Add Elastic to Lingerie and Swimwear | Video
Sewing expert Angela Wolf answers reader questions on adding elastic to swimwear and lingerie items.In a recent post, frequent Threads contributor and sewing expert Angela Wolf offered valuable advice and answered most of your online questions. Now, the fashion designer has teamed up with with Threads Executive Editor Judith Neukam to address five of your sewing dilemmas in a series of Q&A videos.
In this Q&A video, Angela Wolf shares some great tips for adding elastic to lingerie and swimwear items.
Angela answers additional questions in these videos:
Quick Tips for Adjusting Shoulders
Adjusting the Waistband on Ready-to-Wear Pants
Measure and remove one inch, two inches ? Seems loose. I have made my own underwear for quite a long time and my method has always been; measure the area you will be using the elastic on, divide by four and remove one quarter from the whole. Before you cut the elastic, tie a loose knot, in the elastic, at the number you came up with and try the elastic for fit, if it feels tight, give yourself a bit more elastic. One inch, two inches ... until it feels comfortable. If the original measurement is between whole numbers, I go up to the next whole number. No reason, it is just easier to remember. Usually I make a note on the pattern of how much elastic I needed for that item.
Elastic application is a nightmare for me. A simple encased band is no issue - I simply measure for a comfortable fit; however, when I stitch elastic, it always stretches and looses the fit I wanted. This has stopped me from attempting lingerie and swim are as the elastic is always stitched in. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
@epek As I mentioned, each elastic is different in stretch. I usually test a few of them -
-cut strips of fabric the same length
-stitch on various widths of elastic and compare the lengths
you will find the narrower the elastic the less length you will need.
Keep those samples for future projects -Good Luck :)
Epek, I completely agree with you!