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From: Alynmc
Date: 02-23-2004, 01:31 AM (1 of 6)
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I have a question about putting elastic in a waistband. I am making a pair of pajamas for my daughter. The pattern directions say: Cut a piece of elastic to fit waist, plus 1 inch. Since I am new at sewing I checked a sewing reference book and it said to measure waist, minus 1 inch. The pattern instructions go on to say: Insert elastic through casing, overlap ends and hold with safety pin. Try on garmet and adjust to fit. Stitch ends of elastic together securely. My question is do I add 1 inch to the waist measurement of subtract 1 inch? thank you Andrea |
User: Alynmc
Member since: 02-17-2004 Total posts: 8 
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From: MarysRose
Date: 02-23-2004, 04:16 AM (2 of 6)
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I add one inch because you overlap 1/2 inch on each end and sew together If I think it will be too loose, I do not add so much. Remember that for pajama bottoms, you don't want them to cut off the circulation in the middle. The measurement for the waist should keep them up. May sew a piece of elastic together + 1 inch and try it on your daughter. See how she thinks it feels. Laura
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User: MarysRose
Member since: 06-19-2003 Total posts: 37 
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From: MaryW
Date: 02-23-2004, 07:07 AM (3 of 6)
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I subtract inches from my elastic. I want it snug for my waist but loose enough to go over the hips easily.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 02-23-2004, 07:52 AM (4 of 6)
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I think what the pattern means is add the inch when you first cut it then, after it is in the casing, you try the garment on and cut off the excess -- probably more than the inch. That's not how I do it -- I cut it to size first -- but it is probably a good way to do it the first few times anyway. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Alynmc
Date: 02-24-2004, 03:43 PM (5 of 6)
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Thank you all. I added an inch to my daughters waist measurment then put the elastic in the casing. I then tried them on my daughter and made the necessary adjustments. They actually came out a little loose, but not bad for my first try at elastic. I will adjust a little tighter next time! Thanks again Andrea |
User: Alynmc
Member since: 02-17-2004 Total posts: 8
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 02-25-2004, 06:52 PM (6 of 6)
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Did you know to put a little strip of cotton fabric under the elastic before you stitch it together with your machine.. This makes life a lot easier because sometime the machine does not want to stitch on the elastic without causing a terrible mess..I actually wrap a piece all the way around the elastic.. (top and bottom) It goes together like a dream, then...
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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