Sewing Q&A
Marla Stefanelli
June 2003 Sewing Q&A Index
From Our June 2003 Issue
When I sew elastic, the thread either bunches or breaks and the elastic stretches out of control. Please help.
Barbara A.,
e-mail
The thread problem may be caused because the needle is damaged or isn't the
correct type. Insert a new 12/80 or 14/90 needle with a sharp point rather than a ball point. This type will pierce the elastic more easily.
Refer to the elastic package information for its intended use and choose accordingly. Select elastic made from rubber and test the elastic to be sure it recovers to its original length after stretching and retains its original width when stretched.
Choose knitted or woven elastics and use them either in a casing or topstitch them directly to the fabric.
The elastic will stretch when it's sewn directly to fabric, so cut it about 8% shorter
than the desired finished measurement. Multiply the finished measurement by
.92 to determine the elastic cut length. Pin the elastic to the fabric and using a
long straight or zigzag stitch, stitch the elastic to the fabric, stretching the elastic
to fit the fabric as you sew.
Clear elastic is light, easy to use and very stretchy. It blends with the fabric color and is comfortable when worn next to the skin. Clear elastic also stretches as it's sewn. Before measuring and cutting, warm up the elastic by stretching it a few times -- it will now have 100% recovery. Clear elastic is also good to use when serging, because it won't unravel if nicked by the blade.
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