Agreed! I have some digestive stuff going on that makes it so what fits in the morning might not in the afternoon of the same day. I intentionally don't stitch one end of the elastic and keep it safety pinned so I can adjust as needed.
@@hathorthecow7146I love that idea as much as I love the creator’s method. I’ve got IBS but it is much better after doing the low FODMAP diet. Still get flare-ups when I eat something I shouldn’t, so elastic waists are imperative!
@@kashigata yoooo same deal here. I still vloat up even if I eat nothing but spinach and white rice, though. I'm back to eating high fodmap again with no more problems than I have low fodmap after 2 years of low fodmap and a few weeks of an elemental diet which i can't recommend because it tastes disgusting.
Just a reminder that the elastic will shrink after wash, so add a bit. Also, with this technique, it's extremely hard to replace the elastic if it loses it's stretchyness or if you accidentally made the elastic the wrong leangth. (Guess how I know tbese things? Lol)
@@bellkatie9527exactly. This method has a disadvantage though: the elastic can move around and twist. To combat this, I handstitch the elastic to the inside front, back and sideseem. It's still easy to replace, but stays in place!
@cynnimini2650 it's easier if you look for a beginner video, but basically, make sure side seams are ironed flat at least the leangth you need for this. You can have the seams to one side....but I have found that caused issues for me. you turn the top over about a 1/2 if you are new, once you get comfortable you can make it smaller. Also depends on the elastic width. Then you fold down your elastic width plus 1/4" ironing each step of course. Then you pin it putting to width wise about 2-3" or so apart to mark your hole. Sew from the top about a 1/4" in, I would recommend at the beginning and you can slowly work your way to closer to the edge as you go. Once you have you elastic cut to size, put a safety pin at each end and start pulling through. The one pin being as a block to stop it from going through. And because you ironed the side seems down it should make it easier for the elastic. If you have the seems to one side, be careful because it could be the wrong direction, or it could have moved and now its sewn shut and you'll have to rip out the bottom seam to get the elastic through and seam it back again.....which does take practice to get right but you got this! Once the front end in through, overlap the ends 1 inch, pin and try on if it's skirt or pants to see if it fits good (remember it will shrink a bit)and sew a box with a line or X through if it's good. After that pull through, and close up that opening you left. And ta da! You got it. Now it does take some practice and even I don't get it right every time but it gets easier. Hope this helped! I know basic sewing but definitely am not a fancy sewer.
When the elastic wears out and gets way too loose it is awful to take apart. That is why I prefer a casing. You can just open it up and place a new tighter elastic inside the same casing.
Better to make casing w slit opening to insert and remove elastic and/or cord! Makes pants last for years and years! The gathered elastic is faster but looks cheap! Invest the time & labor. But only if the pants/shorts/skirts are ones you feel worthy of said investment.
The only thing to keep in mind is that elastic is usually the first thing to wear out and this method makes it very hard to replace your elastic. If i spend time making something i want it to last a long time and be able to easily repair it. But the beauty of sewing is that you do it how you want to! Just know pros and cons to different methods.
This won't work with all kinds of elastic, only some. Some elastics will lose their stretch significantly when sown over, especially if you don't stretch them or dont use a zigzag.
I love that you're using a simple sewing machine. So many channels, the person is using a fancy machine that most of us don't have and can't afford that makes what they're doing impossible for most of us. You're using a simple sewing machine that makes your tutorials relatable for many of us. ❤
As a person who needs to change elastics a lot, I'd say it's a nightmare to rip out or replace. Sometimes I just add another elastic into existing channel, if the previous one is sewn in. But here even the channel is not existent...
This is fantastic! I've been looking all over TH-cam for a simple way to get this clean gathered look with an elastic and couldn't find it. As a beginner your channel is a life saver ❤
I've never seen this method with the first stitching down the middle of the elastic. I have been using giant zigzag stitches along the edge of the fabric for the first stitching, followed by medium zigzag stitches after the turning. I also connect the elastic ends before all the other steps.
