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From: wzatmath
Date: 09-05-2004, 04:35 PM (1 of 7)
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Well, I haven't sewn in 25 years, but am doing well so far with all your help!! I do have a question. My daughter and her girlfriend want louging P.J. bottoms! I know there will be many occasions when I have to do an elastic waist, but I have seen so many twist. The one pattern calls for a drawstring, so I have chosen that one, but there is another that calls for both! Can someone supply some of your many years of experience with a technique that is easy, but will also reduce or eliminate the problem of twisting? Thank you again for your assistance! I love this board and site and have spent many hours at our local Joann's raving about it to others who have in turn registered!! I am from Roseburg and sewing help is in the slim pickings area! Laura D. |
User: wzatmath
Member since: 08-12-2004 Total posts: 6 
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 09-05-2004, 06:00 PM (2 of 7)
I've sewn my scrub pants for years using both elastic and drawstring because of the weight of everything I have to keep in my pants pockets stretches the elastic out after a while and I'm too lazy  to replace it so I just cinch up the drawstring when needed. The only time I have a twisting problem is if I use a cheap elastic. I don't know if your pattern tells you to make the opening for the drawstring on the outside or inside of the casing. Thru trial and error I have found I prefer it on the outside. I make 2 small button holes center front, reenforcing the back of them with scrap fabric, cut a piece of cording big enough to get over the hips thread the ends thru the button holes. Then I measure my elastic and sew the ends together, press down the casing and sew the elastic and the cording into the casing without stretching the elastic. Since I have learned to do this I have never gone back to threading elastic thru a casing. The cording also helps to keep the cheaper elastic from twisting. Hope this helps.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 09-05-2004, 09:54 PM (3 of 7)
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This may not have been taught in any book, etc., but after I thread my elastic through the casing, I adjust the waist on the elastic so it is even, then I find each seam and sew a verticl seam up and then down that seam. If you do this on all four seams, it keeps the elastic from rolling inside the casing. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 09-05-2004, 11:13 PM (4 of 7)
| There also is elastic with cording already in it that I have used with good results, if you are looking to use both items. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-06-2004, 08:43 AM (5 of 7)
Wzatmath, welcome to Sew Whats New  and thanks so much for telling your friends about us. Sewing help and friendship are what we specialize in on these boards.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 09-06-2004, 09:23 AM (6 of 7)
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Sometimes, after the elastic is in the casing, I use a stretch and, stretching the elastic while I sew, sew all the way around the garment catching in the lower edge of the elastic. Some times I do the same stitch around the top of the elastic too, depending on the look I want. Other times I do like Patsy, just stitch in the ditch at the seams. It depends on the look I want and how big a hurry I am in. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-08-2004, 12:53 AM (7 of 7)
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The last 2 or 3 patterns I used, told me to do Patsy's method of stitching in the seams to keep the elastic straight.. I also like the elastic with the drawstring already attached to it..The elastic is top quality in that.! !
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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