Get Creative with Double Knitted Elastics

Read Time: 3m 30s

Are you tired of dealing with stiff, uncomfortable, or just plain annoying waistbands and cuffs? Well, I've got the solution for you. At Wicked Fabrics, I have a range of double knitted elastics that is the secret to taking your sewing projects that requires elastic from meh to mesmerising!

These elastics come in a range of sizes (12mm, 20mm, 25mm, 38mm, and 50mm) to fit your every need. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, these will elevate your creations with their soft, stretchy, and durable goodness.

So, what can you make with these elastics? The possibilities are endless, but here are fun projects to get you started:

• Waistbands for Skirts and Pants (25mm, 38mm or 50mm): Create comfortable and adjustable waistbands for your favourite bottoms using these wider elastic sizes.
• Arm and Leg Cuffs (12mm, 20mm or 25mm): Add a touch of style to your tops, pants, or sleepwear with fitted cuffs made with you choice of elastic width.
• Hair Accessories (12mm): Get creative and make adorable headbands or scrunchies using the smallest 12mm elastic size.
• Lingerie and Loungewear (12mm or 20mm): Elevate your intimate apparel or loungewear with the stretch and support of these smaller elastic sizes.
• Swimwear (25mm or 38mm): Incorporate wider elastics for a secure and comfortable fit in your swimsuits, rashguards, or board shorts.
• Baby and Toddler Clothes (12mm, 20mm or 25mm): Ensure a snug and gentle fit for little ones with smaller elastic sizes in onesies, pants, or dresses.
• Activewear (25mm or 38mm): Add support and flexibility to your workout gear with wider elastics for a secure and comfortable fit.

Tips for Sewing with Double Knitted Elastics

Now that you're inspired to create, here are some essential tips to keep in mind when working with double knitted elastics:

Use a Walking Foot: A walking foot can help guide the fabric and elastic smoothly, reducing the risk of bunching or puckering. This special foot works by moving the top layer of fabric in sync with the bottom layer, ensuring even feeding. This is especially useful when working with stretchy materials, as it helps maintain consistent tension and alignment.

Use a Stretch Stitch or Zigzag Stitch: These stitches allow for more flexibility and can help prevent the elastic from breaking or becoming misshapen. A stretch stitch, which looks like a lightning bolt, is specifically designed to stretch with the fabric, making it an excellent choice for elastic seams. Similarly, a zigzag stitch accommodates the stretch of the elastic, ensuring that your seams remain intact and flexible.

Use a Shorter Stitch Length: A shorter stitch length can help prevent the elastic from bunching up or becoming distorted. By reducing the stitch length, you increase the number of stitches per inch, which distributes the tension more evenly across the elastic. This results in a smoother, more professional finish.

Use a Heavier-Duty Needle: A heavier-duty needle can help pierce through thicker fabrics and elastics more easily. Opt for a ballpoint or stretch needle, which is designed to sew through knit fabrics without causing snags or runs. These needles have a rounded tip that gently pushes fabric fibres aside rather than cutting through them, reducing the risk of damage to the elastic.

Additional Tips!

Cut the Elastic Slightly Longer: This allows for adjustments and ensures a comfortable, secure fit.

Pin Strategically: Pin the elastic at regular intervals to ensure even distribution. This is particularly useful when attaching elastic to fabric, as it helps prevent uneven stretching and puckering.

Test Your Stitches: Before sewing your final project, test your stitch settings on a scrap piece of fabric and elastic. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments to stitch length, tension, and needle type.

Stretch While Sewing: Gently stretch the elastic as you sew to match the length of the fabric. This technique helps maintain the elasticity of the seam and prevents the elastic from becoming too tight or too loose.

Secure the Ends: To prevent the elastic from slipping out of place, backstitch at the beginning and end of your seam, or consider using a bar tack for extra security.

Consider Casing: If you're finding it challenging to sew elastic directly onto fabric, consider creating a casing. This involves sewing a fabric tunnel for the elastic to slide through, which can be adjusted and secured with minimal stress on the elastic itself.

Use Fabric Stabiliser: For particularly stretchy or slippery fabrics, using a fabric stabilizer can help maintain control and precision while sewing. Tear-away stabilizers are a good option as they can be easily removed after stitching.

Use a Overlock Machine: If you have access to a serger or overlock machine, use it to finish the seam allowance and prevent fraying.

With these tips and a little creativity, you'll be well on your way to creating amazing projects with double knitted elastics! Don't forget to share your elastic creations with us on social media using #WickedFabrics.

Happy sewing!