The Savvy Sewer Salon at Sawyer Brook

Can anyone point me to an article or a web page that tells me about the different kinds of elastic? Or, tell me on these posts?

Also...
I have always stitched through elastic for casual elastic waistbands for shorts. However, I was told by a more experienced sewist that you cannot stitch through some elastic. I have not seen any statements on the packages that say you can or cannot stitch through it. And, how can I tell a quality elastic?

Thanks,
Becky in Dallas

Elastic that is meant to be stitched through is often called "Sport Elastic". It has lines evenly spaced along the length that are essentially knitted without the actual elastic thread in them, leaving a channel for the stitches to go through. It's available in several widths, and generally has 4 lines for the stitching: top, bottom, and two down the center. There's even a version that has drawstring in the middle, for sweatpants etc. To use this elastic, after joining the length to make a circle, I usually sew (serge) one edge to the top of the waistband, which I've pressed down 1/2". Then I fold the waist down, encasing the elastic. Anchor the casing by stitching in the ditch (sewing vertically) at seamlines, then sew each channel while stretching the elastic. Note: this elastic is tricky, because it often stretches out significantly while being stitched. Often it recovers in washing, but it's best to try a sample length to see how much shorter you want to cut it.

You can also stitch through lingerie elastic, because it's lighter weight and woven rather than braided. Another one is clear elastic, often used in swimwear - it's super-stretchy and has good recovery.

That's pretty much all I know about elastic!

Janee, Are you the elastic guru? I haven't sewn any little children's elastic waist shorts for years and I am wondering what kind of elastic I should buy for this job. I imagine the garments will be washed over and over again and I want something soft but very durable. Any help will be much appreciated. Brenda