This video is okay, though really flimsily sewn.. here are some tips that helped me, I would sew the elastic ends together first creating a circle, using about 1 inch of each end overlapping each other and make sure you use a zig-zag stitch. Begin by stitching diagonally, making an X shape across the square of your elastic ends, where your connecting the circle, and then I go up and down the edges of the one inch square as well. If you only do a small back and forth, as shown in the video, your elastic seams can and most likely will end up breaking and coming apart. Also if you use a zig-zag stitch to secure the twice rolled down elastic (rather than a straight stitch) stretching as you go, you will have much more give and stretch in your waist band. Straight stitch tends to break easily on waist band.
I've done it that way for years. When you've sewed the casing closed, stretch the elastic a couple of times, and I'd say it looks better than this example @rachel705
I sew up the waist band and leave an opening. I then thread the elastic with a bobbin pin and stitch the ends of the elastic with a zig zag stitch. Then I sew the remaining waistband seam. Pull the waistband wide to let the gathers spread evenly. Then, stitch in the ditch at all 4 waist band seams. This stops the elastic rolling. If I needed to change it at a later date or take some out, I don't have to open up the full waist band.
Yeah, but when you sew it on this way it's harder to replace the elastic when it wears out over time. You'll have to unpick both the zigzag and straight stitch. I still prefer it this way, it's just a consideration. 😊
I feel the same way. Threading the elastic is best. Not only to replace the elastic when it wears out, but also to adjust it in case you loose some weight.
@rainymornings elastics wear out???? I have clothes with elastics that are 20+ year old and have been worn and washed many many times and none was ever worn out or damaged :0
Actually you should always pull really good on the elastic when you do the straight stitch because of the tension of the thread. If you don’t the stitches will snap. Also recommend decreasing both tensions to let the thread sew looser. Also recommend nylon thread instead of cotton because it’s stretchier. Maybe even use a combination of 150 and 120.
How do you keep the elastic from being permanently stretched out after you sew it? Whenever I stitch through it, it wont snap fully back and the waist will be too big
Wow thanks I just bought some fabric and I was thinking if I should make a vest or some shorts with it, but I totally forgot the elastic im going to have to get it. Thanks for sharing us your knowledge
I follow a similar method. I mark the quarter points on the elastic, but I dont pin it into the waistband. Rather, I just hold the point in place, find the midpoint and hold that with my other hand, and use my serger to sew it in place. To prevent a puckered effect on the fabric itself, remember to keep the fabric as flat as possible on your serger or sewing machine bed, and ONLY stretch the elastic. NOT the fabric. This technique also applies to neckbands, arm or leg cuffs or any type of stretchy elastic or fabric being sewn into something that will create a gathered effect. Then I fold the elastic over once and sew it in place with a narrow zigzag or a lightning stitch. A lightning stitch is basically a variation of a narrow zigzag stitch but it looks more like a straight stitch. I dont prefer a straight stitch with elastic or stretchy fabrics because the stitches may pop.
I assume to hide the fabric edge. It's serged here, so the edge is protected, but it would rub against your skin. You might be able to get away with tucking that bit in rather than folding twice, depending on how far down you placed your elastic when you sewed it on the first time.
Did you cut the elastic? I use the full length, pinning quarter marks at front, back, and side seams. Turning twice seems bulky. Mom taught me to press down a generous quarter of an inch. After stiching on the waistband, fold over the elastic and run a stitch on the edge of the pressed fabric.
Looks like you have the elastic high up on your waist , check where you want to wear pants, had a little bit tighter, or smaller because it’s gonna stretch?
I've seen others use a measuring tape for the waist and then deduct a few inches, but if you use the elastic instead then you take the actual measurement is that right? I'm a beginner and just want to understand. Thanks.
