How to Add Elastic to the Bottom of a Sweatshirt?

Adding elastic to the bottom of a sweatshirt can give it a more fitted look or replace worn-out elastic. Based on the provided reference, the process involves preparing the elastic, attaching it to the fabric, and securing it within a channel.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add elastic to the bottom of a sweatshirt, following the method described:

Preparing the Elastic

The first step is to get your elastic ready.

• Measure and cut the elastic, then sew the ends together. You will need to determine the desired finished circumference of the sweatshirt bottom when the elastic is applied. Cut your elastic to this length, allowing a small overlap for sewing the ends together securely to form a loop.

Attaching the Elastic

Once the elastic loop is formed, it's time to attach it to the sweatshirt fabric.

1. Pin the elastic to your fabric and sew the elastic to the inside of the fabric. With the sweatshirt inside out, align the elastic loop with the bottom edge. Pin the elastic to the inside of the fabric. While stretching the elastic slightly to match the fabric length it's being attached to, sew the elastic to the inside of the sweatshirt bottom. This stitch will hold the elastic in place temporarily.

Securing the Elastic

The final step is to create a casing to enclose the elastic, making the edge neat and durable.

• Then, make sure the elastic is lying flat and fold the fabric over to cover the elastic band. Ensure the elastic is smooth and not twisted. Fold the bottom edge of the sweatshirt fabric up and over the elastic band, creating a channel or casing that completely encloses the elastic.
• Sew along the bottom edges of the folded fabric. Stitch along the folded edge, close to the raw edge of the fabric or just inside the fold, making sure not to stitch through the elastic itself. This creates the casing, holding the elastic securely inside and finishing the bottom edge of the sweatshirt.

By following these steps derived from the reference, you can successfully add elastic to the bottom of a sweatshirt, giving it a finished, cinched look.