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From: GFranklin
Date: 10-10-2006, 12:31 PM (1 of 14)
I am sewing for the first time on interlock knit. I used my serger to coverstitch the hem of the pajama legs. Now, I need to insert elastic for the waistband. The seams are already serged, but I could open them up at the waist and "thread elastic". However, I would like to do a coverstitch here as well and insert the elastic at the same time. But, I am not completely sure how to do this. I need help . Would it be easier to "thread", coverstitch/insert, or use a twin needle on the sewing machine and insert? Any words of wisdom?
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: snipnstitch
Date: 10-11-2006, 06:03 PM (2 of 14)
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I just saw a Sewing with Nancy show where she showed that you use the serger to stitch the elastic to the edge of the upper pant and then folding the elastic to the inside stitch it down using your coverstitch. This gives the same finish to the inside edge that you would find on rtw pajamas... if you do not use your serger.. then take and sew your casing leaving about 2 inches unstitched to insert your elastic and then finish stitching when done. There is no reason to rip any of ht eside seam out to insert your elastic. Both ways give a good finish to the pajamas.. and so long as you have serger ready to go - either way is just as easy as the other. Carolyn in Louisiana |
User: snipnstitch
Member since: 10-10-2006 Total posts: 7 |
From: GFranklin
Date: 10-12-2006, 01:35 PM (3 of 14)
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Thanks Carolyn! I'll let you know how it goes. Gayle Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: paroper
Date: 10-12-2006, 05:55 PM (4 of 14)
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Most people measure the elastic then pin in 4 places before they start. Then they just stretch the elastic as they apply it to the garment. I don't usually do it this way because if the elastic stretches out over time you have to take the pants apart to replace the elastic. I personally prefer my elastic in casings where it can easily be taken up, removed or replaced. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: GFranklin
Date: 10-13-2006, 10:21 AM (5 of 14)
I agree with you. It is much easier to replace the elastic if it is "free" in the casing. I think I will try to encase the elastic without catching it with the serger. Maybe just coverstitch the hem of the casing and leave an opening to thread the elastic through. Don't know why I get so weird over doing something new. But I do have this great serger and it is silly not to learn how to use it .
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-14-2006, 01:10 AM (6 of 14)
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I have a sewing with nancy book that she shows casing done by first sewing the elastic into the circle at the measurement you need. Then you fold over your casing, press it, and put your elastic inside, then using your coverstitch or a zipper foot sew really close to the elastic, as you get near the end just pull the elastic from the already sewn casing out and you keep sewing til you get to where you started, done, no threading elastic through. It's really easy
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: GFranklin
Date: 10-14-2006, 12:04 PM (7 of 14)
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OK, so I won't be stretching the elastic as I go, but serging a coverstitch on a smooth area and when that is filled move the elastic to create another smooth area (hope this makes sense). Is that correct? I don't have Nancy's sewing book, but I do have Sandra Betzina and she suggests measuring the elastic your waist measurement minus an inch or two (don't remember off-hand exactly), then butting the ends together and wrapping with a piece of ribbon, stitching the ribbon to the elastic. This would create the circle you suggested. Is this how you create your circle? Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-14-2006, 03:16 PM (8 of 14)
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Gayle, That is the way I learned from Sandra also, and it is a foolproof method of joining the elastic, Then I finish the waistband the same way Bridesmom says to do the stitching and I do it with a zipper foot.. I do not use my coverstitch machine because I don't think 2 rows of stitches are needed, besides it would just make the waistband wider than it needs to be, don't you think?? I like for my elastic to be snug inside the casing created so that it does not twist. I find the zipper foot works so well for this.. I always use a small scrap of cotton to fold over the elastic ends and stitch on that, so I never have any of the dreaded thread nests that way.. If i try to stitch on the elastic directly, I always get terrible thread nests.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: GFranklin
Date: 10-15-2006, 10:48 AM (9 of 14)
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Libby, have you tried stitching in the ditch of the side seams after your have inserted the elastic? I find that this keeps the elastic from rolling/twisting and still allows for stretching. I hadn't thought about using a zipper foot, though. But, if I am using cotton fabric, I do stitch close to the top edge of the casing and it makes a snugger fit for the elastic, too. Thanks for your idea! Gayle Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-15-2006, 10:50 AM (10 of 14)
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I join the elastic with a small piece of ribbon or cloth the same width of the elastic. The cloth is underneath the butted join and I zigzag both sides of the butted elastic, catching the cloth underneath.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: GFranklin
Date: 10-16-2006, 04:48 PM (11 of 14)
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Finally! I butted the edges of the elastic together and joined with a piece of grosgrain ribbon. Then, following your suggestions, I pressed the casing, inserted the ring of elastic, and using the serger (which was the point of the whole exercise in the first place) I used a coverstitch, placing the foot right up against the edge of the elastic; smoothing the knit and pulling the elastic through as I went along. I used the Nancy sewing method, and it was great! Couldn't have been easier. My only little snag was with my serger--it wanted to drag a little over the seams, even though I had snipped them and pressed them in opposite directions to make them a little flatter. I am quite pleased with my first attempt and thank all of you--couldn't have done it without you! BTW, Bridesmom, what is the title of the sewing with Nancy book that you have? Do you recommend it? TIA. Gayle Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-16-2006, 09:50 PM (12 of 14)
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The first one I got is 10-20-30 Min To Sew and I really like it. Then I got Sewing Express which I have browsed through and 501 Sewing Hints which is good but kind of hard to find specific things you are looking for. I also got her Machine Embroidery with Confidence book and it's quite good as well.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: GFranklin
Date: 10-18-2006, 12:18 PM (13 of 14)
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So, the 10-20-30 Minutes to sew is your favorite? I only have her Serge with Confidence book. It is good, but not what I thought it would be when I ordered it. It has lots of projects, though (like I don't have enough). I have thought about getting her Machine Embroidery book. Did you just get the book, or did you get the CD too?
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-21-2006, 12:16 PM (14 of 14)
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I really like the 10-20-30 min to sew book, it has lots of different tips in it for shortcuts, like sewing the elastic, serging tips, cutting out pattern tips, etc. I'd have to say it's my favorite. The Machine embroidery book didn't have the CD and I quite like it, though I don't use it much as I have found that a lot of the stuff that she demos in the book are things I wouldn't do (project wise). I mostly embroidery for the grandkids, though I'd like to do more but I struggle with my machine. Don't know if its because its very old, or if its just me and my lack of knowledge on embroidery. I'm getting better with practice though.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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