Why is NO ON doing Saturn 4 Standard reviews? Like whats the deal, I bogiht a saturn 4 cause the tilting vat genuinely worried me but jow im thinkijg thay was a poor decision jsur based on how skiddish everyone is to make a Saturn 4 standard review or somthing, i have mo clue.
I'm looking at all the comments about elastic wearing down and wonder whether I was lucky to have this issue only once in my life or something is wrong with elastics commenters buy. Some of my pj pants have perfectly fine elastics after YEARS of use, their fabric is what wears down tho and noticeably so lol Awesome method by the way, it's annoying when I buy something with an elastic band and it twists in its channel, absolute menace
So you use a zigzag stitch to attach the elastic in the middle of the elastic or at the bottom or the top? Then the second time you use a straight stitch are you going through the elastic at that point or just at the bottom of the fold?
I recognize it as the Singer Heavy Duty. They are fairly basic and relatively inexpensive. I’ve thought about dumping my somewhat problematic Husqvarna embroidery machine since I’ve never even opened the “suitcase” that contains all the gizmos and gravitate to one of my 1979/80 Singer Touchtronic 2001 (not the date) machines.
I prefer a tunnel and pull the elastic through with a safety pin. It's easier to change the elastic that way.
That's how my Nana taught me. It makes my favourite clothes last much longer cos I just replace the elastic.
Agreed! I have some digestive stuff going on that makes it so what fits in the morning might not in the afternoon of the same day. I intentionally don't stitch one end of the elastic and keep it safety pinned so I can adjust as needed.
@@hathorthecow7146I love that idea as much as I love the creator’s method. I’ve got IBS but it is much better after doing the low FODMAP diet. Still get flare-ups when I eat something I shouldn’t, so elastic waists are imperative!
@@kashigata yoooo same deal here. I still vloat up even if I eat nothing but spinach and white rice, though.
I'm back to eating high fodmap again with no more problems than I have low fodmap after 2 years of low fodmap and a few weeks of an elemental diet which i can't recommend because it tastes disgusting.
Elastic barely wears out though.
Just a reminder that the elastic will shrink after wash, so add a bit.
Also, with this technique, it's extremely hard to replace the elastic if it loses it's stretchyness or if you accidentally made the elastic the wrong leangth. (Guess how I know tbese things? Lol)
Can you explain how you sew it to make it easier to replace? I'm a beginner so I'd love some tips :)
Make a tunneln and take the elastik throug that later. So you can simply take it out and replace it with just a few stiches
@@bellkatie9527exactly. This method has a disadvantage though: the elastic can move around and twist. To combat this, I handstitch the elastic to the inside front, back and sideseem. It's still easy to replace, but stays in place!
Question; could you just toss the elastic in a load of laundry to preshrink it? Or would it need to be done numerous times to have an effect…?
@cynnimini2650 it's easier if you look for a beginner video, but basically, make sure side seams are ironed flat at least the leangth you need for this. You can have the seams to one side....but I have found that caused issues for me. you turn the top over about a 1/2 if you are new, once you get comfortable you can make it smaller. Also depends on the elastic width. Then you fold down your elastic width plus 1/4" ironing each step of course. Then you pin it putting to width wise about 2-3" or so apart to mark your hole. Sew from the top about a 1/4" in, I would recommend at the beginning and you can slowly work your way to closer to the edge as you go. Once you have you elastic cut to size, put a safety pin at each end and start pulling through. The one pin being as a block to stop it from going through. And because you ironed the side seems down it should make it easier for the elastic. If you have the seems to one side, be careful because it could be the wrong direction, or it could have moved and now its sewn shut and you'll have to rip out the bottom seam to get the elastic through and seam it back again.....which does take practice to get right but you got this! Once the front end in through, overlap the ends 1 inch, pin and try on if it's skirt or pants to see if it fits good (remember it will shrink a bit)and sew a box with a line or X through if it's good. After that pull through, and close up that opening you left. And ta da! You got it. Now it does take some practice and even I don't get it right every time but it gets easier.
