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Drawstrings that Stretch

Threads Magazine, editor

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submitted by T.C. Ferrito
from Threads #100

As an alterations professional and teacher, I always enjoy the opportunity to take apart my customers' fine garments and discover how the expensive ready-to-wear designers do things. Here is one idea I've come across and adopted: Drawstrings on pants may look as though they're made completely of fabric, but hidden inside that waistline casing the elastic takes over, making a garment more comfortable to wear and also accommodating minor weight changes. To make a partial-elastic drawstring, cut and sew a fabric drawstring 12 inches to 18 inches shorter that the pattern suggests. Cut the finished drawstring in half, and securely sew each cut end to a 12-inch to 18-inch strip of narrow elastic. For more stretch, lengthen the elastic, but don't make it too long, or it will show when you tie the drawstrings.

posted in: tips & tricks, garment construction

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Sassykids writes: OH what a great idea. I have a lot of PJ's to make and I'm going to use the this idea instead of just a drawstring.
Thanks for sharing,
Debbie Posted: 8:06 am on October 11th

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