Sewing an Elastic Waistband
Sewing professionals and designers share their secrets for comfortable, fashionable waistbands
Almost every sewer has a favorite style of elastic waistband or is looking for the perfect one. I’ve experimented with various techniques over the years and have found a few I like a lot, but I wanted to find out the favorite waistbands of some of my sewing colleagues. I’ve also discovered some great designer approaches to this that are worth trying in your own garments.
All elastic waistbands fall essentially into two categories—those in which the elastic is inserted into a stitched-down casing and those in which the elastic is sewn directly to the fabric. Whichever method you select, the overriding issue is comfort. For me, the narrower the elastic, the less aware I am of something around my waist. But others prefer the firmer feel of a wider elastic. And although most of us wear something over an elastic waistband that hides it, some of the designer techniques I want to share are pretty enough to leave uncovered.
The sewing professional’s favorite techniques
San Francisco sewing luminary Sandra Betzina uses Ban-rol XL-90 super-stretch elastic almost exclusively in her elastic waistbands, choosing a width compatible with her fabric type. This mesh-like elastic, which comes 3/4 inch to 1-1/2 inches wide, is available in white only and is sold by the yard off the roll (see Waistband supplies by mail). She cuts the elastic based on her waist measurement minus 4 inches and feeds it through a casing using a safety pin. Next, she uses a 75/11HS ballpoint needle to sew several parallel rows of topstitching through the fabric casing and elastic. What looks like separate rows of elastic fed through several casings is actually one complete band that does not roll, crush, or curl.
The pull-on waistband that sewing expert Marcy Tilton, of…
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Where can I find waistband elastic that looks good all on its own - no casing!
I want 1 1/2 to 2 inch wide black elastic
Dee, this elastic is available at Hancock's Fabrics. Do you know what stitch to use to sew it on to the skirt waist? Do you use the actual waist measurement?
Great article. I make a lot of skirts and dresses with elastic waists and the tips should be helpful. I'm glad to see that the fashion world is realizing that elastic can be flattering and is really comfortable. I have a lot of nice business type skirts that have a flat front and elastic in the back. I like to tuck my blouses in so you get that tailored look in the front and that nice firm but gentle ease of the wide elastic in back. The fashion police may frown upon such things, but it is comfy and I wear nice silk blouses and heels and I think it looks nice. I think the gathering in the back softens the look. Frumpy or not, I am comfy. While you won't see me wearing pull on mom jeans or granny pants anytime soon, I am not ashamed to say I am a fan of elastic.
I was reminded of this link the other day when I was looking through some older clothes and found my favorite blue and white polka dot from the 90s that I hadn't worn in years. I think I am going to get it cleaned and wear it again. I tried it on and instantly remembered why I loved that dress so much. It is actually more of a wide leg jumpsuit but the mid calf length and look of a fuller skirt longer skirt. It looks like a white blouse and jumper but is actually one piece, and it has the most soft, feminine wide gathered multistitch elastic backwaist. It is the most comfortable dress ever as any of you ladies who had a similar dress will recall. I like the feel of comfortable feel of skirts and this feels like a skirt but even more comfortable. The feel of those full fluttery culotte legs combined with the nice silky fabric and the cozy firm but gentle back elastic hugging the waist is pure bliss. You feel so feminine and pampered in this dress. I hadn't worn it since before I met my husband so I tried it on for him and he said it was adorable, as did my 14 year old daughter who called it vintage chic. It will be nice for church because I teach Sunday school to toddlers so I do a lot of moving around, kneeling, playing, etc. so the split skirt makes all that easier. I wish I could sew a nice smocked elastic back waist that could be worn uncovered. I would like to make a dress or a jumper dress like that. I'm bringing it back. It's good to see the fashion world coming around to softer feminine styles, including elastic waists. We can actually be comfortable and stylish. Yay!
I was reminded of this link the other day when I was looking through some older clothes and found my favorite blue and white polka dot from the 90s that I hadn't worn in years. I think I am going to get it cleaned and wear it again. I tried it on and instantly remembered why I loved that dress so much. It is actually more of a wide leg jumpsuit but the mid calf length and look of a fuller skirt longer skirt. It looks like a white blouse and jumper but is actually one piece, and it has the most soft, feminine wide gathered multistitch elastic backwaist. It is the most comfortable dress ever as any of you ladies who had a similar dress will recall. I like the feel of comfortable feel of skirts and this feels like a skirt but even more comfortable. The feel of those full fluttery culotte legs combined with the nice silky fabric and the cozy firm but gentle back elastic hugging the waist is pure bliss. You feel so feminine and pampered in this dress. I hadn't worn it since before I met my husband so I tried it on for him and he said it was adorable, as did my 14 year old daughter who called it vintage chic. It will be nice for church because I teach Sunday school to toddlers so I do a lot of moving around, kneeling, playing, etc. so the split skirt makes all that easier. I wish I could sew a nice smocked elastic back waist that could be worn uncovered. I would like to make a dress or a jumper dress like that. I'm bringing it back. It's good to see the fashion world coming around to softer feminine styles, including elastic waists. We can actually be comfortable and stylish. Yay!
Fantastic article. Thank you!
I will be making one of these elastic waists soon in a pair of pajama pants. I like to try new techniques, but I hate to throw anything away, so pajamas are a perfect test for this technique.