Hope this helped! I know basic sewing but definitely am not a fancy sewer.
They are very cute but be warned, it only works on fairly light weight fabrics.
When the elastic wears out and gets way too loose it is awful to take apart. That is why I prefer a casing. You can just open it up and place a new tighter elastic inside the same casing.
Better to make casing w slit opening to insert and remove elastic and/or cord! Makes pants last for years and years! The gathered elastic is faster but looks cheap! Invest the time & labor. But only if the pants/shorts/skirts are ones you feel worthy of said investment.
The only thing to keep in mind is that elastic is usually the first thing to wear out and this method makes it very hard to replace your elastic. If i spend time making something i want it to last a long time and be able to easily repair it. But the beauty of sewing is that you do it how you want to! Just know pros and cons to different methods.
This won't work with all kinds of elastic, only some. Some elastics will lose their stretch significantly when sown over, especially if you don't stretch them or dont use a zigzag.
I love that you're using a simple sewing machine. So many channels, the person is using a fancy machine that most of us don't have and can't afford that makes what they're doing impossible for most of us. You're using a simple sewing machine that makes your tutorials relatable for many of us. ❤
Aw thank you! Simple sewing machines are my favorite 😂
I have been using a mini sewing machine I bought on Temu for 9 dlls 😮😬😂 I already made a vest for me and my son 😂 next is my wife
Which company sewing machine is this?@@JessicaShaw
@@LaibaRao-xm3luthat big red S says it's a Singer.
@@jturtle5318 ahh thanks my bad I didn't notice that S.
As a person who needs to change elastics a lot, I'd say it's a nightmare to rip out or replace. Sometimes I just add another elastic into existing channel, if the previous one is sewn in. But here even the channel is not existent...
Yes. But you have to join the ends together or else it will strech in a weird way
I love your technique!!!
This is fantastic! I've been looking all over TH-cam for a simple way to get this clean gathered look with an elastic and couldn't find it.
As a beginner your channel is a life saver ❤
Wow! Thank you! This is super helpful! What an incredible explanation!
Learnt this in Home Economics in High School in the 80s
I've never seen this method with the first stitching down the middle of the elastic. I have been using giant zigzag stitches along the edge of the fabric for the first stitching, followed by medium zigzag stitches after the turning. I also connect the elastic ends before all the other steps.
This video is okay, though really flimsily sewn.. here are some tips that helped me, I would sew the elastic ends together first creating a circle, using about 1 inch of each end overlapping each other and make sure you use a zig-zag stitch. Begin by stitching diagonally, making an X shape across the square of your elastic ends, where your connecting the circle, and then I go up and down the edges of the one inch square as well. If you only do a small back and forth, as shown in the video, your elastic seams can and most likely will end up breaking and coming apart. Also if you use a zig-zag stitch to secure the twice rolled down elastic (rather than a straight stitch) stretching as you go, you will have much more give and stretch in your waist band. Straight stitch tends to break easily on waist band.
Great point on using zig zag.
THIS is what I’ve been looking for! I hate when my elastic gets twisted in the channel and it looks awful from the outside 😭 doing this forever now!
I'd make a channel on top of the shorts then feed the elastics through it. That way it's easier to replace the elastics when it's all stretched out.
You wouldn’t get the same clean gathers
I've done it that way for years. When you've sewed the casing closed, stretch the elastic a couple of times, and I'd say it looks better than this example @rachel705
It rolls in a casing. This stops that. If you use better elastic it takes decades to deteriorate.
@@elizabethclaiborne6461please share where to buy better elastic!! Joanns is the only option locally, and it never lasts!
I sew up the waist band and leave an opening. I then thread the elastic with a bobbin pin and stitch the ends of the elastic with a zig zag stitch. Then I sew the remaining waistband seam. Pull the waistband wide to let the gathers spread evenly. Then, stitch in the ditch at all 4 waist band seams. This stops the elastic rolling. If I needed to change it at a later date or take some out, I don't have to open up the full waist band.
