lead to puckering or inconsistent gathers. The provided reference highlights a crucial technique: preparing the elastic and fabric together before sewing.
Here's a breakdown of the process based on the reference and common sewing practices:
Preparing for Even Elastic Application
Even sewing starts with good preparation.
- Determine Elastic Length: Cut your elastic to the correct length for the garment opening. This is typically slightly smaller than the fabric opening so it gathers the fabric.
- Mark Fabric and Elastic: Divide both the fabric opening and the elastic into equal sections (quarters, eighths, etc.). Mark these points with pins or fabric markers. This helps you align and distribute the stretch evenly.
- Align and Pin: Align the raw edge of the elastic with the raw edge of the fabric opening (or follow your pattern instructions for placement).
- According to the reference, you should stretch the elastic and add a few pins. This initial pinning helps to ease the elastic onto the fabric. Match the marked points on the elastic to the corresponding marked points on the fabric, pinning them securely. This initial stretch and pinning are vital for distributing the elastic's tension.
Stitching the Elastic
The right stitch and technique are essential for flexibility and evenness.
- Set Your Machine: Set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch.
- The reference specifically recommends a zigzag stitch of 1.4 length and 3.5 wide. A zigzag stitch is crucial because it allows the elastic to stretch after sewing without the threads breaking. The recommended settings (length 1.4, width 3.5) are a good starting point, but you may adjust them slightly based on your specific elastic and fabric weight.
- Begin Sewing: Place the pinned fabric and elastic under the presser foot. Stitch the elastic to the fabric.
- Stretch While Sewing: As you sew, you must stretch the elastic to match the length of the fabric. While keeping the elastic aligned with the fabric edge, pull the elastic taut between the pins you placed, ensuring the fabric lies flat and is not being stretched itself. Sew slowly, maintaining even tension on the elastic.
- Remove Pins: Sew over or remove pins as you go, being careful not to sew over them forcefully, which can break your needle.
- Overlap Ends: When you reach the starting point, overlap the elastic ends slightly (about 1/2 inch or 1 cm) and continue stitching over the overlap to secure the ends.
Key Considerations for Evenness
- Consistent Stretch: The most important factor is applying consistent stretch to the elastic between your anchor points (the pins).
- Fabric Alignment: Ensure the fabric edge stays aligned with the elastic edge and doesn't get tucked under or distorted.
- Stitch Settings: A stitch that is too short or too narrow may restrict the elastic's stretch. The recommended settings provide a good balance.
Following these steps, especially stretching the elastic to fit the fabric while sewing with a zigzag stitch, will help you achieve a smooth, evenly gathered finish.
