Replies

1. 
   stitchagain | Oct 01, 2007 02:07am | #1

   I have had a lot of success making pants or skirts that are a tich too big (on purpose or accident) and then giving them a bit of stretch by inserting elastic into the normally applied waistband.  Just attach 1" elastic that is a bit short to each side seam and finish the waistband as you normally would.  I had seen it on manufactured clothing so I gave it a try.

   You don't mention if there are zippers on these pants so this might not work on pants with no zippers.

    

   stitchagain

1. 
   Commonwealth | Oct 01, 2007 02:31am | #2

   The pants are new and there will be elastic in approx. 3/4 of the waistband.  She does not want elastic in the front 3 or 4 inches.

2. 
   GailAnn | Oct 01, 2007 03:56am | #3

   There are a few commercial patterns like this.  McCalls M4474, is one that makes up very nicely.  One of the advantages is if you want a 'shirt tucked in' look, the front still looks nice and neat.  I like them.  Gail

3. 
   starzoe | Oct 01, 2007 05:07am | #4

   This is really quite simple. Measure the elastic so it fits on the body where your student wants it (from side seam to side seam, or otherwise). Make the waistband the regular way(s), either attached or a foldover. Insert the elastic where it is wanted. Sew vertically on the waistband, stretch it around to the other end and do the same (sew vertically), then either machine or hand-sew the band in place.It will be easier to construct if you sew the band completely onto the pants where the elastic will go, and run the elastic through that, secure it and then sew down the band for the remainder either by hand or machine.

4. 
   suesew | Oct 01, 2007 05:57am | #5

   Simply put elastic in the waist band in a one to one ratio wherever she doesn't want it to stretch and then stitich vertically through it to hold it in place. I often use elastic as a waist band interfacing without stretching it - it doesn't roll and makes a nice firm waistband, with a little give if you want it.