This is so much better than threading it through with a safety pin! Thanks for the tutorial!
Yeah, but when you sew it on this way it's harder to replace the elastic when it wears out over time. You'll have to unpick both the zigzag and straight stitch. I still prefer it this way, it's just a consideration. 😊
I feel the same way. Threading the elastic is best. Not only to replace the elastic when it wears out, but also to adjust it in case you loose some weight.
@rainymornings elastics wear out???? I have clothes with elastics that are 20+ year old and have been worn and washed many many times and none was ever worn out or damaged :0
No. The elastic sold these days degrades faster than in times past. This method of not using a casing means the elastic can't be replaced.
Just undo the stitch and sew in new elastic.
Actually you should always pull really good on the elastic when you do the straight stitch because of the tension of the thread. If you don’t the stitches will snap. Also recommend decreasing both tensions to let the thread sew looser. Also recommend nylon thread instead of cotton because it’s stretchier. Maybe even use a combination of 150 and 120.
Wow I learnt something today.many tks❤
How do you keep the elastic from being permanently stretched out after you sew it? Whenever I stitch through it, it wont snap fully back and the waist will be too big
This is very helpful.
Wow thanks I just bought some fabric and I was thinking if I should make a vest or some shorts with it, but I totally forgot the elastic im going to have to get it. Thanks for sharing us your knowledge
I follow a similar method. I mark the quarter points on the elastic, but I dont pin it into the waistband. Rather, I just hold the point in place, find the midpoint and hold that with my other hand, and use my serger to sew it in place. To prevent a puckered effect on the fabric itself, remember to keep the fabric as flat as possible on your serger or sewing machine bed, and ONLY stretch the elastic. NOT the fabric. This technique also applies to neckbands, arm or leg cuffs or any type of stretchy elastic or fabric being sewn into something that will create a gathered effect. Then I fold the elastic over once and sew it in place with a narrow zigzag or a lightning stitch. A lightning stitch is basically a variation of a narrow zigzag stitch but it looks more like a straight stitch. I dont prefer a straight stitch with elastic or stretchy fabrics because the stitches may pop.
Wonder why you rolled the waist over a second time?
I assume to hide the fabric edge. It's serged here, so the edge is protected, but it would rub against your skin. You might be able to get away with tucking that bit in rather than folding twice, depending on how far down you placed your elastic when you sewed it on the first time.
I learned how to do this 40 years ago. Glad to see that it is still being done.
Did you cut the elastic? I use the full length, pinning quarter marks at front, back, and side seams. Turning twice seems bulky. Mom taught me to press down a generous quarter of an inch. After stiching on the waistband, fold over the elastic and run a stitch on the edge of the pressed fabric.
I didn't know there was a different way! I've been doing this for 30yrs.
Are those men's pjs from Walmart?
If you sow like that, you need elastic yarn. Otherwise the yarn will break before you stretch out the elastic band enough to fit your waist 😅
what is the name of the fabric?❤❤
You must pull on the fabric at all times.
Thank you. Excellent tutorial
You should have matched the plaid.
Excellent instructions. Thank you!
Did you use a pattern for the shorts? If so, what pattern?
Thank you for these videos
Can you show me how to start sewing a pants and how to do measurements
Best tutorial on sewing elastic. Thanks a lot Ma'am👍👍
Looks like you have the elastic high up on your waist , check where you want to wear pants, had a little bit tighter, or smaller because it’s gonna stretch?
Can we get the pattern?
That is how I do it except I connect the elastic. Your way rocks
I've been doing it this way since the 60's. It's fast and easy.
I've seen others use a measuring tape for the waist and then deduct a few inches, but if you use the elastic instead then you take the actual measurement is that right? I'm a beginner and just want to understand. Thanks.
