There is no doubt that stitching elastic on pants is a difficult skill to learn. Not only is it difficult to comprehend the necessary technique of correctly attaching and securing the elastic, but it can be even harder to transfer that knowledge into physical practice. Those wishing to learn how to put elastic in pants without the use of a sewing machine can find the task daunting. Thankfully, there are some simple steps that one can take in order to put elastic in pants without the use of a sewing machine.
The first step is to prepare the waistband of the pants, including the elastic. It is important to remember to pre-shrink the elastic if it is made of a natural fibre, and to be sure to use the correct width of elastic, as this will help to make sure the pants are a perfect fit. Once prepared, the elastic should then be threaded through the waistband of the pants. The easiest way to thread the elastic is to use a large safety pin, with the pin going through one end of the elastic and the elastic looped around the pin.
The next step is to measure the correct length of elastic for the waistband. This is done in two ways; either by measuring the waistline of the pants and then subtracting the width of the elastic, or by measuring the elastic around the waist and subtracting the circumference of the pants. To ensure a snug fit, it is important to add an extra centimetre or two of elastic to the measurement.
Once the correct length of elastic has been determined, the ends of the elastic should be secured to prevent them from fraying. There are several ways to do this, including using canning wax, glue or specialised elastic sealer. After the ends of the elastic have been secured, the next step is to attach the elastic to the waistband of the pants. This is done by either hand stitching or machine stitching the elastic to the waistband, ensuring that the stitching is tight and secure.
Once the elastic has been attached to the waistband, the next step is to assess the fit before cutting off the excess elastic. It is important to ensure that the waistband is a snug fit but not too tight, as this could be uncomfortable. If the fit is correct, the excess elastic should be cut off and the waistband hemmed.
Putting elastic into pants without the use of a sewing machine can seem daunting, but with the right tools, preparation and patience it is possible. With these steps, anyone can sew elastic into a pair of pants without the use of a sewing machine.
Tools Required to Put Elastic in Pants Without Sewing Machine
Whether one is a beginner or an expert at sewing, having the right tools when putting elastic in pants is essential. The main tools that one will need are a measuring tape or ruler, a marker pen or fabric pen, scissors, a safety pin, elastic and either a canning wax, glue or specialised elastic sealer. With these items, one will have everything needed to be able to sew elastic into pants without the use of a sewing machine.
A measuring tape or ruler is important as it will be used to measure the length of the elastic. It is important to get the correct measurements to ensure a snug fit. A marker pen or fabric pen will be used to mark the elastic and waistband of the pants for the cutting and stitching. Additionally, a pair of scissors will be needed to cut the elastic to the correct size and the waistband to the correct length. As well as this, a safety pin is important for threading the elastic through the waistband. Finally, one will need either a canning wax, glue or specialised elastic sealer in order to securely seal and finish the ends of the elastic.
Customising the Fit and Material of Elastic
When putting elastic in pants, it is important to take into account the size of the pants and the width of the elastic. It is important to remember that different sizes of pants will require different widths of elastic, and vice versa. Additionally, taking into account the material of the pants and elastic is important; natural fibre materials such as cotton and wool will require the elastic to be pre-shrunk before it is attached. This is to ensure that the elastic does not become too stretched and lose its shape, as this will render the pants ill fitting and uncomfortable.
It is also possible to customise the fit of the elastic by adding additional material such as ribbon or twill tape. Adding this additional material to the elastic will create a snugger fit which will ensure the pants stay securely on the waist and move with the wearer. For this, one must pre-shrink the added material and then attach it to one end of the elastic before fitting it to the waistband of the pants.
Alternatives to Hand Sewing Elastic
For those who do not wish to hand stitch the elastic to the waistband, there are other alternatives which one can use in order to secure the elastic. Probably the easiest way to secure the elastic is to use adhesive products such as fabric glue. This method is simple and easy to use, however it may not be as secure as hand stitching and may eventually come undone if the fabric glue cannot withstand the tension of the garment.
Another alternative to hand sewing is to use a glue gun. This is an effective and fast method of securing the elastic, although it is not as secure as hand stitchings. Additionally, one must be careful to ensure that the glue does not seep out between the gaps of the fabric, as this could ruin and discolour the fabric.
Finally, one can also use a narrow overlock stitch or a wide flatlock stitch on a professional overlock or interlock machine. This is the most secure and durable method of sewing elastic onto pants. However, this option is only viable for those who have easy access to a professional machine.
Discontinuing the Elastic and Waistband
After the elastic has been correctly secured to the waistband, it is important to discontinue the elastic and waistband. This ensures that the waistband does not become stretched over time, as this can render the item of clothing ill fitting and uncomfortable. This can be done by using a variety of techniques, such as using a wide zigzag stitch on a sewing machine, or alternatively using a serger machine which can produce a professional finish.
For larger items such as trousers or skirts, it is important to use a wide flatlock or overlock stitch. This will ensure that the waistband is secure and the elastic is not easily pulled off. Additionally, it is possible to use a specialised elastic sealer or adhesive spray to make the waistband and elastic extra secure.
Preparing the Material Before Attaching Elastic
Before beginning to attach elastic to the waistband, it is important to prepare the fabric. This will ensure that the fabric does not fray and the elastic does not come undone. It is important to remember to pre-shrink the material, either by washing the fabric or by steaming it. Additionally, it is a good idea to interface the fabric before attaching the elastic; this will help to prevent stretching and ensure that the fabric remains snug and secure.
As well as this, it is important to make sure that the fabric is free of creases, and that there are no loose threads that could become tangled in the elastic or waistband. This will ensure a professional finish and help to prevent the elastic coming undone.
Stitching Techniques for Attaching Elastic
Using the correct stitching techniques is key when it comes to securely attaching the elastic. It is important to ensure that the stitches are close together, as this will help to prevent the elastic from coming undone. Additionally, it is advisable to stagger the stitches slightly, as this will help to eliminate any tugging or pulling on the elastic.
Similarly, one should make sure to pull the elastic and waistband taut when stitching in order to ensure a snug and secure fit. This will also help to prevent the elastic from being pulled off the waistband. In order to further secure the waistband and elastic, one can also use a specialised elastic seam sealer or an adhesion spray on the stitches.
