When making clothing for my girls, one of my favorite waistbands is elastic. Here's directions to make it a bit more interesting.
Materials Needed
- 3/8" or 1/4" elastic
- A regular elastic waist shorts or pants pattern. (They usually call for 3/4" or 1" elastic)
Directions
Cut the shorts out as you would for the pattern directions that call for 3/4" or 1" elastic.
Follow the pattern directions for making the shorts or pants.
Before you run the elastic though the casing, run a row of top stitching a distance down from the folded edge, to compensate for using a narrow elastic. Thread the elastic through the casing formed between the two rows of stitching. Leave the top casing empty and it will ruffle.
Finish the garment as directed in the pattern or add ruffles to the hems.
Tips
A small bow of satin ribbon or fabric added to the front of the pants on the elastic casing, adds a more feminine touch. It also helps small children find the front of the garment.
This can also be done on winter pants, but many of the heavier fabrics will not ruffle as a summer weight fabric will.