Hello Jessica I'm one of your followers from Schulenburg, Texas 😊 I love watching your videos thank you for sharing ❤
Any suggestions to adding elastic to workout leggings? I bought one that keeps rolling down. I’m a beginner sewer so video plz!! If possible!!
Why is NO ON doing Saturn 4 Standard reviews? Like whats the deal, I bogiht a saturn 4 cause the tilting vat genuinely worried me but jow im thinkijg thay was a poor decision jsur based on how skiddish everyone is to make a Saturn 4 standard review or somthing, i have mo clue.
I'm looking at all the comments about elastic wearing down and wonder whether I was lucky to have this issue only once in my life or something is wrong with elastics commenters buy. Some of my pj pants have perfectly fine elastics after YEARS of use, their fabric is what wears down tho and noticeably so lol
Awesome method by the way, it's annoying when I buy something with an elastic band and it twists in its channel, absolute menace
Very well explain the instructions and visual! Thank you❤
Why would you need to change the elastic? I’ve never stretched any elastic in my clothes before, and how would you add a string tie plus the elastic?
I'm going to try that! I just lost 30 lbs and I am going to have to replace the elastics on my Pajamas.
Very important and relevant comment here… has anyone ever told you that you sound like Pam from The Office?
Brilliant! I had used the pull through type previously but I like the way this looks!
this was actually useful and now I can finally fix my husbands shorts waistband, it was completely loose
This only works if elastic the length of your waist also fits over your hips. Voice of experience here.
This is so cool and you give such clear instructions!! Do you think you could show us how make something like a sundress?
I keep breaking my needles..what am I doing wrong?
If using Plaid...
take the time to match the Plaid for a much nicer finish!
Thanks been awhile since I have sewn anything. Thanks for the reminder
When you flip the band over is your straight stitch going on the elastic or just material?
All ok, but the elastic MUST be overlap in the end.
So you use a zigzag stitch to attach the elastic in the middle of the elastic or at the bottom or the top? Then the second time you use a straight stitch are you going through the elastic at that point or just at the bottom of the fold?
Why , oh why, didn't you take the time to match the checks. It doesn't look as hough you care!
Thank you for sharing your easy ways to put elastic band on shorts.
What kind of singer is your machine please
It looks nice. Except the plaids don’t match at the seems.
Thank you very much Blessings
Thank you so much for sharing this hack. Really helpful
I thought you were making boxers under
Feel like my precious time was wasted so I might as well comment
thank you for your tip i really need this to replace my elastic trousers
Genius! I love this method. 🎉❤❤
Great video, very helpful…!
Did you cut it to your exact waist measurements?
Super helpful! Thank you!
Interesting alternative method, tfs
Which model Singer machine is this?.
Singer...which model u r using ?
The plaid doesn't match!!
Is there a filter on or is the mat just warped?
Hi, hate to tell you this but there is an easy no pin way.
Learned this in home ec in 1965
Well explained and demonstrated.
I learned this in 7th grade home ec 😂
Great idea. And that did turn out cute
I'm doing it the same way
Thank you thank you thank you!
For fast fashion fabrics🧵
Thank you for sharing
thank you!
Cute shorts!! Call me basic but there's no beating a simple elastic waistband for comfort, and it's quick to sew too.
It would be wonderful if you say what machine are u using
I recognize it as the Singer Heavy Duty. They are fairly basic and relatively inexpensive. I’ve thought about dumping my somewhat problematic Husqvarna embroidery machine since I’ve never even opened the “suitcase” that contains all the gizmos and gravitate to one of my 1979/80 Singer Touchtronic 2001 (not the date) machines.
Perfect!!! ❤My Mummy use to make dresses for me, just like this when I was little.x
Lovely. Thsnk u.
I need you to come to my house.
SO HELPFUL!!!!!! TQ!!!!!
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I love this. I also love to sew and normally I just freestyle the elastik and hope for the best haha🫶
Thanks for that 😅