There are several ways to apply elastic. Slide it through a fabric tunnel called a casing or stretch it out over a piece of fabric and stitch through it. Garment sewing expert Judith Neukam explains that elastic can be applied around a neckline, on sleeves and pant cuffs, and can be an alternative to darts for shaping.

In this video, she shows the optimal way of stretching or extending elastic while machine-sewing it to fabric. First, she sews clear elastic to a swimsuit edge using a machine zigzag stitch. Then she demonstrates elasticized smocking, and finally how to add elastic as a waistband.

This detailed tutorial is one episode in Season 2 of  the comprehensive Teach Yourself to Sew series.

Teach Yourself to Sew

Judith, the series host, got her first taste of sewing when she took the free lessons that came with her mother’s sewing machine purchase. Judith was 9 at the time. Soon after, she was sewing her own clothes and feeding her passion for the craft. In her Teach Yourself to Sew series, Judith shares her enduring love of sewing and her invaluable years of sewing experience.

Getting started

She starts with discussing the equipment and the essential sewing notions for anyone who sews. You’ll learn about shopping for fabrics, choosing patterns (including selecting the correct size), and planning the perfect pattern layout. From machine-sewing simple seams to inserting zippers and stitching buttonholes, Judith demonstrates the key steps to making a custom garment.

Discover methods for clean-finishing seam allowances and applying facings so all edges are neat. To add shape to garments, Judith explains how and why to sew darts, and how to gather fabric for volume. Other garment elements, such as sleeves, pockets, and elasticized waistbands, are shown in easy-to-follow video tutorials.

Advancing your skills

When…