Sewing Elastic Bands How To
How can I stitch a 2″ wide band of elastic to a circular skirt so that it stretches with the skirt?
I am just starting out trying to make my own circular skirts. I have managed the seams and hemline, but am struggling attaching the elastic waistband to the top of the skirt. I have cut the elastic to fit my waist comfortably and the opening in the top of the skirt is quite a bit bigger. How do I make the elastic fit the skirt, or vice versa? Somehow the skirt needs gathering but is there a stitch that can do it? I have tried sewing it on before I stitch the last seam so the two top edges are together, then sew up the last seam when the elastic is on. Hope someone can understand that! I’m getting desperate!
Alison
It is very difficult to sew elastic on to a circular waistband or to make a hem on it because of the curve. The best way is to cut a straight waistband and encase the elastic before attaching it to the skirt.
Use the fabric of the skirt and cut the waistband the same length as the skirt waist plus two seam allowances by twice the width of the elastic plus two seam allowances. Join the short ends of the waistband and same for the elastic. Fold the band in half lengthways, put the elastic inside and attach to the skirt, trying to stitch the fabric only, not the elastic. If you use pins to mark the skirt and waistband in quarters, you will be able to match them up evenly. Because the elastic is smaller than the waistband, it will gather to fit.
Sewing tutorial: Elastic Band Skirt
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