Hello! I just made myself a simple knit dress, copying a dress I bought. I used elastic thread in the bobbin to elasticize the waist, making three rows. However, unlike that of the the ready-to-wear dress, the elastic digs into my skin, after a few hours it becomes irritating, and is not comfortable for wearing a whole day. It IS slightly tighter (I did tests on scraps but did not have much control over the shirring), but not by much. I want to elasticize the waist but have it as comfortable as possible, without a large elastic against my (sensitive :-)!) skin. I also like the look of rows of shirring to define the waist.
I thought I’d try perhaps putting the elastic thread on the outside, but am afraid that won’t look as good. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Gracias, Merci, Thanks, Danke Shoen! 🙂
Replies
Take out the elastic thread and stitch a facing behind the area where you want the elastic. Stitch four rows about a half inch apart and then run 1/4 inch elastic through the three channels. You will be able to adjust the elastic to feel just the way you want it and then stitch through the ends. You can probably use a piece of the knit to use as the "facing".
lastic waistband
Thank you for your advice. I remember seeing a Threads article showing how to make a three layer chiffon skirt with just that waistband treament - I will have to dig it up.
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